Giving News
Great Hall Mural Depicts the People Who Make STU
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St. Thomas University | Connections
The mural is made possible by the STU Alumni Association. The idea was raised with Bill by then-President of the Alumni Association Margaret Tracy, BA’75. The Association had pledged a gift to the University’s campaign and were considering ideas for campus beautification. He thought the timing was perfect, and he offered to donate his time and expertise as a gift to his alma mater. “When I visited the newly-renovated Great Hall, I saw a blank space on the back wall which I viewed as a canvas waiting to be filled.” The mural concept is a triptych, a work of art divided into three sections. Each section is a variation on a theme. They celebrate students engaged in activities which highlight arts, culture, and sports in the flanking panels, and academics, diversity, and ideals in the larger centre panel. Student Laura Forrester, BA’22 was
instrumental in laying the groundwork for the finished mural. She was recommended as someone who could assist on the project. After delays brought on by the pandemic, Laura worked with Bill over 12 months to bring his vision to life. “The murals are a reflection of growth, development, community. In the end, it always comes back to our school, to coming home again. I was delighted to be able to give this mural as my gift to the University. For all that St. Thomas gave to me, this was my chance to offer repayment in the best way I know how,” said Bill.
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“Since i St. Tho ts inception, m instille as has d the edu students wi th confid cation and en their p ce to make la world ces in the — this them, it is th is about e who m ake the people place.”
Photo by: Keith Minchin
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ince 1968, Bill Johnson has worked in the visual arts “in one way or another,” and a new mural in the Great Hall has taken him back to where he began. As editor of The Aquinian, he was prepared for his first job as writer and illustrator for The Daily Gleaner. His work took him to Toronto as a framer and art conservator, and he later travelled Europe. Bill would subsequently work as a courtroom artist for CTV, book cover designer for Nimbus Publishing, assistant editor of the Atlantic Advocate, freelance artist and designer, and creative director with Atlantic Superstore. He has been a full-time artist since 1995 and has exhibited in Toronto, Oakville, Fredericton, Saint John, and Halifax. His works are owned by collectors across North America.
