Main Hall Gets New Student-Designed Artwork Exploring Mental Health and the Arts
Main Hall’s newest banner installation is a powerful visual statement that explores
the mutual
relationship between emotional well-being and creative expression. Designed by Kayla
Lockburner, a rising junior graphic and interactive design student, the artwork supports
the College of Arts and Humanities’ 2025-26 theme, Mental Health Supports Humanity ↔ The Arts and Humanities Support Mental Health.
The theme was selected with input from students, including a poll conducted in the college’s First-Year Experience class, and centers on the mutual relationship between creativity and emotional well-being.
For Lockburner, the theme struck a personal chord. Her work reflects on how the arts, whether visual, musical, or written, can serve as a therapeutic outlet and a way to navigate emotional challenges.
“I chose to interpret the theme as a reflection on how creative expression can serve
as a powerful outlet for emotional struggles, and a way to begin the process of healing,”
she says.
“I wanted to visually represent the transformative and therapeutic qualities of creativity. The arts don’t solve everything, but they offer a place to start, a form of connection and healing that can make a real difference.”
Her design spans three vertical panels, each illustrating a different form of creative expression: a figure playing a guitar, another typing on a computer, and a third painting. The mostly black-and-white design uses glowing gold accents that draw the eye to each instrument or tool.
“Each creative tool, such as the guitar, keyboard, and paintbrush, is rendered in
gold, with glowing lines emerging from them and wrapping gently around the figures,”
she says. “These golden elements represent healing energy, growth and the positive
emotional impact of engaging with the arts.”
The theme holds special meaning for Lockburner, who often turns to creativity in her own life.
“Every project I work on becomes an outlet,” she shares. “It helps me make sense of emotions that are often hard to explain. I hope viewers see themselves in this piece and feel reminded that they’re not alone.”
Dean Jen Bacon of the College of Arts and Humanities agrees.
“Kayla’s work beautifully captures the spirit of this year’s theme,” Bacon says. “We believe the arts have the power to support mental health and create meaningful dialogue, and this banner exemplifies that connection.”
More than just a visual statement, Lockburner’s banner offers a message of hope. It
invites everyone passing through Main Hall to pause, reflect and consider how the
arts can support healing, growth 
and connection.