Reminder: 'One Earth' mural ribbon cutting on May 22; see Iowa City’s newest public art
A portion of the unfinished "One Earth" mural is shown in Iowa City.
The City of Iowa City, alongside project partners, will celebrate the installation of a new public mural with a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, in the Capitol Street Parking Ramp.
The mural, titled "One Earth", is located just inside the Clinton Street entrance of the Capitol Street Parking Ramp, spanning the entire northern wall and transforming a highly visible area of the ramp into a vibrant stitch in the fabric of our community.
The mural was created by artist Erykah Wildflowers, in collaboration with student artist Ivy Santeler and a community paint-day bringing together student volunteers. The project was initiated and led by Olivia Arkfeld, a student at the University of Iowa and graduating Director of Sustainability of the Undergraduate Student Government.
“I started this initiative as a permanent testament to UISG’s collective dedication to making our campus a sustainable role model," Olivia Arkfeld said. "As it sunk in that it was my last year here, I wanted to create something that would ensure lasting change among the University of Iowa students and Iowa City as a whole."
"This mural will serve as a reminder that there is no Planet B, and as an ode to the 99.9% of native prairies Iowa has lost to urbanization for years to come. I hope this mural evokes feelings of sorrow, admiration, and nostalgia for what was, but most importantly, inspires action and advocacy by Iowa City residents and the thousands nationwide that come to visit our beautiful campus."
The project was sponsored by several University of Iowa partners, including $5,000 from the Undergraduate Student Government, $3,000 from the Graduate & Professional Student Government, and $1,250 from the Office of Student Engagement & Campus Programs. The project was approved by the Public Art Advisory Committee and will accept the mural into their long-term public art collection.
“This project is a great example of what public art can do: bring together different people and perspectives to create something meaningful in a shared public space,” said Iowa City Public Art Coordinator Rachel Kilburg Varley.
The ribbon-cutting event is free and open to the public. Attendees are invited to view the mural, meet the artists, and learn more about Iowa City’s public art program.
