Big Idea: “Wall of Honor Mural that Celebrates the Life of a UAW Leader”

Exhibit Title: Leonard Woodcock Honorary Wall

Client: Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne State University

Date: 2019

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Wayne State University wanted a wall of honor mural celebrating Leonard Woodcock’s life, and his ties to Detroit. Woodcock began his career as a machinist in the city, where he became the UAW President and eventually, the U.S. Ambassador to China under President Carter. Throughout his career, Woodcock remained active in the Civil Rights Movement, Detroit affairs, and Wayne State University.

With this in mind, we utilized the UAW logo as a starting point for the wall of honor mural. With the logo haloing around his head before branching off into traits that make up Woodcock, we pulled colors from the Detroit automotive industry to tie it back to the UAW. The gear shape with the spokes is also indicative of machinery shapes. The final design is a combination of vinyl and PVC prints to give the work a 3D effect. This wall can be viewed at the Wayne State University Walter P. Reuther Library.

For other wall mural designs from Pendulee, click here.