Taylor Student Paints New Life in Fairmount

For the first three weeks in September, Taylor University senior Caeli Harman attended her 8 a.m. class, drove to Fairmount and painted for seven hours straight. 

She was approached by Donna Downs, associate professor of communication at Taylor University. Downs is head over many projects that often need graphics and she approached other art majors to work on a mural for Main Street Fairmont. As Harman had worked on a mural over the summer, she was excited to do one again and jumped on the opportunity.

The Main Street Fairmount (MSF) team expressed they wanted the mural to resemble stained glass and the four seasons. Harman did some sketches, received feedback, edited the final sketches and MSF picked the final idea they wanted. 

It was an easy process compared to the first mural, she said. 

Because of the 80-degree weather, people of Fairmount would come bearing food, water and compliments to the student artist.  

“A lot of people stopped by when I was doing the mural. That was the highlight of doing it. Otherwise, I think I’m just sitting in silence by myself for seven hours,” Harman said. 

As Harman is a senior and has a busy semester, she only had Fridays and Saturdays allotted to work on this project. 

“I enjoy the public service aspect of murals,” Harman said. “You can feel there’s a lot of public spaces that feel more inviting if there are murals around. I love being able to bring something to life that other people can see and experience and enjoy.”

Harman’s mural is located in the alley behind Horner’s Market.

Check out Harman’s other work on her Instagram @caeli_harman_art or email her at caeliharman.art@gmail.com.

Taylor University senior Caeli Harman poses with her finished mural.