A canvas for campus voices: graffiti wall opens student expression on the quad

On the final day of Lenoir-Rhyne University's first summer orientation session, students gathered around a freestanding graffiti wall on the Quad, adding splashes of color, Greek letters and personal touches to the growing artwork. By the end of the day, an octopus shared space with a school of goldfish, a jellyfish floated beside the words "Keep Swimming" and students had begun leaving their mark on a project designed for exactly that purpose. 

What began as a senior art project for Isaiah Reyes '26 has evolved into an interactive space for creativity and self-expression. The new graffiti wall, inspired by a concept Reyes developed for an Advanced Studio course, invites students to contribute artwork, messages and ideas to a canvas that will continue changing over time.

Reyes' journey to the project began when he enrolled in a drawing course to fulfill a fine arts requirement. Although he had enjoyed art in high school, he had drifted away from it before arriving at LR. Through classes with Professor Claire Pope, he rediscovered his passion for creative work and eventually explored ceramics, sculpture, painting, printmaking and other mediums.

"I wanted to try graffiti for a long time," Reyes said. "I asked Professor Pope if I could use spray paint for my project, and then I thought it would be really cool if the school would let me graffiti a wall."

Pope encouraged the idea, and together they developed the proposal for a graffiti wall that would combine a planned mural with opportunities for student participation.

Designated graffiti walls have long existed on college campuses across the United States and around the world. Some serve as rotating mural spaces, while others function as open canvases for student organizations, campus celebrations, personal expression and community dialogue. Reyes' proposal brings elements of both traditions together, pairing a planned mural with a space designed for ongoing contributions from students.

The wall began attracting attention almost immediately. One of the first images to appear featured the word "Love" surrounded by stars and a bee. During June orientation sessions, students added their Greek letters and artwork celebrating campus life.

Reyes still plans to complete his own mural on the wall, but he is already encouraged by what the project has become. As it evolves, the graffiti wall will serve as a visual record of the creativity, experiences and voices that make up the LR community — one layer at a time. For Reyes, that outcome reflects the purpose of the project.

"I hope this will let people express their feelings without having to talk," he said.

The wall art’s interactive nature requires a degree of trust, but Reyes believes graffiti can be a positive creative outlet when used responsibly. His perspective is informed by both his artistic interests and his studies in criminal justice. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement, possibly as a game warden or with a federal agency.

"People ask for graffiti murals, especially for small businesses," Reyes said. "There is a wrong way and a right way to approach graffiti art. There's nothing wrong with graffiti."