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Murals at Mason: 'Sediment to Sky'

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, part of , produces public art projects that engage social justice issues and enrich the university’s learning environment. Murals at Mason hires artists, many of whom are students, and mentors them during the mural-making process. The result? Beautiful, high-quality murals at Mason locations and in the local community. 


Photo of the Sediment to Sky staircase mural depicts wildlife and animals of the Potomac River watershed.
Sediment to Sky mural by Nadya “Bella” Steare. Photo by Sooyhun (Sophie) Bae

 commissioned School of Art student  to design two murals that reflect the research focuses of faculty and students at Mason's . The staircase mural  focuses on each layer of the Potomac River watershed, highlighting native flora, fauna, and microorganisms. 

The Sediment to Sky staircase mural depicts wildlife and animals of the Potomac River watershed.
Sediment to Sky mural by Nadya “Bella” Steare. Photo by Sooyhun (Sophie) Bae

Climbing up the staircase evokes the sense of ascending from the riverbed while having close encounters with locally found species of fish, birds, and mammals. The side wall mural depicts researchers and community members studying and enjoying nature at the Potomac Science Center.

The Sediment to Sky staircase mural depicts wildlife and animals of the Potomac River watershed.
Sediment to Sky mural by Nadya “Bella” Steare. Photo by Sooyhun (Sophie) Bae

The side wall mural focuses on the coexistence of people and wildlife. It depicts water birds such as the osprey and great blue heron, as well as researchers and equipment used for environmental science study. Together, both parts of the mural feature more than 25 species of native macro and micro fauna, as well as several aquatic and terrestrial plants. .