Third-year global studies major James Cobb is launching an on-campus art project compiling the various experiences students want to undertake in their lives onto one large mural.

The “Before I Die…” venture will consist of a sandwich board placed between Davidson Library and the Arbor. Cobb established project funding and gained Associated Students Legislative Council support last week from council members Marlene Moreno and Jonathan Abboud.

According to Cobb, the project will provide students the opportunity to express thoughts and goals previously set aside due to the stressful and chaotic university atmosphere.

“When you get into college, you lose sight of what it is that you are working towards,” Cobb said. “This ‘Before I Die’ wall can remind you of how short life is and [it] gives a chance for fellow students to throw [it] around in their heads and maybe re-realize what it is that they want to do.”

Second-year undeclared major April Cross said the mural can give students more direction concerning their life and career goals.

“It’s got a really good message,” Cross said. “We are in college and we are trying to figure out what we want to do. Even if we’re not writing down our life dream, it’s a good opportunity to stop and get a little direction.”

Cobb drew inspiration for the piece after hearing about artist Candy Chang’s New Orleans community art project in response to Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. The New Orleans art installation differs extensively from Cobb’s and involves plastering blackboards to the walls of run-down, abandoned homes to encourage community members to write their aspirations and related goals.

Although project details are still in the works, Cobb said the artistic process is already underway.

“I have talked to a prop designer for a theater in San Diego and he and I produced some sketches and designs where the walls can close in on itself so it can be stored for further use,” Cobb said. “[We will] maybe attach wheels so that the wall could be taken from place to place.”