121 NATHAN MAYES HIT THE PAINT Senior Nathan Mayes paints a mural at Rhino Fitness. Ryan Coplen opened Rhino Fitness in Searcy in 2008. Coplen introduced the idea of hiring an artist to paint a mural in his gym because he loved art’s influence on a gym’s atmosphere. Senior Trey Thomas was a member at Rhino Fitness and suggested senior visual arts studio major Nathan Mayes to Coplen when he heard they were on the hunt for an artist. “I have never met someone who is as naturally gifted as him,” Thomas said. Coplen spoke to Mayes after seeing his artwork online and gave him the job before COVID-19 escalated. Mayes said the project allowed him to earn a credit toward his major in visual studio art. He worked with the owners to conceptualize a design and let them pick their preference. Coplen gave Mayes creative authority on the mural, with the exception that he wanted it to include rhinos and the idea of, “one big family.” He spent six to nine hours a week on it for a month to complete the mural. “Everyone, including myself, was blown away with how quick he actually did it, but also how he did it,” Coplen said. The mural was done in graffiti style with spray paint. Mayes wanted the finished product to reflect both his and Rhino Fitness’ style, which allowed him to gain experience working with new tools and techniques. It was a learning process, and Mayes said the project was a stress reliever. “I was very blown away with his talent on the piece,” Coplen said. Mayes hoped to seek a master’s degree after graduating with his bachelor’s. He said that his plan for the future was to pursue a career in marriage and family counseling, while also having his own professional business as an artist. He looked forward to building a clientele and discovering more mural opportunities after being given one by Rhino Fitness. “I am excited about how the mural turned out, and I would love to continue to do gym murals in the future,” Mayes said. story by Britty Gist Nathan Mayes stands with his mural at Rhino Fitness. The mural was comissioned to liven the gym. | photo by Stanley Morales
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