Students and artist collaborate to create mosaic

A new mosaic now adorns the wall outside the Middle School office thanks to students in Michelle Egelston's art class. The nine-foot by nine-foot masterpiece is the collaboration of students, Mrs. Egelston, and resident artist Joshua Winer.

Winer, a Boston-area resident, carefully guided the young artists as they cut, mortared, and grouted tiles. Students moved in and out of the classroom helping whenever they had time available. Winer worked a steady eight hours each day. In less than two weeks, the mosaic was complete and school custodians mounted it securely to the wall.

A plan to include everyone

Mrs. Egelston was looking for a project that would actively involve a large number of students. Her two previous projects were the giant murals—a native American theme in a second-floor wing at East Hill and an undersea theme in the Nellis. Both projects required students with advanced art skills. In both cases, high school students stepped in to help complete the work. Mrs. Egelston did not want to only rely on the best art students. A mosaic seemed a great way to include all students.

Mrs. Egelston submitted design ideas to Mr. Miner. He offered his thoughts, both from an artistic and a practical view. The final plan was for a tree with branches and roots interlaced in a Celtic knot pattern. The roots signify the foundation of character that children build in school and the branches represent the growth we see. The tree is encircled by the character principles "responsibility, honesty, respect, and sharing." One of each of the four seasons appears in each corner of the mosaic symbolizing the passage of time. Familiar area landmarks Big Nose and Little Nose appear with the tree.

Everyone found a way to participate. Some used their construction skills to build a four-part plywood and cement backer board frame to encompass the tree. Using glass and ceramic cutters, some students cut each individual tiles. Others pressed tiles into the mortar applied to the giant frame. And others taped off areas that were not to be grouted, grouted, and washed the excess grout away with damp sponges. It was truly a work of community.

An impassioned artist

Mr. Winer talents have taken him around the world creating mosaics, giant mobiles, and trompe l'oeil (trick of the eye) paintings. His extensive portfolio includes numerous school mosaics where he served as the artist-in-residence. Each school project allows him to interact with a new group of people.

"Kids are fun to worth with," he said. "Together we are creating things of beauty. I get to make some new friends."

He enjoys sharing is love for art.  "Sharing the decision making is artistically interesting. Every project is unique and interesting. And the process of making art together is satisfying for people," he said.