Ripples of Creativity: The Story Behind KVCC's Collaborative Water Mural

A new mural debuting at the April 25 Kalamazoo Valley Creates Art Expo will reflect both artistic vision and community collaboration, bringing this year's KVC Expo theme, "Elements: A Creative Expression of Water," to life in a striking and unexpected way.

The piece was designed by alum Maya James, who was commissioned through Kalamazoo Valley Creates to develop an original work inspired by the fluidity, movement and symbolism of water. James first created the mural in full color, establishing the tone, movement and composition that would guide the collaborative process.

After completing the original design, the mural was divided into individual panels and reproduced without color, leaving the final visual outcome unknown to participants. Students, faculty and staff were invited to color the segments contributing to the artwork without seeing how their individual piece would connect to the whole.

The approach created a sense of curiosity and trust, as participants engaged in the creative process without knowing the final image. Using simple materials like crayons and colored pencils, contributors collectively created a larger work that would only be revealed once assembled.

When the panels were brought together, James' original vision emerged, reimagined through the unique interpretations of each participant. The community mural captures both the essence of water and the individuality of those who helped bring it to life, blending structure and spontaneity in a single installation.

Both versions of the artwork — James' original full-color design and the community-colored mural — will be displayed together, offering a side-by-side look at artistic intention and collective expression. The installation serves as a centerpiece of this year's Kalamazoo Valley Creates expo, highlighting not only James' work as an alum but also the power of shared creativity across campus.