Students from across campus came together to paint a mural and leave their mark at Nebraska in September. Commissioned by the Center for Entrepreneurship (C4E) at the College of Business, the mural became the first venture for a new startup called The PALETTE Project, spearheaded by founder, CEO and senior management major Erika Casarin from Lincoln, Nebraska.

“Not only does the experience break barriers and bring individuals together, but The PALETTE Project also beautifies the communities where we reside,” Casarin said. “I wanted to create an experience for students, allowing them to connect in a meaningful way. This event provided a place for them to mingle and make great memories while also creating unique art.”

Designed like a big paint-by-number activity, the mural was installed in the C4E – the same place Casarin’s idea developed through teamwork.

“I had no idea where to start, so I scheduled a consultation appointment with the Center for Entrepreneurship. I met with staff who took the time to listen to my idea and asked me questions. We found the holes in the model and strategized on how to compensate for them. They guided me through the early business stages,” Casarin said.

Competing in the C4E's New Venture Competition with her business plan, Casarin also talked to members of the Startups UNL student organization. Then she pitched PALETTE’s first project idea to Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance and Samuel Nelson, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and associate professor of practice in management.

“She communicated how this mural was a way for us to share the story of entrepreneurship at Nebraska and its endless possibilities. It seemed only fitting that the first student-designed venture for the PALETTE Project would be installed in the Center for Entrepreneurship,” he said.

Javier Rivera, senior art major from Omaha, Nebraska, designed the art, “Lift Off” (shown above), and Avry Victor, junior art major from Lincoln, created the graphic design.

“The design exhibits six space people assembling a rocket mid-flight and represent the core values of Startups UNL,” Casarin said. “Through these, we build stronger bonds and achieve individual and group success. Entrepreneurship is fast-paced and invigorating, thus the inclusion of the rocket helps to convey a sky’s-the-limit mentality, and each individual has a role in completing the rocket, highlighting the importance of collaboration and teamwork.”