Concrete Canvases and Creative Connections

Armed with buckets of chalk and bold ideas, the Trinity Art Collective (TAC) turned a plain wall into a roaring statement of creativity. Their tiger-themed mural for Artpace San Antonio’s Chalk It Up event became more than a pop of color. It was a living symbol of collaboration, community, and campus pride.

“We wanted to bring the San Antonio art community to campus, especially on such a public space like the Ruth Taylor Courtyard,” said President Marina Oquendo ’25.

Under the direction of Marina and Vice President Rory McCarthy ’26, the student-led group transformed their section of cement into a vivid tapestry of Trinity symbols and storytelling. At its center, a tiger prowls across a quilt of colorful squares, its tail curling through a golden chain that links each image together, a pocket watch marked “Trinity University,” the bold numerals 2025, and a collection of familiar emblems, including the University seal, the year 1869, the Murchison Tower, and the “TU” monogram. Many of these historic designs also incorporate sunburst motifs, a subtle reflection of Trinity’s evolving visual identity and its enduring themes of light, growth, and discovery.

“The tiger in the mural is a nod to both our Trinity mascot, LeeRoy, and our TAC tiger mascot,” explains Rory. “It’s leaping forward in time toward the additional square (with all the contributing artists' names on it), showing that we are moving forward and continuing to add to our Trinity community.”

The Trinity Art Collective isn’t just for art majors. It’s a space for dialogue, experimentation, and mentorship that welcomes anyone drawn to creative expression. The group’s projects provide students with an outlet to explore their identity, purpose, and sense of belonging both on campus and beyond.

Through initiatives like Chalk It Up, the Collective showcases Trinity’s creative spirit in public view, demonstrating that art thrives not just in studios but also in shared spaces and spontaneous collaborations. For these students, every stroke of color is an invitation to connect.