Holly Heights Elementary School Millville NJ

This past spring, I had the opportunity to work on an arts integration project with several fifth grade classes at Holly Heights Elementary in Millville NJ. The Arts Integration team wanted to create a "green wall"  and meditation /reflection area in the school's courtyard. I worked with students to create the ceramic tile wall that eventually will be surrounded by a water feature and plantings that will trellis up. We also created mosaic stepping stones that will be placed at the base of the tile wall. Here is a photo of the green wall during and after installation. I will need to visit the school soon to get a photo of the completed garden area.

Summer Work

A selection of new work I created for a series of pop up art shows at the Old Opera House in Woodstown NJ. These pieces were inspired by drawings I created for a mural in Atlantic City NJ. The theme of the mural was "Peace Garden". The flower designs are influenced by the graphic art of Rex Ray and traditional folk art florals.

Evans Elementary Mosaic map completed and installed!

Here is the completed mosaic map of Evesham Township. It is located at the front door of the Evesham Public Library, which is part of the municipal complex. This map shows some of the historical sites and locations in the township spanning the past 60 years and beyond. The township will no doubt continue to grow and change. This map will remain a beautiful art document of what once was.

With principal Diblasi and art teacher Mrs Barber.

Evan's Elementary School Mosaic Map

I had the pleasure of working this past year at the Evans Elementary School in Evasham Township NJ. The school was celebrating its 6oth anniversary. Unfortunately the celebrations came to a halt when the township decided to close the school forever, and relocate all of the students and staff to several other area schools. The principal Nick Diblasi, art teacher Darcy Barber, and I met, along with Allison Hunt from Perkins Center for the Arts. It was decided that I would help the school create a legacy mural, so that the school would never be forgotton. Every person would have the chance to contribute something to this mural, which ended up being installed in the Evesham public library. We created a mosaic map of the township, which reflects the past 60 years, to commemorate the 6oth anniversary of the Evans School. This project held great meaning for me as I spent 8 years living in the township during the time period reflected in this mural. The township has changed greatly. This work will inspire those who view it in the library to, in the words of principal Nick,"explore this mural and find something new. When you find something new, head inside the library, grab a book, and start reading".

Washington Ave Diversity Mosaic Completed

Here is the finished mural. I have added another layer of faculty tiles at the bottom. Thanks to Liz from Young Audiences for this photo! The mural is beautiful and really reflects the incredible diversity of the school. It hangs in the front of school, just next to the main office for anyone who enters the building to see.

Washington Avenue Diversity Mural

The multicultural garden is complete! After a little cleaning up and some better lighting, Ill post a better photo. This one was snapped with my i phone seconds after the grouting was completed. I had to run out the door to give a presentation on my mural making and wanted to include this mural.

Selected Work Through The Years

 Here is a variety of personal work from the past 5 years. All of the work is part of an ongoing series entitled "Nature and geometry". The vase at the bottom was made in the 1980's!

"White Lillies"

                                                                     "West Wind"
                                                               

                                                            " Van Gogh's Wheatfield "

Washington Street mural progress

Finally I had the chance to place all the panels together to see the progress. I see we still have much to do!

The Mosaic at Washington St Elementary Continues.

Students continue their work on the "Diversity Garden". Fourth and fifth grade students learned how to cut and glue tile. Third grade students learned how to glaze. They are glazing tiles made by the faculty that will be used as a border around the mosaic.