UC Merced recently hosted a special reception, on the Kolligian Library’s 3rd floor, celebrating the permanent acquisition of ‘Four Seasons of Yosemite’. These four monumental stained-glass murals created by artist William Poulson now have a permanent home in the Leo and Dottie Kolligian Library, a public place where students, researchers and community members can continue to engage with these remarkable works. UC Merced is deeply grateful for the generosity of the more than 100 donors who supported the acquisition effort, and especially to longtime arts advocate Carolyn Vara, whose leadership and dedication helped rally community support and secure a lasting future for the murals at UC Merced.
The murals represent the largest art acquisition in UC Merced's history and further strengthen the university's Permanent Collection, established by Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz in 2022 and led by Executive Director for the Arts Collin Lewis. The addition of Four Seasons of Yosemite reflects UC Merced's commitment to preserving and sharing the artistic and cultural heritage of the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley.
UC Merced Celebrates Permanent Acquisition of ‘Four Seasons of Yosemite’ Murals (UC Merced Newsroom, 21 August 2026), Francesca Dinglasan
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University Librarian Sarah Forzetting expresses her excitement that the murals have been acquired and can deepen our understanding of this region and its people.
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz speaks to the value of art and thanks all who made this acquisition possible.
Reception attendees listen to remarks.
Artist Bill Poulson shares a brief history of how the murals made their way to UC Merced.
