The Jim Boeheim Syracuse "Legacy" Mural

The Story: My name is Chris B. Murray. I’m an artist residing in Philadelphia, PA but spent my formative years in Upstate NY / Syracuse with a deep love for Syracuse University basketball. Like so many others from this area, SU basketball wasn’t just a sport to me it was part of my identity, my childhood, and my inspiration. One of the most formative experiences of my youth was attending Coach Jim Boeheim’s summer basketball camps. Those summers weren’t just about learning the fundamentals of the game; they were about learning discipline, focus, and the power of dedication. Values that have guided me throughout my life and career as an artist.

Coach Boeheim’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. His loyalty to Syracuse, his incredible 47-year coaching career, and his unwavering commitment to excellence helped shape the soul of this city. For decades, he was a symbol of consistency, grit, and success. His teams inspired generations, and for those of us who grew in and around the city limits of Syracuse, he was a hometown hero.

Now, as a professional artist, I’d like to use my skills to honor that legacy. I’m proposing a four-story painted mural in downtown Syracuse (215 W. Fayette St.) that pays tribute to Coach Boeheim and the incredible impact he’s had on the city, the university, and the countless lives he’s touched. This mural would serve not only as a visual celebration of his career but as a source of pride for the community. A lasting reminder of what it means to be truly devoted to something bigger than yourself.

The Process: The mural will be created entirely by hand using a combination of spray paint and acrylic paint. The process begins by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the wall, followed by the application of a weather-resistant primer coat to ensure proper adhesion and longevity of the artwork. Once primed, a grid system is mapped out across the surface to accurately transfer the design from sketch to wall, maintaining correct proportions and composition. Using the grid as a guide, I’ll begin laying down detailed linework to define the structure of the mural. From there, I’ll build up layers of color and shading with both spray paint and brush-applied acrylics, bringing depth, texture, and vibrancy to the piece. A boom lift will be used throughout the project to safely access and work on the higher sections of the three-story wall, ensuring consistency and precision at every elevation of the mural. The cleanliness of my work area will be maintained daily.

The Timeline: 2.5 - 3.5 weeks (weather permitting). The start date would be end of Summer / early Autumn 2025.

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