Creative Collaboration between EarthConnection, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and Mount St. Joseph University’s Art Guild
EarthConnection, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, is a center for learning and reflection about living lightly on Earth. The EarthConnection building is located on Neeb Road right next to Mount St. Joseph University’s Schueler Field. The staff at EarthConnection were constantly being asked what the building was so to alleviate confusion by the public, they had the creative idea to approach Mount St. Joseph University’s Art Guild in 2024 for murals. The Art Guild at the Mount is a hands-on art making experience comprised of students that complete public art projects both on and off campus.
Two murals have now been completed by the Mount’s Art Guild at the EarthConnection building. The first mural is located inside the building which was completed in June 2024 (see content quoted from the original article below.) The second mural is a larger piece located on the outside of the building just completed this week! This mural is a vibrant energetic piece clearly distinguishing EarthConnection’s building and mission!
See pictures of the second EarthConnection/MSJ Art Guild Mural below:
By Katelyn Rieder, Communications co-op
EarthConnection (EC) and the Mount St. Joseph University Art Guild have been working on a unique collaboration for months: two student-designed art pieces inside and outside of the building.
During events at Mount St. Joseph University’s Schueler Field (right next to the EC building), the staff gets many questions about what the building is, what it is for, etc. In an attempt to remedy this disconnect, Sisters Caroljean (Cj) Willie, program director, and Winnie Brubach approached the MSJU Art Department to see if they would be interested in creating artistic signage for the outside of the building. The project was given to the university Art Guild—a club of students dedicated to creating art for the campus. Each student came up with their own sketch for the executives of EarthConnection (S. Cj Willie, S. Winnie Brubach, and Sue DiTullio) to vote on. Inspired by the talent they saw, the staff ended up picking two designs to be displayed at EarthConnection.
The mural to be hung on the outside wall facing the Schueler Field parking lot has both the organization name and the motto: “Live Lightly on Earth.” With a range of bright blues, yellows, and oranges, the staff hopes that this mural calls the attention of people who may not be familiar with EarthConnection. The mural displays different plant and animal species one may be able to spot around the building. There is also a homage to the tire planter project EarthConnection completed several months ago.
Sue DiTullio, administrative assistant to EC, said, “One of the main things we wanted in the mural was to show what this building was about. We feel that both of these murals show that really well.”
The inside painting is more artistic with a watercolor scene of a raccoon, butterflies, and greenery. Like the outside piece, the plants and animals on the mural represent native species to Delhi. The original design was created by MSJU junior, Anna Coleman. She commented that throughout the whole process, her favorite part was the actual painting on the large panels, “Being able to help create a piece that makes others happy and helps accomplish the goals of the Sisters was extremely fulfilling.”
EarthConnection staff and Art Guild members hope that these pieces not only help people recognize the building, but also reflect the organization’s mission. S. Cj said, “We want to show people that this is what the building is about, and this is what you can do.”
The painting is currently displayed for viewing inside the EarthConnection building. The larger outside mural is set to be displayed this fall. Photos of the outdoor mural will be posted on both the Sisters of Charity website and social media channels at this date.” By Katelyn Rieder, Communication co-op