A new mural has been installed on campus with a specific goal: to prevent bird collisions.
The artwork was created for the Bird Safe Decal Design Challenge, an initiative led by the Office of Campus Sustainability in partnership with the U-M Arts Initiative. Guided by seasonal bird collision data collected by the University, the challenge identifies windows where birds are most at risk of striking glass and transforms them into bird-safe public art.
Open to enrolled U-M students, this year’s winning design was created by then-junior Suher Salim, who received an associate degree in graphic design from Oakland University before transferring to U-M.
Inspired by her passion for conservation and sustainability, the design features local flora and fauna — including oak and milkweed leaves, robins, and the endangered monarch butterfly — that come together to form an “M.” A closer look reveals that the “M” is subtly incorporated into each plant, animal, and insect.
“This was a great way to make art a part of my journey at U-M,” Salim says. “And I really do believe art benefits everyone, so this is definitely one of those great examples of art benefiting animals and making campus more beautiful.”
The mural spans six full-scale windows along the walkway connecting Weiser Hall and the North University Building, a location with special meaning for Salim — Weiser Hall was where she declared her major in cognitive science after transferring to U-M. Salim says that experience also served as inspiration for the mural.
“It’s kind of a symbolism of my own transfer experience,” Salim says. “I’m finding a way to make this place work for me, but at the same time, helping the birds find their place here on campus and making it more comfortable for them.”
Quinn Redick is an intermediate copy writer for the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.
