The Blue Connections mural, Aquatic Archive, aims to address the past, present, and future of coastal life in and around Norfolk through arts-based research, providing a solution-focused approach to sustaining our coastal society affected by water and water-related resources

 

The design is a collaborative collage of ideas hand painted with 133 colors on 33 panels, totaling 633 square feet. It is located on the first floor of Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library at Old Dominion University.

 

With over twelve months of research, teaching, and artistic creation, Dr. Natalia Pilato (ODU Art Education), The Blue Crew (students enrolled in spring 2024 Art 495/Hum 595), summer studio and research assistants as well as 100+ participants from the ODU community joined together in this arts-based research initiative.

 

This project was made possible through the Annual Themed Semester

Blue Connections research grant.

 

Special thanks:

ODU Libraries, ODU Art Department

Barry Art Museum, Wenani Homes and Flooring

 

The Blue Crew

Lisa Beckman

Darius Mapp

Isabella Moore

Suzanne Peterson

Ashley Rue

J’lynn Knick

​

Mural Apprentice/Assistant Artist

Giovann Collazo

​

Research Assistant

Julius Clark

​

Artist/Researcher/Teacher

Dr. Natalia Pilato

 

 c Natalia Pilato 2024