Cochise Newsroom

A vibrant new mural created by Cochise College students will be unveiled Thursday, May 8, at 9 a.m. at Canyon Vista Medical Center. The project, led by instructor JenMarie Zeleznak and students in the college’s Art 292 Special Topics in Art class, captures the tranquility of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. 

 

The mural, painted directly onto the hospital’s interior wall at its emergency department entrance, reflects the calming power of nature and aims to create a more pleasant and welcoming space for patients, visitors and staff. The scene showcases the San Pedro River as a vital wildlife corridor, featuring animals such as deer, beavers, jackrabbits, and coatis—species commonly found throughout Cochise County.

 

“It highlights the role of the San Pedro River as a gathering place for wildlife,” said Zeleznak. “As the instructor, I help facilitate conversations, ask questions, and get students to think about things that may not have been considered.”

 

The collaborative art project was months in the making and involved students from across disciplines. Early in the semester, the class met with hospital officials to discuss the goals of the installation and gather input on the space. From there, the students dove into research, concept development and design.

 

Each student contributed in a unique way—some handled image research and digital editing, while others created hand-drawn and digital sketches, finalized the mural design, and prepared materials for painting. The process mirrored a professional public art commission, giving students a valuable opportunity to learn about project planning, teamwork and community engagement.

 

“This project gave us a chance to really contribute something meaningful and lasting,” said Zeleznak. “Students learned to combine creativity with real-world collaboration.”

 

Student artists include Natalie Andres, Kristy Hom, Lee Myers, Lee Pereda, Aevah Rios, Skye Robinson, Maebeleine Salminen and Diana Turner.

 

The public is invited to attend the mural unveiling, where attendees will have the opportunity to view the completed work, meet the artists, and learn more about the creative process. The brief ceremony will be held at Canyon Vista Medical Center in the Ramsey Canyon Room near the hospital’s cafeteria.

 

“This mural not only brightens the space but also celebrates the connection between art, healing, and the natural environment of Cochise County,” added Zeleznak. “We’re grateful for the opportunity Canyon Vista presented to us.”

 

To learn more about the art program at the college, visit www.cochise.edu.