UNLV students are placing their creative stamp on murals across the valley.

A major initiative of the Las Vegas Centennial Committee, the City of 100 Murals project will see the creation of more than 100 permanent and temporary murals throughout the community, reflecting the history and culture of Las Vegas in celebration of its 100th birthday.

UNLV’s “Big V,” designed by students in an art in public places class, was the third mural introduced as part of the series. The first, a mural depicting Spanish explorer Rafael Rivera’s visit to the Las Vegas Valley in the 1820s, was designed and painted by Erin Stellmon, a graduate student in art. It was installed at the Lied Children’s Discovery Museum.

“We are so excited that UNLV is helping to commemorate Las Vegas’ special milestone with this lasting art legacy,” says Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, chair of the Centennial Committee. “This project is a wonderful example of the Centennial’s dedication to keeping art alive in the Las Vegas Valley for many years to come.”

Russell said the “Big V” represents the Roman numeral for five, a reference to both the city’s centennial dates of 1905 to 2005. The converging lines of the V also refer to the university as the point that unites the energy of the city with the drive of academia, he says.

The “Big V” design was developed by students participating in a special multidisciplinary course offered by the College of Fine Arts. It featured guest lectures by several noted artists, architects, and planners, and was sponsored by the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission. Other students who worked on the mural were Katie Anania, Natalie Imbriani, Brandon Markeel, and Melissa Bruechert.

And Don’t Miss: The “Trading Spaces” exhibit, which runs May 15 through mid- June in the Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery. Curated by art and architecture history professor Robert Tracy, it features photos and digital imagery of Las Vegas over the past 100 years.