Completion of Heritage Mural Celebrated
Dominican University’s Heritage Mural is more than a vibrant painting.
A symbol of diversity, community and Caritas et Veritas, the mural — which gradually revealed itself in the Lewis Link hallway during months of painstaking artistic work — was formally showcased during Dominican’s Carnaval festivities on Feb. 21.
“We have much to celebrate here at Dominican,” said Fran Gregory, the mural’s designer and creator, in remarks to a crowd of attendees. “This mural showcases our commitment to inclusion and acceptance in a splintered world.”
Gregory, a professional illustrator, painter, muralist and senior graphic designer with Dominican’s Office of Marketing and Communications, explained the mural’s symbolism and the many intricate pattern motifs representing more than a dozen cultures.
The three panels depict two figures as Love and Truth and protectors of the Earth, which is held in hands of many skin tones, reflecting a diverse community; a winged figure with a heart of mirrors, representing personal aspirations, inclusivity, protection, and an encouragement to dream; and a butterfly, paying homage to migration, emergence and resurrection. The images “challenge the viewer to be examples of love and truth,” Gregory said.
The design also contains “visual Easter eggs” — hidden features that emerge when a UV light is used.
“They add a sense of playfulness and celebration to the rather heady themes depicted here,” Gregory noted. “And they’re just fun.”
Gregory explained that student guides will carry small UV flashlights to shine on the mural during campus tours.
The mural took more than 900 hours to complete, Gregory said, with assistance from art students Cesar Torres, Josslyn Baron, and Callum Moran. Gregory’s daughter Louise Gregory also contributed to the piece.
Concepts contained within the mural were based on student, faculty and staff suggestions made to the mural committee — consisting of the student artists and Assistant Professor of Painting Frank Spidale — last year. Staff and alumni served as models for the hands holding the Earth, while two student models contributed to the winged figure: The face is that of Ximena Santos and the hands belong to Chris Burel.
"A lot of ethnic groups use very vibrant colors and that’s what I love about the mural," Santos said. "It feels inviting and welcoming for many cultures.”
Gregory encouraged the crowd to take time in the coming weeks to stand before the mirrored heart and “contemplate the many ways in which you can bring Caritas and Veritas to the world.”
“This mural is proof that if you follow your dreams and keep God in the mix, you will serve others as you pursue your heart’s desire,” she added.
The Heritage Mural was born out of President Glena Temple’s vision for additional images of students and student experiences around campus.
In addition to the mural celebration, Carnaval evening featured lively music and dancing with Bomberxs De’Cora of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón in the Social Hall. In addition to the mural celebration, Carnaval evening featured lively music and dancing with Bomberxs De’Cora of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón in the Social Hall. This event was sponsored by the Rebecca Crown Library.
