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Stamps Mural Honors Class of 2021

To honor the University of Michigan Class of 2021, 29 undergraduate students from the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design created a chalk paint mural on the street outside of the Rackham Graduate School (915 E. Washington Street), between Thayer Street and Fletcher Street. The mural is on view from Monday, April 26-Sunday, May 2, 2021 as part of the university’s commencement celebrations.

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The students were led by Stamps alumnas Yen Azzaro (BFA ​‘03) and Liz Guilmet (BFA ​‘08), in collaboration with the President’s Office and University Development Events. 

Visitors to this outdoor mural are expected to follow social distancing guidelines and wear a face covering over the nose and mouth, per U‑M COVID safety protocols.

The mural will communicate feelings of appreciation, accomplishment, and an unforgettable Michigan experience to our graduating class of 2021, broader campus community, and Ann Arbor city residents.


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According to Azzaro, activist artist, illustrator and graphic recorder, the work came together as part of a collaborative process involving students who assisted with mural design, installation, or both. Students submitted design concepts to Azzaro and Guilmet, who worked together to parse out the most viable elements, translating the work into a final design schematic. The final design was digitally rendered into a grid and each section was led by a student who oversaw the materials, painting, and team communications.

“Collaborating on this mural has been a testament to the talent and ingenuity of the students at Stamps,” Azzaro said. 

“Even during crunch time with finals nearing, students really stepped up to be team leads and offer a variety of concept possibilities.”

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Student involved in the Stamps mural project include:

  • Abigail Rankin (BFA ​‘22)
  • Alyssa Wilcome (BFA ​‘24)
  • Ashlee Freeman (BFA ​‘24)
  • Brianna Manzor (BFA ​‘23)
  • Coco DelVecchio (BFA ​‘24)
  • Emily Holtz (BFA ​‘23)
  • Erin Walski (BFA ​‘22)
  • Huanyuan Li (BFA ​‘21)
  • Isabella Kehoe (BFA ​‘23)
  • Jaymes Walker (BFA ​‘22)
  • Kyra Koprowski (BFA ​‘22)
  • Lee Hubbel (BFA ​‘21)
  • Madisyn Hicks (BFA ​‘22)
  • Michelle Ha (BFA ​‘22)
  • Natalie Guisinger (BFA ​‘21)
  • Nicole White (BFA ​‘22)
  • Riley Parrish (BFA ​‘21)
  • Saima Siddiqui (BFA ​‘24)
  • Samuel Turner (BFA ​‘23)
  • Sarah Dettling (BFA ​‘24)
  • Shivalika Kohli (BFA ​‘23)
  • Sophia Schwartz (BFA ​‘21)
  • Stephanie Li (BFA ​‘21)
  • Valerie Le (BFA ​‘21)
  • Violet Flores (BFA ​‘23)
  • Victor Garcia (BFA ​‘24)
  • XiaoYu Che (BFA ​‘21)
  • Yasmine Elhagehassan (BFA ​‘23)
  • Younji (Jinny) Jin (BFA ​‘23)
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