Pilar Garcia ’27 arrived at Cornell with a love of murals — a tradition rooted in her family’s global travels. Joining Ithaca Murals through the Community Work-Study Program (CWSP) gave the architecture major a way to channel that passion into a deeper sense of place and purpose. 

She thought she would simply be painting for the nonprofit arts organization but soon realized the work was about much more. “It took six months before I painted my first mural,” Garcia said. “But once I showed initiative, I was given the chance to lead — and that changed everything.” She became a core part of the team, creating large-scale public art.

Along the way, Garcia found herself learning as much as she was producing. “My supervisor, Caleb Thomas, has taught me everything from saving paint to transporting supplies — and bigger life lessons about generosity and dedication,” she said. “His commitment has inspired me to stay passionate about what I believe in, even when the rewards aren’t immediate.”

The experience also reshaped her understanding of what architecture — and art — can be. She watched as murals brightened neighborhoods and sparked conversations about environmental justice and cultural identity. One piece became a local gathering point. Another, at an elementary school, drew students to watch the work each day. “Public art gives a voice to the community in a way architecture sometimes overlooks,” Garcia said. “I want my future work to be expressive and culturally rich.”

This kind of impact is what Thomas appreciates in student contributions. “They bring a young energy that’s helped us shift our focus toward youth,” he said. “They’re connected to what’s current — social media, storytelling and fun — and that keeps our work vibrant.”

Beyond the creative boost, the program becomes a bridge, strengthening the relationship between Cornell students and the broader Ithaca community. Thomas said that students leave a lasting mark, a piece of themselves that becomes a shared point of reference — both for locals and for the artists, who may return years later with family and friends to visit their work.

At the same time, CWSP also makes a mark on Ithaca Murals itself. Thomas values the program as a lifeline: “As a small organization, we wouldn’t be able to hire directly,” he said. “CWSP allows our team to grow and gives students real-world experience doing good work in the community.” He’s already recommended the program to other nonprofits, helping its impact spread even further.

Garcia sees herself as part of this ripple effect. “It’s rare for a college town to offer such meaningful engagement,” she said. “I hope my work encourages more students to get involved.”

This story is part of a series highlighting Cornell’s Community-Work Study Program.