YOUNGSTOWN — The unveiling of the “Between Words” mural Sunday afternoon at the Butler Institute of American Art meant much more than being the latest addition to the museum’s three centuries of exhibited works.

The event presented the culmination of a collaborative effort among Youngstown State University art students, seniors from Ohio Living and other participants, including YSU nonart majors from the Sokolov Honors College, docents from the Butler and local artists.

Lisa Schultz-Medved, grant coordinator and community engagement coordinator at Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice of Greater Youngstown, explained how the organization got involved with “Between Words.”

“We work directly with Youngstown State University and their Success Over 60 initiative to bring enriching experiences and education to seniors in the Mahoning Valley. This project was established through our Community Enrichment Services program. It offers education and enrichment options to older adults, family caregivers, health care professionals, students and volunteers, and anyone who is interested,” she said.

YSU art professor Dragana Crnjak, whose 16 students in her Mural and Site-Specific Painting class acted as the foundation and catalyst for the artwork, explained, “The interactions that occurred throughout the project not only cultivated empathy, patience, a broader understanding and appreciation of aging and generational differences, we gained a deeper understanding of community values, local histories and memories that informed the imagery of the mural.

“Also, painting the mural boards together stimulated a sense of shared humanity that enriched all participants and our creative process.”

Emily Drees, a YSU junior interdisciplinary studio art student, agreed that additional positive elements resulted from the mural’s creation.

Reflecting on the 11-month process from initial discussions to unveiling, she valued working with YSU classmates plus their families and friends as well as those from multiple generations.

“This was very special because the mural represents connection and community, and having everyone work together on the mural really expressed the message that the mural is trying to get across,” Drees said.

Regarding the artwork, Butler Institute Education Director Joyce Mistovich said, “The Butler Institute of American Art is honored to partner with the YSU Department of Art, Ohio Living and museum docents as we collaborate with the intergenerational community. The ‘Between Words’ mural emphasizes narrative storytelling, lived experiences and the power of community engagement. This unique mural embodies the creative spirit and will empower visitors to discover belonging and hope through generations.”

The process started with an “empathy mapping” or brainstorming workshop at YSU’s McDonough Museum of Art, where all participants documented their thoughts on intergenerational connections. A visit to Fellows Riverside Gardens followed in order to look at natural forms, examine systems of dependence and find inspirational images.

“Once we brought all the written and visual documentation back to the classroom, art students worked in smaller groups on ideation and designing the mural sketches. This process involved in-class sketching, group presentations, collaborative revisions and alignments of different elements from each student group for the final composition,” Crnjak said.

Using 54 primed Masonite boards, multiple painting sessions took place at the Butler and McDonough art museums. Pointing to the 25-foot by 9-foot work, Crnjak said, “What we see here is very visually strong and aesthetic and playful and colorful. We want to bring that vibrancy to any space.

“The imagery is a combination of representational elements referencing nature (floral and organic forms), growth (tree, plants), Youngstown cityscape as well as abstract and symbolic elements (rock formation around the cityspace, geometric patterns) reflecting the idea of connections, growth and dependance.”

Without giving much away, Crnjak said plans are being worked out to bring “Between Words” elsewhere after its exhibition at the Butler ends on Jan. 9.

“This project is designed as a traveling exhibition. That’s why it’s modular. It can go to many different locations,” she said.

The “Between Words” mural is the latest work produced by the Mural and Site-Specific Painting class. Traditional, outdoor murals previously completed by the YSU students as commissioned projects include the Andrews Avenue Memory Mural in 2021; the East Liverpool Mural in 2022; and the Vallourec Mural and Trek Mural, both in 2023.

Crnjak mentioned that the Ohio Arts Council’s website highlights the three murals located in Youngstown. Looking beyond Sunday’s exhibition, she views a public mural as something that leaves a lasting and inspirational impact but also a method for students to learn.

“The class is designed to provide YSU art students with professional skills in designing and executing large scale art projects. While the final product is always rewarding — visually and emotionally — the process of making (a mural), including time-management, oral presentations and collaboration, all prepare the students to envision, plan and handle similar projects in the future.

“We all love to work individually, and it’s not easy to bring 16 individuals together. Sometimes, it’s very challenging, but we all work together and resolve something that makes everyone proud.”

YSU graphic design student Delaney Pallo of Canfield appreciated the collaborative process.

“It was so encouraging to see that we, as a group, were able to come together with so many minds, and each see a part of ourselves in the finished product. Not only did each artist in the class see a portion of their ideas portrayed, but we had brainstormed with so many minds beyond YSU’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts, each of whom also got to take away a point of pride from the final composition.

“I most enjoyed getting to paint, collaborate and conversate with the community. When we opened our class up to the public to help us paint, I got to hear about so many unique perspectives and experiences within my community where I’ve lived my entire life. This portion really exemplified the meaning of the piece for me. I get to walk away from this experience having forged connections which I otherwise would not have and having truly lived the meaning of this mural.”