Atrium Mural Completed by Maddy Fusco
In summer 2026, Mainframe Studios commissioned a mural through an open call for artists to help connect our colorful exterior with our interior atrium. Designed to welcome visitors the mural offers a glimpse of the creativity that lies within our building. Maddy beautifully illustrates the creative energy flowing from floor to floor within our studio community.
Inspired by the spooky & whimsical minutiae of nature, Maddy utilizes detailed line work, bright colors & repetitive patterns in her work. She paints murals, designs tattoos, draws album covers, creates paintings & sells art at markets & shows.
Maddy's Mural Statement:
"This mural transforms the atrium into a surreal landscape where different creative practices merge into one environment. References to music, printmaking, painting, glass, photography and other artistic processes are woven throughout the piece as hidden discoveries. References to music, printmaking, painting, glass, photography and other artistic processes are all a part of an atmosphere that grows from the collaboration, experimentation and community that make Mainframe such a unique place! The design invites viewers to look closely and find connections between the many forms of creativity that exist within Mainframe."
As guests, tenants and staff walked into the atrium, Maddy's design quickly came to life. Maddy shared with us a bit about her process.
What does your creative process involve?
"First, I think about what I want to communicate through my art and who the audience will be. In this case, I wanted to show that art is messy, fun and not just one thing! I knew the viewers would be artists and folks who appreciate art. My goal with public art is always to connect with my audience while staying artistically true to myself. Here, I really wanted Mainframe artists to feel a sense of connection and representation."
"I often enjoy making up my own worlds and atmospheres. Here, I asked myself, “What would it look like if art supplies were natural parts of the terrain? How would everything interact and flow together?” From there, I let my imagination run wild. I know that if I'm authentically enjoying the brainstorming and creation of my design, there will be people who enjoy viewing it. In my process, I ensure that I have a genuine love for what I'm making because that passion will always come through in the finished piece."
How did you get your start in designing and painting murals?
"My first mural job was at the very start of 2020, at Confluence Brewing. I had created a label for them in the past and they were looking for a mural artist for a 950 square foot wall. That mural is still one of the biggest I've ever done and the pandemic basically started just as I began painting, so it was definitely a strange and wild time. From there, one mural seemed to connect to the next. In 2021, I was able to quit my part-time job and begin doing murals, markets and commission work full-time! I've recently started painting my eighteenth mural, an 800 square foot exterior wall at the Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center on the South Side of Des Moines."
What are the biggest challenges while creating large-scale artwork?
"First is maintaining the integrity of my original design. I frequently stand back, squint and take photos to view at home later. I make sure that everything looks as it should when translated to a larger scale. Secondly, mural work requires a lot of time and physical effort. Drawing something on my iPad and painting a 900-square-foot mural are two very different things. However, it's that time, scale and physicality of mural work that makes the finished piece so immensely rewarding."
How does the technology you use work? How has it changed the way you work?
"For a majority of my mural work, I've used a projector but I’ve recently started using a VR headset to sketch designs directly onto walls. I upload the design to my headset, digitally lay it out and start painting. It's been very cool to see my design on the wall without having to deal with projectors, extension cords and other equipment. It's especially handy in tight spaces, like a hallway, where using a projector is not quite as feasible. That said, I still use projectors regularly, especially for extremely large-scale work. Technology allows me to have options when approaching a piece and choose what makes the most sense. I want to make as much art as I can in my lifetime, so technology that helps me work more quickly and efficiently is incredibly valuable."
Maddy Fusco's Information
To view Maddy’s website please click here.
To follow Maddy’s journey on Instagram please click here.
You can find Maddy in person at her studio in #LL04.
