The Isenberg Mural: An Artistic Journey of Belonging
A mural is worth a thousand words.
Inside the Isenberg School of Management, a new wall painting—created by the school’s Office of Access, Collaboration, and Engagement for Success (ACES) in partnership with local artist Sharon Leshner of the Color Collaborative—translates the complex ideas and emotions around the concept of belonging and community into a work of public art.
The Color Collaborative is a nonprofit public art organization in Western Mass., that brings color to community spaces through meaningful engagement with the people who shape them. At Isenberg, the project came to life through “imagining” sessions, Leshner’s creative process, and volunteers from the Isenberg community who dedicated time to help paint the mural on a brick wall in a hallway outside the Flavin Auditorium.
From Simple Ideas to a Collective Vision
The first imagining session, held in November 2025, focused on students, who gathered to express their visions of community and belonging at Isenberg into art through guided brainstorming, interactive activities, reflection, and drawing, writing, and collage.
A second session in December 2025 brought together faculty and staff using music, video inspiration, and guided questions to explore attendees’ vision of belonging. The variety of collages and drawings created during that session helped complete the community’s shared vision.
“With the input of the Isenberg community, this mural creatively captures the possibilities that lie ahead for students and all who engage with Isenberg,” said Dean Anne Massey.
After the imagining sessions, Leshner brought the community’s ideas, images, and textures back to her studio, where she began shaping the collective vision into a unified design.
“This mural grew out of sessions where students, faculty, and staff layered colors, textures, and ideas together—exploring how Isenberg moves as a community and what’s beginning to take shape,” said Leshner. “The design reflects the many backgrounds and experiences people bring here, and the care and connection that give you the momentum to take flight and reach your goals.”
The Unveiling
On March 24, 2026, Isenberg community members gathered for the mural’s unveiling. Faculty, staff, and students came together to view the final work after months of planning and preparation.
At the event, Jesenia Minier Jennings assistant dean of the Office of ACES, spoke about the mural’s purpose.
“Today we don’t gather just to unveil a mural, but to celebrate a shared story—one that belongs to all of us,” she said. “This mural stands for more than paint on a wall. It reflects the people, connections, and shared experiences that shape this community every single day.”
“It reminds us that belonging is not something we find, but something that we build together,” added Minier Jennings.
The mural now stands as a lasting visual testament to belonging at Isenberg, built by the community for the community.
- Learn more about the Office of ACES.
