Even the gray concrete floor, littered with electrical tape and pieces of wire, cannot distract a visitor from the astounding size and overwhelming beauty of the 10 Emerson Burkhart murals which transform the fourth floor of Stillman Hall into a European cathedral.According to James E. Stevens, associate vice president of Physical Facilities, renovation on the murals, which were originally painted for Stillman Hall’s Social Work Library in 1939, was completed last week as part of the ongoing construction project for the new home of the John Glenn Institute. Because the rest of the fourth floor remodeling is still under way, the public is unable to view the paintings. Thick clear plastic masks the retouched murals’ vibrant autumn hues in an effort to protect the historic works from construction dust and debris.”The Emerson Burkhart murals are just one example of a University treasure that reflects OSU’s cultural wealth and commitment to do what is necessary to preserve art and history for the benefit of our community,” said Physical Facilities’ mural project administrator, Lee Ann Deeter in her video narrative of the paintings’ history.Burkhart, who died in 1969, was thought of by most in the art world as one of Ohio’s leading artists. His paintings focused on realism and the human form.The Stillman Hall murals, financed by the Federal Arts Project of the Works Project Administration as part of Roosevelt’s outreach from the Depression, earned Burkhart $1,209 for 13 months of work.According to documents released by Ronda Griffith-Grubb, administrative secretary to the dean of social work, the murals, soaked in velvety greens and burnt oranges, depict concern for human welfare. “Burkhart’s panoramic and symbolic social documentary spans 400 years from 15th century Europe to early 20th century America,” said Deeter in her narrative. “His emotionally animated use of intense color and decorative patterning bring costumes and scenery to life and allows the viewer to feel his inspiration and vision of social development leading to the American Scene.”One of the three larger panels, approximately 14 feet long and five feet high, is entitled “America’s Intellectual Awakening.” It shows Walt Whitman, David Thoreau and various other suit-clad poets and authors standing in a library-type setting, chatting with one another.A smaller panel piece, approximately 4 feet by 4 feet, is entitled “Elizabethan Court Life,” and contrasts the wealthy privileged class and the poor conditions of the majority population.”The paintings were very appropriate for the social work library and the WPA project,” said Griffith-Grubb.Griffith-Grubb explained that when the social work library moved to join the education, psychology and human ecology libraries in Sullivant Hall, the university decided to renovate the fourth floor as a temporary home for the John Glenn Institute until enough funding can be raised to construct a building in Glenn’s honor.Stillman Hall is located at 1947 College Road. For more information contact Physical Facilities.