Math equations, aliens, zombies and bearded men are never found in the same place — until now.They all appeared Wednesday on the blackboard wall in the atrium of the Design Building.University students can now express creativity on the new art wall — a large chalkboard where anyone can draw or write ideas for the public to see.”The blackboard wall in the atrium of the Design Building is the College of Art and Design’s analog chat room,” David Cronrath, dean of the College of Art and Design, said in an e-mail. “When you have creative students like in our college, it is our job to give them as many ways as possible to express their talents and ideas.”The blackboard was added when the gallery in the atrium was closed this summer. The college added the blackboard along with benches for students to observe the wall.”I think it’s cool to have something that’s dynamic and changes day to day on campus,” said Scott Beckstrom, geography senior.University students often stop by the blackboard between classes to write and draw or to observe other students’ contributions to the wall, said Lauryn Pontoppidan, communication disorders junior.”People can comment on each other’s comments — it’s sort of like Facebook in chalk,” said Rod Parker, interim director of the School of Art.The blackboard has not been officially promoted by the College of Art and Design, and remains a word-of-mouth trend, said Beckstrom.”I like to come here and think about the people who made the contributions to the wall — what they were thinking,” Beckstrom said.The wall is cleaned every Thursday, so new art can be added each week. University students contribute anything from inspirational quotes to cartoons and detailed drawings.”I like to come [to the blackboard] throughout the day and see what people have done,” said Pontoppidan.The wall offers students a chance to communicate through a medium that isn’t on a computer or cell phone, said Parker.”It gives everyone a chance to start a mini revolution,” said Tom Sofranko, associate dean of the College of Art and Design.Studio art professors use the art wall as a teaching tool as well.”It has a functional use,” Parker said. “It’s a place where faculty can sit with students and discuss an issue and use the board as a teaching wall.”So far, University students have respected the privilege of writing on the wall, it has remained free of offensive images and language, Parker said.”I’m really impressed that no one has written profanities – it’s kind of refreshing,” said Erika Letten, fine arts sophomore.—-Contact Emily Slack at [email protected]