Some ISU students who are majoring in biological premedical illustration are working on a four-seasons mural at McFarland Park, 56461 180th St.

Dean Biechler, owner of Chichaqua Bend Studios, 56699 160th St., said the mural gives students the opportunity to watch or participate in painting an extensive project.

“The practical experience of fulfilling an assignment for a client and working with someone who has done a lot of different kinds of painting” are the benefits students who participate in the project will receive, said Biechler, adjunct professor of biological premedical illustration.

The 8-by-24 foot mural is located inside the McFarland Park Conservation Center and will feature three-dimensional effects as well as depict plants and animals associated with each season, Biechler said.

Megan O’Dea, junior in biological premedical illustration, said she wanted to work closely with Biechler and get some practical experience.

She also said she is looking forward to working on the three-dimensional aspects of the mural.

“We’re just working on the sky, so nothing too exciting,” O’Dea said. “We’re doing a tree and building some steps, too.”

A sheet of fiberglass will be used in the winter scene to give the appearance of a lake being frozen over, O’Dea said.

Rachel Rosteck, senior in biological premedical illustration, said she thinks the mural is a good learning experience and likes the flexible work schedule.

“You just go and paint at your leisure,” she said. “You pick a spot and start painting.”

Spring will be the first season depicted in the mural and winter will be the last, O’Dea said. A fox, a deer and insects will be in the mural, as well as some prairie grass.

The mural may also include some interactive activities for children.

Biechler said he worked closely with the Story County Conservation Board in designing this project and sketched the drawing that the students are using.

“It has to look like one person painted it,” Biechler said.

Both Biechler and Rosteck said they enjoy working in the atmosphere at McFarland Park and think park-goers appreciate being able to watch the mural’s progress.

“It’s fun to paint with all the staff there,” Biechler said. “[The public is] amazed by the things that change each day.”

Biechler said so far this summer there have been about eight students who’ve worked on the mural, and he offers internship credit for their efforts.

The mural is projected to be completed in September.