ZaRya Allen is a sophomore at Dillard University. With the help of her friends and parents, she created the beautiful, authentic mural you all can see in the Cook Fine Arts building on Dillard University’s campus. 

The inspiration for this mural was the infamous fish sculpture outside of the Cook building with the underwater aesthetic, but it also shows the struggle in humanity. Creating the mural took about three months to guarantee the respectful inclusion of all individuals and crafted to perfection, and making the mural on its canvas took about two weeks. 

ZaRya is from Kansas City, Missouri, and was raised in a very academic and scholastic environment with two remarkable influences: her parents. ZaRya grew up watching her mom draw beautiful, soulful black women and watching her dad draw unique, outstanding tattoos and architecture. Art is a way for ZaRya to feel amazing and express herself physically, emotionally, and mentally. With the help of her friends and visual arts students, she has further expanded her love of art. Having strong leaders and encouragers in her life made her realize her passion for art. 

“I want to thank everyone who has supported my journey – The Frame, all the Visual art students, Manny, Robyn, Kennedy, and Von.”, says ZaRya Allen.