Rapid City, South Dakota – A home‑grown artist is adding a splash of color and community spirit to the Black Hills State University campus. Erin Peterson, a 2025 graduate of BHSU, spent the summer painting a large oak‑tree mural across several panels of the wall inside Club Buzz, the university’s student union.

From game design to public art

Peterson originally enrolled at BHSU to study game design before transferring to the university’s art programs. A photography class sparked her interest in visual storytelling, leading her to earn degrees in studio art and art education, plus a graphic design certificate. The new mural marks her first solo project that she led from concept through completion.

Design that reflects the local landscape

While the surrounding campus walls often feature pine and spruce motifs, Peterson chose an oak tree as the focal point, offering a fresh perspective on the region’s natural heritage. The design stretches across multiple sections of the Club Buzz wall, creating a cohesive scene that draws the eye of passersby.

Community engagement on the wall

Students and campus tour groups gathered regularly to watch the mural take shape. “I’m having a lot of fun doing murals,” Peterson said. “I love public art, and I love the community that it brings.” Her enthusiasm resonated with onlookers, many of whom stopped to ask about the creative process and the symbolism of the oak.

Future plans and local impact

Peterson hopes to attend graduate school and eventually teach art at the university level. In the meantime, she plans to continue creating public‑art projects throughout the Black Hills, further enriching the cultural fabric of the area.

Why public art matters

Public art projects like Peterson’s mural provide more than aesthetic appeal; they foster a sense of place and shared identity. For a university town such as Rapid City, visible art installations help bridge the gap between students, faculty, and the broader community, reinforcing the values of creativity, stewardship, and local pride.

Peterson’s work adds to a growing list of public‑art contributions she has made around Spearfish and the surrounding region. Her dedication demonstrates how emerging artists can lead projects that celebrate local heritage while inviting new interpretations.

As the mural dries and becomes a permanent feature of Club Buzz, it stands as a testament to the power of student‑led initiatives and the vibrant artistic talent nurtured at Black Hills State University.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.