On October 24, 2024, student artist/health sciences major Mariana Suarez Molina ‘26 submitted an artistic vision she had that all Seawolves are superheroes in their own right.
At the first ART Tank competition that day, her dream of sharing that idea as a lasting legacy came true when her large mural — We Are All Superheroes — won first place, along with another work of student art.
In July 2025, Campus Beautification Committee (CBC) members and library staff hung Molina’s strikingly colorful piece of art in the Melville Library’s Central Reading Room.
On November 21, Molina’s legacy became ‘official’ when CBC and library staff once again joined together to formally present her with a plaque commemorating her work, affixing it to the wall right next to the painting for all to read and enjoy.
As you can see for yourself next time you visit the library, the plaque explains that this is Molina’s first painting and that, as an international student from Colombia, she “wanted diverse students from all disciplines and with different interests and backgrounds to see themselves in this picture.”
David Ecker, CBC Executive Board member and an ART Tank founder, presented Molina with the plaque, congratulating her for bringing her meaningful vision to life and sharing it with fellow Seawolves.
“I feel such amazement and excitement now that the mural Mariana created is officially commemorated,” Ecker said. “Seeing a student’s idea come to life brings such warmth to the campus. We have a university that is in such need of community, and her piece represents all of the explorers on campus — from students to faculty, staff and alumni. I am delighted to play a little part in making this a reality.”
Molina added, “This mural represents what I love most about Stony Brook: its diversity, creativity and community. I wanted every student who sees it to remember that we all carry a spark of a hero within us.”
ART Tank cofounder Chris Tanaka, CBC co-chair Ellen Cooke, and Head of Library Operations Kenneth Schaal were also on hand to commemorate the latest addition to the Melville Library’s art collection.
And ART Tank continues its exciting forward trajectory, with projects now being planned to be installed for winners of the second successful annual event, held October 29, 2025, and visions already forming for more student art to showcase in the future.
— Ellen Cooke
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