New CPTC mural reflects campus community

By Jean Borst

There’s a striking new mural at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) that’s bringing student voices and community creativity to the forefront of campus life. Installed in early October on the side of Building 16, the mural reflects CPTC’s commitment to celebrating diversity, representation and belonging.

Mirroring who we are

Since arriving on campus last year, Tolu Taiwo, CPTC Associate Director for EDI and Campus Climate, has championed the need for more art that reflects the student body.

“Our campus is so vibrant, but our aesthetics don’t always reflect who we are,” she said. “With this mural, I wanted folks to see that we are from everywhere.”

With partial support of Perkins public funding – this project aimed to increase access and visibility that peer mentorship is for everyone – CPTC set out to find an artist who could collaborate closely with students to bring this vision to life. The college selected Saiyare Refaei, a Tacoma-based Chinese Iranian artist known for their murals, printmaking, painting and community collaborations.  

Students shape the design

More than 35 students provided input into what they wanted to see reflected in the mural. Their feedback on Refaei’s mock-up guided the final composition and ensured the finished work accurately captured CPTC’s campus life.

“It was important to have a variety of people involved with the design,” Taiwo said. “We wanted to represent different people in different fields and show the diversity of our campus community.”

When the design was complete, students and staff didn’t just see themselves in the artwork – they also helped paint the final piece. That hands-on involvement deepened the sense of ownership and connection to the project.

Bringing it all to life

CPTC’s Director of Operations, Chris Ridler, made sure the mural could be installed effectively. Because of the composition of the walls of Building 16, he recommended that the mural be painted on aluminum panels and then affixed to the building. This approach ensured a smooth installation and long-lasting display.

Seeing the final design was a moment of recognition for many on campus:

• “That’s me!” said Workforce Development Eligibility Program Assistant Bella Crouchet.
• “For people to see themselves at CPTC literally from registration to graduation, it’s a realistic image of who comes here,” said Luke Ruiz, CPTC Manager of Student Diversity Programs.
• “I’m so excited and happy to be a part of it,” said Virma William, Executive Assistant to the VP of Finance and Administration.

Refaei hopes the mural resonates widely, whether or not people recognize themselves in the artwork.

“My hope is that students, staff and faculty will connect with this piece,” they said. “I want them to know that they are meant to be here, and they belong here.”

A community effort

From concept to completion, the mural was a collaborative effort. Now, it stands as a vivid reminder that everyone at CPTC belongs and contributes to the college’s rich, diverse community.

“Representation matters,” Taiwo said. “I’m grateful that people can truly see themselves here.”

The mural’s installation was completed just in time for the October 9 grand opening of CPTC’s new Peer Mentoring Center – a fitting backdrop for a space dedicated to connection, support and belonging for all students.