Photo courtesy: Alanna Victor
As the school year kicks off students are excited about the newly unveiled mural located
outside the Rattlers Den. The mural spells out Florida A&M University in large block
letters over a hilly green landscape.
Each letter features pictures of members of different organizations on campus in bright
color-filled settings wearing paraphernalia or letters from their respective organizations
on campus.
From the Marching 100 to SISTUHS, Inc. and even Greek letter organizations like the
Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi
Alpha, the mural depicts the diverse student organizations that make up the FAMU
Efferson Student Union clubs and organizations.
The mural is 610 square feet and is located by Gilmore Lanes, a central location on
campus for most involved students.
It was drawn and painted by Vardyce Gaines, an alumnus of Florida A&M University
and member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Gaines has also repainted many of the Greek
walls located near Lee Hall.
Gaines personally designed, drew and painted the entire mural.
“I scouted different organizations on campus Instagram pages for images. From there I
sketched out the design and made it into a digital graphic from there I drew and painted
it,” Gaines said.
The mural was drawn first with pencil and sharpie and then painted utilizing synthetic
paint.
Gaines hopes this work in progress will be completed by Saturday before the Rattlers’
home game.
“There might be a reveal for homecoming, but I hope to have it mostly completed by
Saturday,” Gaines said.
Many students are excited to take pictures at this location. It is a fresh new backdrop on
campus.
Tayah Fuller, a first-year criminal justice major from Naples, said she hopes to be the
first to take pictures there when the mural is completed.
“It’s going to be perfect for homecoming pictures. I can’t wait to see the finished product
so I can take pictures there before anyone else does,” Fuller said.
Other students are happy to see the school adding to the beautification of the campus.
Delia Washington, a master’s in business candidate from Chicago and a member of
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, likes the new art on campus.
“While the Greek trees being cut down saddens me, I love to see the representation of
the many organizations on the Florida A&M mural,” Washington said.