Members of Western Iowa Tech Community College’s (WITCC) Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, the Beta Zeta Mu chapter, initiated a community mural project that celebrates education, opportunity, and belonging in the Siouxland community. In partnership with local artist and WITCC & PTK alum Cherie Lee of Bad Moon June Art, the original concept evolved into a 2,000-square-foot, block-long work of art that now stands as a vibrant downtown landmark.
PTK students led the project by securing funding, connecting with the artist, and working with the City of Sioux City to gain approval for the use of public space. Lee worked closely with the PTK students and led the artistic vision and creation of the mural, completing the large-scale piece in four weeks, with PTK students assisting in initial wall preparation and select painting under her guidance.
As Lee shared, the mural came to life through the trust, encouragement, and collective effort of students, the City of Sioux City, and the broader community, whose daily support reinforces the role of public art in bringing people together.
The mural was partially funded through the Gilchrist Foundation, with additional support from WITCC for materials and supplies. The completed mural was formally celebrated with a ribbon-cutting hosted in partnership with the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce on December 2, 2025. Now part of downtown Sioux City’s landscape, it stands as a lasting example of how student initiative, artistic collaboration, and community partnership can come together to create something beautiful.
