“Making History,
Shaping the Future”

75th Anniversary Commemorative Mural

To mark the Lab’s 75th anniversary, a mural was chosen at a community engagement space on campus as the most impactful way to celebrate its history of national security achievements, scientific innovation, and the people who drive its mission.

The mural covers four walls in continuum, spanning over 800 square feet of space.

Concept, design, and painting was a collaboration by Jami Butler (project lead) and Krissy Jones.

©Jami Butler and Krissy Jones for Sandia National Laboratories, 2024

"Making History, Shaping the Future" 75th Anniversary Commemorative Mural
Electrical substation building, before
Front of the mural and continuation of the story on the second panel (right side), with artists Jami Butler (left), and Krissy Galbraith (right)
North side of the mural symbolizing the connection between Sandia Lab and its contributions that are distinct to the people, culture, and landscape of California.
"Shaping the Future" - the backside of the mural inviting viewers to envision future generations and their contributions to Sandia and to science and innovation.
South panel of the mural representing change, growth, and the connection between current times and the future.
The design phase of the mural spanned six months of collaboration between the two artists, and many iterations of both traditional and digital illustration work.
The mural was transferred to the wall in the dead of night via projector and very sturdy, construction-grade graphite.
The drawing was then drawn on with paint to ensure visibility for the duration of the painting process.
The design was carefully planned in advance down to each last shape of color, using over 36 different colors, drawing initially from Sandia's branded color palette; expanded strategically for a harmonious palette that blended transitions and design e
Over 40 gallons of paint were used to ensure full coverage. A fastidious color organization system was utilized to maintain color integrity and help ease of color mixing when needed.
over 50 brushes were used, cleaned, and organized daily.
Jami Butler and Krissy Galbraith standing at the back, south corner of the mural.
View a video of the mural on Instagram!
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