JERSEY CITY, N.J. – October 8, 2026 – Student collaboration and hard work throughout the summer have turned a dark blue wall into a colorful mural titled “The Garden”, unveiled on October 1, 2026, and located in Dinneen Hall, Room 204, at the Grand Opening for the Center for Child and Human Development, directed by Dr. Megan Sherman.
Daniel Cosentino, associate professor of art and director of the Arts Institute at Saint Peter’s University said, he and the students began their process for inspiration by reviewing the space, analyzing the work by Sol LeWitt for inspiration while still developing something original, and considering ideas for the space as a whole.
Sol LeWitt was an American artist whose work has posthumously established him as a founder of minimal and conceptual art. He is revered for his use of mathematical rules, modular grids, lines and angles.
Cosentino designed and created the mural, with students Diaisha “Dada” Malloy, Grace Camacho, Joshua Greenbaum, along with Nelle Evans, program coordinator for the Center for Child and Human Development, assisted collaboratively until its completion.
“The students’ experience is an important part of this story,” said Cosentino. “They participated in a sustained creative process: considering the space and its audience, developing ideas, responding to changes, solving problems, and carrying the work through to completion. They experienced the patience, judgment, collaboration, and responsibility that artistic practice requires, while contributing to a place serving children, adults, and families.
With many colors incorporated throughout the mural, the project was a lengthy process.
I’d been using the phrase “we are gardening in culture in the Garden State’ while thinking about our work in the arts,” said Cosentino.”A garden takes care, patience, and attention to different needs. We designed this work in that spirit, through a process that gave us room to learn and change together. We hope “The Garden” offers that same sense of possibility to the people who spend time there.”
The goal, a space that would delight children and remain connected to our Jesuit values at Saint Peter’s University.
A special thank you to Dr. Megan Sherman, director Center for Child and Human Development, whose vision and support helped bring this effort to fruition.