Photos by Robert Zimmerman.
Students Help Artist Bill Thelen Mural the Ruby Lounge
Published By Duke Arts
Published on:
May 9, 2019
Bill Thelen returns to the Ruby to complete a new arts center mural—with the help of students and staff!
A New Mural for the Ruby
On April 29, Rubenstein Arts Center, Duke Arts, and University Center Special Events staff threw a one-of-a-kind study break party to thank their students who worked to support the arts at Duke in the 2018–2019 school year.
Raleigh-based artist Bill Thelen was invited to transform the illustrations he made for the limited-run arts center grand opening poster into a five-paneled mural for the Ruby Lounge. (Thelen was also behind the Biscuit Station pop-up at the opening party!).
“These panels are a perfect way to bring color into this space in between student art displays,” said Katy Clune, arts communications specialist. “Bill’s illustration style lends itself so well to the Ruby, which is a playful and funky arts space. We’ve commissioned him to make drawings for our marketing materials, so I’m very glad we could bring his work into the lounge!”
The sixth panel is a signature board for student arts staff to “leave their mark” on the Ruby.
Thank you to Bill Thelen for his collaboration and to our students for supporting the arts at Duke!
Watch a timelapse of the mural painting.
