Community helps bring “Blooming Together” mural to life during YSU Day at Blooming Crazy
October 1, 2026
Community members and YSU faculty and students came together at Blooming Crazy Flowers and Gifts Thursday, October 1, to celebrate creativity, community engagement, and experiential learning during YSU Day, a special event featuring participation in the “Blooming Together” public mural project.
The event invited residents of all ages to learn about YSU programs and initiatives while helping paint portions of the large-scale mural that will brighten the exterior of Blooming Crazy. The mural was created in celebration of Blooming Crazy’s 50th anniversary through a partnership between the florist and YSU. Designed and executed by YSU art students Emily Drees, Leah Franke, and Jason Smalley, under the direction of professor of art Dragana Crnjak, the project is part of the Department of Art’s Community Engagement Internship Program.
Featuring a bold floral design intended to bring color and energy to the surrounding area, the mural is scheduled for completion in mid-October.
"This project demonstrates the power of art to connect people and transform shared spaces," Crnjak said. "Our students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the studio to a real-world public art project while working directly with community partners. Through experiences like this, they gain valuable skills in collaboration, communication, project planning and creative problem-solving."
Crnjak said the community's participation in the project makes the mural especially meaningful.
"Public art is most impactful when the community feels a sense of ownership and connection to it," Crnjak said. "Inviting residents to help paint the mural creates a unique opportunity for people to become part of the artwork's story while experiencing firsthand the value that arts education brings to our region."
The project provides participating students with hands-on experience beyond the classroom while contributing a lasting visual landmark to the community.
"Creative expression plays a vital role in strengthening communities, fostering innovation, and enriching quality of life," Amy Cossentino, Vice Provost and Dean of the Cliffe College of Creative Arts and Sokolov Honors College, said. "YSU is proud to partner with local organizations to create meaningful learning opportunities for our students while expanding access to the arts. Events like YSU Day demonstrate how universities and community partners can work together to create experiences that inspire engagement, creativity, and connection."
Blooming Crazy co-managers Janet Dunn and YSU alumna Ann Marie Velchek welcomed the partnership as part of the business's 50th-anniversary celebration and expressed appreciation for the students, faculty, and community members who helped bring the vision to life.
"Partnering with YSU on the ‘Blooming Together’ mural has been a wonderful way to celebrate Blooming Crazy's 50th anniversary," Velchek said. "As a YSU alumna, it's especially rewarding to see students applying their talents in a real-world setting while engaging members of the community in the creative process. This mural is more than public art. It's a lasting symbol of collaboration, community pride, and the power of bringing people together."
Through the “Blooming Together” mural, YSU students gained first-hand experience developing, producing, and installing a public artwork while engaging in community-based creative practice. The project reflects Youngstown State University's commitment to experiential learning, community engagement, and the transformative power of the arts. That commitment was recognized in 2026 when YSU earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, highlighting the university's dedication to building meaningful partnerships that enrich both student learning and the broader community.