A group of roommates chose a gray scroll-like design that offers advice to Harvard undergraduates.

Emma F.O. Wendt ’04 explains, “It is a list of things to do before you graduate.”

Or, as Lesley W. Ma ’03 calls it, “some stupid things we’ve done.”

Another tight-knit group of roommates chose a quote from C.S. Lewis about friendship.

Rebecca “Kate” McHugh ’03 laughs, “We’re not that artistic, so that’s why we’re doing a quote.”

The mural-painting was open to all current Adams House residents, and the range of artistic talents among the painters varied considerably as the few technical and serious-minded artists blended with students more inclined to paintball than painting. But artistic ability was certainly not a criterion for painting the landmark designs—only the desire to leave a message to posterity in Adams House.

Kivett-Ripmaster reveals her motivation for participating in the painting of the walls: “You pass this stuff every day, you read the same quotes over and over, so now we’re just revamping it.”

By painting a mural with her friends she indulged in one last bit of Harvard nostalgia.

“This is our last chance to do this, to leave our mark on our house,” Kivett-Ripmaster says.

Adams House Arts Tutor Jen Mergel ’98 meandered among the students at the party, offering pizza and jellybeans as well as painting tips.

“It’s been a full House effort and months in the planning,” Mergel says. “Even house master Sean Palfrey helped paint the tunnels to get them ready.”

The newly-decorated walls should be entirely finished by Arts First weekend.