The University of Nevada, Reno held a dedication event for the Sierra Hall mural Oct. 27, 2020. The public is now invited to engage in a community conversation about diversity, inclusion and equity, hosted by the John & Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art and Reno Contemporaries. Featured speakers include former prosecutor and adjunct professor of Race, Law, and Criminal Justice at the University Zelalem Bogale, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion Daniel Enrique Pérez and mural artist and Master of Fine Arts alumnus Rafael Blanco. 

The event, Art Ignites: A Community Dialogue about Race, Diversity, and Inclusion, is Friday, Nov. 6, starting at 6 p.m. Participants are requested to register in advance for the discussion. After registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the meeting. 

“Art has the power to forge relationships, create a sense of belonging in diverse communities and it can be used as a tool for change,” The Lilley Director Vivian Zavataro said at the mural dedication event. “I hope this mural is just the first of many art pieces on campus. Public art has the power to be an effective way of instigating dialogue.” 

The mural was completed in July by Blanco, painting the most important piece of public art – according to him – in just three short weeks. The seven-story mural features six sets of human eyes representing different races, ages, ethnicities and sexual orientation. The art, deemed a call-to-action, is meant to spark conversation and evoke emotions around diversity and inclusion. 

Contact The Lilley for any further information or questions by emailing thelilley@unr.edu.

Photo, from left to right: School of the Arts Director Tamara Scronce, University President Brian Sandoval, Student and Resident Assistant Kavin Sivakumar, VP Student Services Shannon Ellis, Residential Life and Housing Assistant Director Toby Toland and The Lilley Museum of Art Director Vivian Zavataro.