Posted 10:46 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018
Student’s mural featured on Southside Fest Grounds.
Student’s mural featured on Southside Fest Grounds
A UW-La Crosse art student has mixed her family’s tradition with Oktoberfest’s. [caption id="attachment_52875" align="alignleft" width="300"]
UWL student artist Baley Murphy and Art Professor Jennifer Williams.[/caption]
Senior Baley Murphy, who’s majoring in art and minoring in psychology, was excited to hear about an opportunity to paint a mural for the Southside Fest Grounds when taking a painting class with Art Professor Jennifer Williams. Murphy settled on a butterfly design because of the insect’s prominence to the region, as well as a special meaning to her family.
“I was ecstatic to have the chance to design this because, in my family when we see a butterfly, it is a symbol for my grandmother which has a special place in my heart,” says Murphy.
The wings are the color of the German flag and her signature at the bottom is surrounded by an edelweiss flower to capture German heritage. It also includes a depiction of this year’s button. Across the top is the message, “You are Gemütlichkeit!” That’s German for friendliness and good cheer, a mainstay at Oktoberfest.
“It is such an honor to have my art displayed at such an iconic area in my hometown and I hope everyone can enjoy the interactive nature of my artwork,” she says.
[caption id="attachment_52871" align="alignright" width="300"]
UWL students Bekah Kienzle, left, and Julie Pleshe in front of the mural they created for the Southside Fest Grounds in 2016. It’s a popular spot for festgoers to snap selfies and group photos.[/caption]
The mural joins another by UWL students that debuted on the Southside Fest Grounds in 2016. That 8 x 16-foot mural looks like a large greeting postcard. It’s a popular spot for festgoers to snap selfies and group photos throughout the fest. See more.
Murphy continues to sell her art around the La Crosse area and hopes to eventually get her master’s degree in art therapy. To see more of her artwork, check out her Facebook page at BamBam’s Art or on Instagram: @bambamsproductions.