I’ve written this before, but it bears repeating: Get yourself on the Friends of the James River Park’s email newsletter. They do a great job highlighting the group’s work and other events/happenings in and around the park. (Even better: Become a member and help support the good work they do.)

VCU graduate student Elina Oehlert with a section of mural at Texas Beach. Credit: VCU

Case in point: Their most recent email blast featured the recently completed mural project on the cement staircase down to Texas Beach. From the Friends:

In a project jointly sponsored by City of Richmond Parks and Recreation, VCU Painting and Printmaking Department, Friends of the James River Park, and James River Hikers, students from the VCU Painting and Printmaking Department painted the walls of the North Bank Park stair tower. The 30 colorful murals depict turtles, herons, raccoons, bats, owls and ladybugs, as well as other creatures that dwell in and around the James River.

The muralists are VCU students Rebecca Grennan, Elina Oehlert, Dorothy Sysling, Ji Yun Park, Sarah Burnley, Megan Michelle Phillips, Julia Stewart, Dellil Mohammed, Kana Danzey, along with Ross Newcomb from Richmond Parks.Project Directors were Professor Ruth Bolduan and Graduate Student Michael Royce. Park Superintendent Nathan Burrell and members of the Richmond Parks staff viewed students’ initial drawings for the murals last fall, offering helpful suggestions. Students painted small versions, that were enlarged for the mural sites. With the painting begun last fall and ended this April, the murals are a beautiful synthesis of nature and art for the enjoyment of everyone who loves the James River and its trails.