New CO-LAB mural brings art and entrepreneurship together

UNC Charlotte alumna Sharon Dowell ’02 collaborated with current visual arts students to transform the entrance to the University’s Center City innovation hub.

Visitors to CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City now enter through a new work of art.

A large-scale mural titled “In Unison,” created by Charlotte artist and UNC Charlotte alumna Sharon Dowell ’02, surrounds the entrance to the innovation and entrepreneurship hub. Layered lines, organic forms and shades of green, blue and gold transform what had been bare white walls into a welcoming introduction to the space.

The mural’s concept emerged through a collaborative brainstorming session with CO-LAB staff. Using colorful paper, markers, pencils and paint sticks, the group explored images and words that reflected CO-LAB’s identity, energy and mission. Dowell then translated the recurring themes into the mural’s visual language.

Trees and interconnected roots represent growth, while branching forms evoke brain synapses and the movement of ideas. Bursts of circles symbolize collaboration and the many individual contributions that come together to create something greater. Abstracted topography grounds the mural in the Charlotte community, while metallic gold accents add a sense of possibility and a bright future for the entrepreneurs and students who will learn, create and innovate within CO-LAB.

The mural does more than create a bold welcome. Its creation also became a hands-on learning opportunity for UNC Charlotte visual arts students McKenzie Edmund ’26, Miriam Clayton ’27 and Kimora Whidbee ’28. College of Arts + Architecture faculty member and Charlotte artist Kalin Devone ’15 introduced the students to Dowell, creating an opportunity for them to work alongside the muralist and help bring the project to life.

Through the collaboration, the students gained experience contributing to a large-scale public artwork while learning about the entrepreneurial side of a creative career. The project offered a closer look at how artists move beyond the studio—developing their professional practice, collaborating with clients and turning creative ideas into work for public spaces.

“Whether students launch their own arts-related business or work within a nonprofit or commercial art space, it’s important to have basic business skills,” Dowell said. “Sharing both artistic and entrepreneurial skills with the students was a rewarding experience. McKenzie, Kimora and Miriam asked thoughtful questions and were a joy to work with.”

For Dowell, the project created another connection between her artistic career and her alma mater. Since earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts from UNC Charlotte in 2002, she has taught as an adjunct professor, managed the Rowe Arts Galleries and hired student interns to assist with murals. For the past 16 years, she has worked as a full-time artist specializing in public art, murals and works on canvas.

When CO-LAB Director Brad Yeckley approached Dowell about incorporating murals into the space and involving students in the process, she saw an opportunity to reconnect with the University while advancing her commitment to mentorship and community engagement. Dowell suggested expanding the experience beyond painting to introduce students to the business skills required to build sustainable creative careers.

Bringing an alumna and current students together was particularly fitting for CO-LAB, where collaboration is built into the space’s purpose.

Part of UNC Charlotte’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, CO-LAB connects students and faculty with entrepreneurs, industry professionals and community partners. Located across from The Dubois Center in Uptown, the hub provides a place to exchange ideas, address real-world challenges and help new ventures grow.

“In Unison” now offers a visual expression of that mission. Individual marks, shapes and colors overlap to create something larger — much like the ideas and people CO-LAB brings together.

For the students who participated, the finished work also demonstrates where a creative education can lead. They did not simply study the work of a professional artist. They helped create something that will become part of the everyday experience of CO-LAB and the people building what comes next there.

The mural can be viewed at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City, located at 301 E. Ninth St.