For Lindsey Witting Barnum, blank walls are never just walls. They’re canvases waiting for a story. That passion now fills the lobby of Harrin Hall, where her newest mural greets visitors with a burst of color and mentions of
significant campus and Conway iconography and landmarks. What was once an ordinary wall now feels alive, inviting students, staff, and families to pause and take it in.
The value of this mural goes beyond price. It was created using recycled materials from previous projects and the design was illustrated and installed by Barnum, with Brandy Davis assisting installation.
Murals are not a recent development for Barnum.
I remember helping with a mural when I was 4-years-old, but I painted my first solo mural when I was a junior in high school, which has probably been painted over because of brand infringement on the commissioner’s part.” Barnum said, “There’s an impact, having a hand painted mural in a space. It is much different texturally and it interacts with the light in a different way as opposed to a vinyl wrap.”
At UCA, Barnum pursued graphic design as an honors student in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, a path that helped her develop ways to integrate art and murals into design.
I liked graphic design, but I wasn’t fully convinced it would be my job forever because of my love for analog art practices, like painting and printmaking.” Barnum explained. “ I think getting into murals was a natural progression because of the experience that I had in college. Finding my balance of graphic design, illustration, and mural painting has been really important to my overall satisfaction with my art and design career.”
Barnum received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design in 2022. The summer after she graduated, Barnum completed an internship assisting a local muralist, Jessica Jones. Since then Barnum has been painting solo murals and assisting other artists on occasion.
Now serving as Assistant Director of Strategic Communications at UCA, Barnum continues to stay connected to her craft. Balancing her professional role with her creative passions has shaped the way she approaches both.
I think about audience a lot when designing murals, which is something I didn’t do much in my fine art practice prior, my work was much more intrinsic. Because I am trained as a graphic designer, I think about a lot when designing murals, additionally I tend to design in two colors. My mural practice also influences my career in graphics, communications and marketing. I frequently make choices to add more illustration and I think about how a member of the audience will physically interact with what I am making.” Barnum said.
Barnum’s mural in Harrin Hall captures more than color and form; it reflects the intersections of her work as both a communicator and an artist. For students, families, and staff who pass through the building every day, it stands as both a welcome and a reminder of how creativity can transform a space. For Barnum, it’s a reminder that even within a busy professional life, there is still room to create work that leaves a lasting mark on the community.
Written by Jamie Jewell
