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A rendering of the future mural at Marshalltown Community College, offering a look at the general concept and the vision that artist Siricasso Garcia has for the vibrant artwork.

MARSHALLTOWN, IA — Marshalltown Community College (MCC) is set to begin a new mural project, a vibrant addition to campus created by a proud alumnus. The mural is designed to inspire students and reflect the college’s culture, holding special significance for both the artist and the campus community.

The hope of the mural is to lift spirits and spark conversation. The location was chosen for its high visibility, adjacent to a space for campus activities, near a large parking lot, and anchoring one of the main entrances.

Student involvement is a key part of the project. On Wednesday, August 27th, students will have the chance to “make their mark” during a back-to-school celebration. They will also be encouraged to help the artist, Siricasso Garcia, paint the chosen design once it’s underway. This participation builds on ideas submitted by students last spring, which were incorporated into the final design.

For Garcia, an MCC alumnus, this opportunity is incredibly meaningful. MCC holds a special place in his heart as it was the starting point of his artistic journey and became a home for him as the first person in his family to graduate from high school. He credits his time at MCC with giving him the freedom to create and dream big, under the mentorship of Tim Castle. The artist’s connection to the college is also deeply personal—he met his wife there and has long dreamed of giving back to the community that supported him.

The mural’s design is rich with symbolism and personal connections. Read from left to right, it incorporates themes of education, perseverance, and hope. The imagery includes books, sports, a pointing finger to represent looking ahead, a tree for growth, and the Earth to highlight the global backgrounds that make the community special. A starry sky reminds viewers to dream big, and an “I love you” hand sign in American Sign Language offers a universal message of support and belonging. The artist hopes the mural will inspire and represent everyone at MCC.

The mural’s creation will begin with wall preparation on August 25th. The actual painting is set to begin on September 8th, with the final mural expected to be revealed in late September or early October. This project is a part of a broader plan to add more art to the campus, following the recent installation of metal sculptures. Details about the official reveal event will be communicated once all the plans are finalized.