Projections created by students transform Bryan buildings

The facades of buildings in a forgotten urban area on the north end of Main Street in downtown Bryan were enlivened with digital projections created by students in a Texas A&M senior graphic design studio Nov. 2.

The public was invited to view the project, [Grafik Intervention Bryan] (https://www.facebook.com/GrafikInterventionBryanTexas) , which consisted of displays on the Parker Lumber, Kimbell Feed, City National Bank and Ice House buildings. The project was part of [Art Step First Friday] (http://downtownbryan.com/events/category/free/upcoming/) , which features art, music, horse-drawn carriage rides and other activities in historic downtown Bryan.

Originally conceived as a Master of Fine Art graphic design thesis project at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Grafik Intervention projects have taken place in several U.S. cities, including San Marcos, Texas. The projections provide historical information and to inspire community members to consider the potential of currently unused buildings.

“The design students’ extensive research in compiling historical information to create the projections involved contacting the buildings’ previous owners, visiting the Carnegie History Center, Bryan Public Library, Texas A&M’s Cushing and Evans Libraries, contacting former employees and longtime Bryan citizens, and meeting with representatives of the city of Bryan,” said Donna Hajash, senior lecturer of visualization, who is leading the studio.