Monday, March 2, 2026

Wooden cabinet for plant seeds; community garden in the background. The UNT Community Garden's new Seed Library is located behind Crumley Hall at 1621 W. Highland St. on the UNT campus in Denton.

CVAD IADS Student Design Takes Root in UNT Community Garden

Students, faculty, staff and Denton residents now have free access to plant seeds at the UNT Community Garden.

Installed Feb. 19, 2026, the new UNT Community Seed Library operates on a simple “take some, leave some” model. Visitors may take seeds they need and contribute extras from their own gardens. Seed offerings will rotate seasonally and may include vegetables, herbs, tea plants and native Texas species. The UNT Community Garden originated as a student-led project funded by the UNT We Mean Green Fund. The mission of the garden is to promote environmental education, grow food organically, and foster a community focused on a greener, healthier future for everyone.

The structure was designed and built by a UNT student as part of an Art in Public class led by Alicia Eggert, associate professor of Studio Art: Sculpture in the College of Visual Arts and Design. Jacob Phillips, 2021 alum and CVAD Sculpture Shop visual arts technician, provided practical and creative expertise. Working within real-world budget and design constraints, students developed proposals for a permanent seed library for the garden.

Erin is facing forward and smiling. She has shoulder-length hair, wears an orange top under a beige sweater.

Erin McSweeny, senior, IADS

The winning design, created by Erin McSweeny, an Interdisciplinary Art and Design Studies major, was fabricated in CVAD’s wood and metal shops. The garden and UNT Facilities staff visited classes, provided feedback and evaluated the concepts based on design quality, feasibility and implementation. Brandon Lacy, auxiliary planning student supervisor of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, offered professional critiques prior to final presentations, facilitating a meaningful, career-relevant learning experience.

"It was such a valuable experience from beginning to end. Brandon Lacy, Alicia Eggert and Jacob Phillips made such a great team of advisors. Just awesome support from everyone," said McSweeny.

Additionally, McSweeny also credits the following for providing her with their time and expertise.

Digital Design Help

Elizabeth Lewis, Studio Art: Sculpture | Abi Furr, 2025 alum, Studio Art: Metalsmithing & Jewelry

Fabrication Help

Luzmarie Jimenez, Studio Art: New Media Art | Ellie Skinner, Studio Art: Metalsmithing & Jewelry

Kenna Buce, Studio Art: Sculpture | Diana Lucio, Studio Art: Sculpture

Connor Hurtado, History, minor in Sculpture | Grace Putnam, Studio Art: Drawing & Painting

Supervisor: Cody Kimpton, student services coordinator, UNT Mean Green Fund, Student Affairs

Transport to the permanent site: Jeff McClung, adjunct faculty in Sculpture and Art Building facilities manager

Designed for both function and visual impact, the apothecary-style cabinet features more than 20 drawers for seed storage and a foldout workstation. Murals on the exterior depict the “Three Sisters” — squash, beans and corn — as well as native Denton plants such as prickly pear cactus and American beautyberry traditionally grown together in Indigenous farming. The seed library supports campus sustainability efforts and encourages greater food independence and community connection. Anyone may take seeds they need and contribute extras from their own garden.

The goal is simple: make it easier for students to grow their own food and connect with the campus community.

To learn more about the community garden or participating in workshops, visit the UNT Community Garden's website. Information about funding sustainability projects is available through the We Mean Green Fund website. Follow Erin McSweeny on Instagram: mcsweenymade.