If you go to the Ag Mechanics building you will see a new addition to campus, but it's not a building. Located on the east wall of the building is a new mural commissioned by the Department of Ag Science to Professor Adam Longatti and his fall 2021 art class.

The mural is 135 feet by 15 feet and represents all things encompassing ag science, said Longatti, who collaborated with his students on what should be included in the mural. Big factors that prompt growth such as labor, water, soil and pollination are a main focus of the mural, as well as an oak tree in the center.

“The oak tree represents the native people here before contact and how they used the land as well,” said Longatti. “It is the foundation for all the things that are going on throughout the composition of the mural.”

The mural also shows a farm worker pouring grapes into a bin surrounded by fruit boxes that include plums and pomegranates and fruit boxes, which shows how farm workers help the agriculture industry thrive. Behind the worker is a field of crops and a glimpse of the foothills in the background. California poppies decorate the bottom corner along with sunflowers and bee boxes. In the background, you can see a farmer on a tractor and the Friant Dam with flowing water that leads into the irrigation lines in the field below, showing how water from the dam is used to help the crops flourish. Throughout the mural there are paintings of bees, butterflies and birds representing how agriculture in the Central Valley is fueled by pollination.

The fall 2021 semester class started the mural in November and continued to work on it through the spring semester, often volunteering on Saturdays to finish the mural. The project was a collaborative effort between nine students from the previous class as well as some volunteers from the spring semester class.

Longatti, who has taught at Fresno State since 2005, specializes in water colors and 2D and 3D design. Though he specializes in drawing, he primarily teaches painting and has also taught at Reedley College. His next project will be for the Craig School of Business in fall 2022.

This mural is planned for the wall next to the student market area and near the main entrance coming from the art department.