Thanks to the generosity of art supporters in the community, Tompkins Cortland Community College has a new mural on campus. The painting called “Panthers Take on the World” takes up a formerly bare wall in the TC3 cafeteria. The mural was completed by Margalo Guo in late spring; a celebration and ceremonial dedication was held September 30.

“This is significant moment in time for the arts on our campus,” said TC3 President Amy Kremenek. “Today we are celebrating some of the hard work that has gone into making this a more beautiful campus. Art, in all its forms, adds to the vibrancy of a community – especially visual arts that add life to an entire room or space.”

The mural came about thanks to a donation from Thomas Bruce and Judith Pratt, two generous art supporters from Ithaca who wanted to help bring some art to a previously blank wall on campus. Ithaca Murals, a local arts organization dedicated to increasing arts in the community, solicited proposals from artists. TC3 students voted for their favorite of the seven proposals, with Margalo’s piece being the top choice.

“I think there should be more murals on campuses. It reflects the energy of students,” said Margalo, who was raised in Ithaca and was a student at Penn State University when she completed the mural at TC3. She said the mural was inspired by the curiosity and enthusiasm of students - it depicts a panther playing with Earth like it’s a ball of yarn. “The design has a sunrise-colored background, showing the sunrise of new beginnings as TC3 graduates take on the world with confidence.”