"It was quite interesting having people come in and out when I was trying to paint over the graffiti and install a floor," Johannsen said. "It was very hot and sticky, so I would get out every once in awhile."

"I did get to know the nuances of the elevator, like how it settles after 30 seconds of not being in use," she said. "So it does this big jump — which would be interesting when I was trying to stencil the little birds on the wall and things like that."

The biggest challenge, Johannsen said, was having to find nonflammable materials to meet safety requirements (no paper or canvas allowed). The faux cross-stitch that reads "Welcome to Purgatory: A Short Stop on Your Way to Eternity," for example, was painted on a plastic window shade. Johannsen's "books" are actually painted on linoleum floor samples.

One other student has expressed interest in doing a Hi/Lo Gallery show, but "Elevator to Eternity" will remain up for awhile, Loeser said.

"I'm guessing it might be vandalized at some point," Johannsen said. "It might be interesting to see how people respond to it. This is the first time a cohesive piece has been in there, so we're not sure if any vandalism will happen at all."