A photo of a woman standing in front of a mural.
Emily Herr’s new mural is a celebration of campus life and the shared experiences of those who dine at the Shafer Court Dining Center. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

March 21, 2024

VCUarts alum and muralist Emily Herr brings visual flair to Shafer Court Dining Center

The two-story work celebrates the shared experience of food and cultural diversity on campus.

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By Anna Obermiller
VCU Business Services

As guests reach the stairwell at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Shafer Court Dining Center, they are now greeted by a striking, colorful addition to Richmond’s prominent mural scene.

Created by VCU School of the Arts alum and renowned muralist Emily Herr, the artwork spans two stories and showcases colorful food and dining elements, with the inviting message “see you next time” as a focal point.

Inspired by the food-rich and culturally diverse VCU community, Herr designed the mural to be more than just an art piece – it’s a celebration of campus life and the shared experiences of those who dine at Shafer. 

“I wanted to create something everyone could connect with,” said Herr, who earned her degree in 2013. “Food is universal, but it’s also deeply personal. It brings us together, connects us and creates memories. That’s what I hope to capture in this mural.”

The mural was commissioned by VCU Business Services, a department whose units include dining services, retail stores and mail services. The mural is part of a broader initiative to revitalize its campus spaces and enhance the student experience. One project, introduced last year, is the Shafer Game Corner, which transforms the dining center into a more social environment for students, with fun activities ranging from Skee-Ball and arcade classics to a giant Connect Four game and dual basketball. 

A photo of a woman holding a container of blue paint and painting on a wall.
Emily Herr, a VCU alum, designed her Shafer Court Dining Center mural to showcase colorful food and dining elements, with the inviting message “see you next time” as a focal point. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

“We are in the process of developing Shafer Court Dining Center with the aim of nurturing a strong sense of community and engagement among all who visit,” said Stephen Barr, Ed.D., director of Business Services. “We want to create an environment that facilitates easy interaction among students, allowing them to gather, share experiences and form meaningful connections in a setting that is uniquely VCU.”

Herr, whose prominent local work includes scenes in Scott’s Addition and the Fan District, said her journey from VCUarts student to celebrated artist adds full-circle resonance to the new Shafer Court mural. “Seeing my work in the place I used to frequent as a student is surreal.”