New “Elmira Wetlands” Mural Connects Campus, Community, and Nature

There’s a new mural on the City of Elmira’s eastside–less than a mile from the Elmira College campus–that captures not just the beauty of the local region, but a community link between Elmira College and Elmira, New York.

The mural, which depicts the swampland habitat between Eldridge and McCann's Memorial parks, was designed and painted by Aaron Kather, Assistant Professor of Art, with help from several EC Art majors: Jade Madill ’27, Joyanna Lynn ’27, and Samantha Nikula ’27.

"I felt inspired to paint this swamp because the trail through it is my favorite place in the city to walk when I want to feel surrounded by nature," Kather said. "While preparing for my mural, I observed over twenty species of birds in these wetlands. That proved to me how important this spot is for local biodiversity.”

The design, titled ‘Elmira Wetlands,’ shows local wildlife such as a turtle laying eggs, a heron catching fish, and gnarled willow trees.

To paint the piece, Kather first drew a design on paper. He then outlined the design on the concrete wall. He and the students then filled in areas with color. For the students, it was the first time they were involved in a mural project like this.

“While I’ve painted on other surfaces before, the cinder blocks were completely different than anything I’m used to,” shared Nikula. “I haven’t taken a formal painting class at EC yet, so a lot of what I did was learn the techniques needed to get full coverage on a very porous surface.”

As the team painted, they found themselves greeted by community members.

"There were so many people who came by to look at and photograph our murals, or to offer some words of encouragement as we painted," recalled Kather. "I love seeing how members of the community have embraced these murals and made them their own."

Madill was surprised by the community’s response.

“I think the most surprising aspect of assisting with the mural was how much interaction we had with the community,” she shared. “There were often people who would stop by to comment on the progress or what they thought of the design. We received much-appreciated encouragement and support from the community.”

The mural is part of Community Arts of Elmira's ongoing Infinite Canvas project, and is one of eleven murals painted on the Lackawanna Rail Trail wall this past summer. Each of this year's murals celebrates stories, places, or people from Elmira's past and present.

For those interested, Kather's mural can be seen in person from Lake Street, a block south of Washington Avenue.

Nikula and Madill enjoy going back to see it and showing it off to their friends and families.

“I definitely find myself wanting to drive by it anytime I’m in the area now, especially to show my friends and family,” said Madill. “It’s a very fulfilling feeling to see it in the city, I feel it’s a great representation of the natural elements of Elmira.”

“It’s nice to remind myself that I am an artist, I definitely forget that sometimes, and I love seeing this mural together with all of the others on that wall,” shared Nikula.

For Kather and his students, the mural is a lasting reminder of collaboration, creativity, and the beauty of Elmira’s natural spaces. For the community, it is an inspiring piece that will last for years to come.