A Houston Christian University (HCU) art professor and students from the HCU Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program had the incredible opportunity to help commemorate a major milestone in Houston’s sports history — the 25th anniversary of the Astros’ ballpark, now known as Daikin Park.

Last season, the Astros organization reached out to faculty in HCU’s art department in search of talented art students to collaborate with a local Houston muralist. MFA Studio Art students — Hailey Harvey, Chloe Hudspeth, Lyndie Swanson and Delaney McRitchie Yohe — joined Tiffany Bergeron, Assistant Professor of Visual Arts, to help design and paint a large-scale mural celebrating the ballpark’s 25th anniversary.

Located in Hall of Fame Alley, the mural honors 25 years of Astros’ history and features some of the franchise’s most iconic figures and symbols, including Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Billy Wagner, Jose Altuve and Orbit. The artwork also incorporates the Astros’ beloved train, a 19th-century replica steam locomotive that runs along a track above left field to celebrate the team’s home runs and wins.

What began as a call for collaboration evolved into a transformative hands-on learning experience. The project involved three weeks of planning and a full week of painting — long afternoons and late nights filled with teamwork, creativity and dedication.

“This collaboration was not only a celebration of Houston’s baseball history but also a hands-on learning experience for our students. Watching [students] work so passionately, problem-solve together and see their art on such a large scale was truly inspiring,” shared Bergeron.

Since its unveiling, the mural has been featured on television, online and throughout the ballpark, reaching thousands of Astros fans. For the HCU Fine Arts team, it was more than just a public art project — it was a celebration of creativity, community and the power of experiential learning.

“This project perfectly reflects what we strive for in our program, to connect art with community, collaboration and real-world experience. It was such a special and memorable way to celebrate not only the Astros’ 25th anniversary, but also the creativity and talent of our students here at HCU,” said Bergeron.