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Leif Larson, a 2005 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO), has completed a large-scale painting now on display at Reeve Memorial Union. The artwork, titled "A Portrait of UWO: Celebrating the Campus and Student Community from a Unique Perspective," measures 5 by 16 feet and took Larson seven months to complete. The painting was commissioned by the Steinhilber Art Gallery Foundation.

Larson, an Appleton native whose work has been shown in galleries and public spaces across several states, depicted the campus from an aerial perspective. He included details such as flowers outside Dempsey Hall and Titan athletic fields to offer viewers a comprehensive view of university life.

At the unveiling event, Chancellor Manohar Singh highlighted Larson’s achievements and connection to UWO. "That tells me two things: first, that you are passionate about what you do, and second, that your professors and UW-Oshkosh did a wonderful job nurturing that passion and giving you the skills to become such a brilliantly talented artist," Singh said. "We are very proud of you and thank you for working on this project for us here. You have made the whole campus come alive in one glance."

Larson described his personal connection to UWO during remarks at the event. “It’s an honor to be standing here, not just as an artist of this painting, but as an alumnus of this university,” he said. “This campus, this community, this land, it’s been part of my family’s story for over 50 years. It is sacred ground to us, as it is for so many who have attended UW-Oshkosh.” Both his parents graduated from UWO in 1974.

He further explained his intent with the piece: “This painting is a portrait of the campus. It’s a snapshot in time, a tribute to community, and a gift for everyone who has ever walked these grounds. It’s an aerial portrait made with heart, memory and intention.”

Larson has created several public murals throughout Oshkosh as well as other cities in Wisconsin; his work also appears in collections both public and private nationwide.

Reflecting on his career path in a Q&A session released by UWO communications staff, Larson discussed how he shifted focus from being a Division I baseball player due to injuries to pursuing art seriously at UWO. He credited professors Ron Weaver, Jeff Lipschitz and Li Hu for shaping his approach—focusing on energy in painting, storytelling through art, and technical skill respectively.

Larson emphasized that public art fosters community connection: when he began creating murals locally there was little public art presence in Oshkosh; now he sees its effect on residents’ engagement with their environment.

Regarding the process behind the new mural at Reeve Memorial Union, Larson recounted being contacted last August about the commission—a project he viewed not only as professional work but also personally meaningful given his history with UWO. He used tools like Google Earth alongside walking tours of campus to ensure accuracy in details.

He acknowledged including himself subtly within the painting inside the Arts and Communication building but stated that his goal was for viewers’ attention to remain focused on broader campus life.

Describing what he hopes people experience when viewing the piece Larson said: “When you stand about five feet away…you feel like a bird hovering over the community…For me…the painting is a reminder that you’re part of something bigger than yourself…There’s a humility in that moment.”

Asked what having his work permanently displayed at UWO means personally Larson replied: “Unbelievable gratitude…It’s humbling to know the piece will be part of UW-Oshkosh’s story.”

The mural joins other works around Oshkosh created by Larson—including installations outside local businesses—and reflects both individual artistry and institutional heritage at UWO.