Andilyn Hope Ferguson's design captures mountain biking adventure at Hartman Rocks
Spencer Gall's design celebrates the essence of Gunnison Valley
Two new murals celebrating the Gunnison Valley's outdoor recreation and natural beauty will soon adorn Discount Self Storage facilities, thanks to a creative partnership between the business and Western Colorado University. The winning designs by junior Andilyn Hope Ferguson and freshman Spencer Gall were selected from a student art contest that challenged emerging artists to capture the essence of the valley they call home.
The mural contest emerged from Discount Self Storage's commitment to giving back to the community while enhancing their properties' visual appeal. After successfully running similar contests at local valley high schools, the team approached Western Colorado University's Design and Art Department for this collaboration. Department Chair Tina Butterfield embraced the opportunity, integrating the project into the curriculum to provide students with real-world artistic experience.
We have a customer-facing business and a lot of members of the community storing with us, and we were trying to think of a way to give back while also improving the way our property looks. We thought a really fun way of improving both of those things would be to involve students from the area to design some artwork.
The opportunity came through adjunct art professor Cierra Rohrbaugh's Introduction to Painting class, which focused heavily on mural-making as a high-impact practice. These practices aim to provide students with real-world opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. Students had to apply themselves, create proposals, and work within specific parameters and aspect ratios, mirroring the professional process by which murals are commissioned and selected.
Rather than painting directly on buildings, the winning designs will be printed large-scale on durable aluminum materials, ensuring they withstand the Gunnison Valley's weather and stand the test of time. Both murals will be installed in highly visible locations along major thoroughfares, making them prominent landmarks for residents and visitors alike.
Andilyn Hope Ferguson
Junior, Western Colorado University
Mountain Biking at Hartman Rocks
📍 Airport Location
"When I heard that this was a mural class I got really excited, especially hearing about this opportunity. At my location at the airport, it's really exciting to know that people can fly in and see my mural and that it's going to be a part of the community for a long time."
Spencer Gall
Freshman, Western Colorado University
Gunnison Valley Landscape
📍 North Highway 135 Location
Spencer's design captures the natural beauty and spirit of the Gunnison Valley, creating a welcoming visual for travelers along Highway 135.
Real-World Learning Experience
Professor Cierra Rohrbaugh's course exemplified Western Colorado University's commitment to High Impact Practices (HIP):
- Students learned the complete mural creation process from concept to installation
- Worked within professional parameters and aspect ratios
- Created formal proposals for business consideration
- Gained experience having artwork permanently displayed in their community
- Received scholarship awards to further their education and artistic pursuits
Ferguson's success extended beyond this project. She also had another mural selected for permanent installation at Sapinero Village campground near Blue Mesa, demonstrating the momentum these opportunities can create for emerging artists. The experience has opened new possibilities for her future, with aspirations to start her own art business and pursue additional mural projects.
At Western we have what we call high impact practices or HIP practices, which are supposed to be more like real world opportunities. This semester's class was heavily based on mural-making, but the opportunities were all things that the students had to apply themselves to and make proposals for.
Each winning student received a $1,000 cash prize to support their continued education and artistic pursuits. The installation of both murals is scheduled for completion by the end of December, adding vibrant new landmarks to the Gunnison Valley landscape.
Discount Self Storage plans to continue engaging with the community through similar creative initiatives. As a Western Colorado-based business, the company remains committed to finding innovative ways to support local communities, beautify their spaces, and create meaningful opportunities for young artists. Future contests may add even more murals around their facilities, building a growing gallery of student artwork throughout the valley.
Store with Discount Self Storage
24-hour access, locally owned and operated, convenient locations throughout the Gunnison Valley
Call (970) 641-6655 Visit Our Website
