MSUM Alum's Large-scale Artwork Impacts Lives

In a fast-paced world with a tight routine, people sometimes lose joy in their daily activities. Lauren Starling converts plain walls into artwork, allowing passersby to stop and think about something other than work.

Lauren, who uses they/them pronouns, graduated from MSU Moorhead with a B.A. in criminal justice and psychology in 2017. Their motivation has always been to help people, to learn about the community and how people think.

Lauren created the iconic #FargoMarioWall in downtown Fargo. After that, they got requests to paint more murals around the tri-state area (North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota). Now, they have painted more than 90 large-scale murals.

#FargoMarioWall photo courtesy of Lauren Starling

"My murals make people think as they discuss what they see," Lauren says.

Lauren always felt linked with art, either through photography, choir, or simply doodling in their notebooks. "During my time at MSUM I always connected with art, film, and music major students. They were my friends, and I spent a lot of time in the Center for the Arts," Lauren says.

Art represents a way of connecting with the masses for Lauren. "I love doing things to bring people together and make them think outside the box," Lauren says.

Their most recent project is on a building owned by two MSUM alumni at 205 17th St. S., Moorhead. Lauren painted a design with local pollinators, a bright blue background, flowers and summer colors.

The owners knew that Lauren painted the same wall some years ago, so contacted them to make a new piece. "The owners are the nicest people in the world; they gave me an idea but freedom on the design, and I just let it flow," Lauren says.

Painting wasn't Lauren's first passion. Lauren was launching their photography business when they got recruited for a painting job.

Since then, art has provided healing and empowerment during difficult times. Lauren's parents died. Lauren also was in an abusive relationship. "I find refuge in art, in my darkest moments," says Lauren, "I like to make people happy through my art but at the same time I feel immensely proud of myself."

Lauren's reward is seeing the community appreciate their art, bringing joy and imagination to people's lives.

They explain that painting on a canvas is nice. However, painting walls has a big impact on others. "People stop by murals and immerse themselves in the art, preoccupation and work are aside for a few minutes," Lauren says.

"Art is a way of expression for me, and I know I can impact humans' life through it," Lauren says.