The Mural located in the main stairwell of the Memorial Student Center
is titled “Magnificent Odyssey”, and was installed on October
30, 2001 by a group of student volunteers guided by River Falls artist Harold
Henson. Henson worked in the previous semester and over the summer with
UW-Stout students and MSC staff to hone the idea of “We – The
Community”. The visioning group spent time exploring values and symbols
that express the MSC and campus sense of community. Henson’s design
articulates the values that are at the core of campus life.
Harold Henson has worked with other communities in the region (Hudson Middle
School, Edina Country Side Elementary School, Camp Courage (Maple Plain,
MN), and at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Multicultural Center
and Chalmer Davee Library), and continues his work as a muralist in the
region.
The
Mural Project is a highly visible work of art that reflects the diverse
values of the UW-Stout campus. The process of creating the mural was in
itself the work of a diverse and inclusive community. The mural illustrates
the appreciation of different cultures, and demonstrates the importance
of interaction between people of diverse backgrounds. The mural also tells
a story to help people think about the importance of higher education in
broadening one’s mind, and in embracing different perspectives.
The mural supports the mission statement of the Memorial Student Center by exhibiting our welcoming of differences as well as encouraging interaction among people. This project was led by student Adam Dodd (H&T, 2002), and advised by University Centers Director Bill Siedlecki.
The mural also complements the Celebration of Countries/Flags of the Nations display located in the Skylight Square/Cobblestone Court. Flags of the Nations represent all students currently in attendance at UW-Stout.