“Arapahoe Community College is proud to unveil its first-ever mural titled Roots of Learning, Wings of Growth, created by Colorado-based artist Shania Lauren Cissell,” Project Manager and ACC Art Gallery Director Trish Sangelo wrote in her blog post. “Her work aims to inspire and connect with communities by reflecting themes of growth and transformation.”

The mural shows the tree of knowledge at its center, with hands shaped like roots representing the foundational support of the educators, the college, and the broader community, with birds soaring from the branches, representing graduating students.

The creation of the mural was embodied through collaboration between Shania and ACC students from the Study Abroad program and work-study. The mural was paid for through a grant by the City of Littleton, Public Arts Program. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, November 7, at 4 p.m. to celebrate the mural’s completion. 

Contact information: Murals by Shania

Photographer: Trish Sangelo