Sociology students are in the midst of painting a mural in Withnell Commons in the hopes of creating a welcoming space.
The mural being constructed in Withnell Commons is open to anyone who would like contribute and show their artistic side.
The idea for the mural was generated by Assistant Professor of Sociology Robert Gardner’s Sociology of Community course many years ago.
The project progressed during Spring Semester last year, Gardner said in an e-mail.
Gardner said in the e-mail that during Sociology of Community last year, the class looked at campus locations that could be redesigned. One group focused its efforts on Withnell Commons.
After surveying faculty, staff and students, the group thought of the idea of painting a mural in Withnell Commons. Withnell is seen as an unwelcoming space for the community, Gardner said in the e-mail.
“The mural was designed initially to represent the Linfield community, but rather than be too literal with our design, we decided to just open it up and see what people created,” Gardner said in his e-mail.
Junior Jordan Jones, who was in Gardner’s Sociology of Community course, said that students from the class began working on the mural during the second week of September.
Jones said the theme of the mural symbolizes bringing nature indoors. He painted an array flowers along some of the window sills in Withnell Commons.
“It represents a whimsical outside view,” Jones said.
Junior Rosa Gimson drew for the mural and assisted in developing the idea.
“The mural is looking beautiful, and I think the space is going to draw the Linfield student community closer together,” Gimson said in an e-mail.
For more information about the mural in Withnell Commons, contact Gardner at [email protected].

Chelsea Bowen/Opinion editor
Chelsea Bowen can be reached at [email protected].