09-02-2025
Mural created by GVSU student sparks controversy
ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A mural at Grand Valley State University has sparked controversy, with some calling the piece religiously offensive.
'Pétalos De Cambio,' or 'Petals of Change,' was created by artist Irlanda Beltran for her graphic design senior thesis exhibition, according to . that GVSU paid Beltran $1,800 for the art and hung it in the Kirkhof Center.
The mural's three panels include portrayals of Our Lady of Guadalupe — one of the titles for the Virgin Mary — who can symbolize Mexican identity as well as religion, the description says. Its goal is to draw attention to issues like violence against women and homophobia, according to GVSU's website.
In a statement provided to News 8, the artist said the goal of 'Pétalos De Cambio' was to address societal challenges without undermining the core tenets of the Catholic faith.
'These murals seek to confront gender-based violence, homophobia, and mental health disorders, advocating for a nuanced reevaluation of certain aspects of Catholic teachings to foster a more inclusive and compassionate culture,' Beltran's statement continued. 'The intent is not to criticize, but to encourage thoughtful reflection on interpretations that may inadvertently contribute to societal issues.'
On Saturday, a group gathered on GVSU's campus to oppose the display of 'Pétalos De Cambio.'
'Today is a peaceful rosary prayer protest to the art installation known as Petals of Change being displayed at Grand Valley State University,' GVSU student and organizer Noah Mullins told News 8. 'The installation came down from its spot in the Kirkhof Center this past Wednesday, but the university has vowed to put it back up in another location that they have not disclosed yet. And we are continuing to protest the university owning and displaying this installation.'
He termed the artwork 'troublesome to the faith' and said it promoted violence.
'Really, one that is troublesome to anybody, religious or not — the far right panel of the installation has an X through Mary's face and a gun pointed at her,' Mullins said.
The panel includes phrases like 'no mas feminicidios' ('no more femicides') and 'nos están matando' ('they are killing us').
'Our Blessed Mother represents holiness and purity, and the image that they have is really disturbing to us,' Meredith Burl, a Catholic and another demonstration organizer, said. 'We came out today mainly to make a reparation to God and to our Blessed Mother for the sacrilege … but also to tell Grand Valley that we think it's unacceptable.'
Mullins said the piece could also be offensive to those of other religions.
'Mary holds an incredibly high place in Christianity … but not just Christianity. Mary is a highly, highly revered figure in Islam,' he said. 'But also Mary is, historically through religious and non-religious records, a Jewish woman.'
At Saturday's prayer and protest, attendees held signs bearing messages like 'Christ is king' and 'shame on the GVSU leadership for allowing this abomination.' Mullins said some people traveled to GVSU from other states to join.
'We're urging the university to not redisplay (the piece), and we're encouraging them to remove it from their collection,' Mullins said.
'Pétalos De Cambio' was in storage as of Saturday, GVSU's website indicates. News 8 reached out to the university Saturday seeking a statement but did not immediately hear back.
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