Artists for the Arts
Tubman Middle School Gets a Lesson in Fusion
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A Glass Mural Project Becomes the School’s First Permanent Art Installation
See photos from this project
Overview
In 2005, a grant of $975.00 was awarded by the AFTA Grant Program to Natalie Mew, an Art Teacher at Harriet Tubman Middle School in Northeast Portland. Mew sought the funds to purchase art supplies needed for her students to create a Fused Glass Mural at the school.
The Project
60 students each created a unique piece of fused-glass tile artwork, which are now arranged in a hanging “glass curtain” that stands as the first significant permanent art installation in the school. Each student was challenged to create his or her own interpretation of the theme, “Imagination,” and transfer it into a highly personal work of art.
“You can see that each tile really reflects the diversity of our school,” said Mew, “We have African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, and many others in our programs, and each created something from their own experiences.” The tiles depict translucent basketballs, ships sailing past islands, families, stars, and many other abstract patterns.
The Players
Lisa Wilke, a local glass and mosaic artisan and instructor working with the Young Audiences organization, provided instruction and guidance to the students in partnership with Natalie Mew, and Kate Hartley at Uroboros Glass Studios, Inc. Uroboros provided glass supplies and firing time in their kilns for the project.
The Celebration
On March 24, 2006, Harriet Tubman Middle School hosted a Student Art Reception to celebrate the completion of the tile mosaic project. The event recognized 10 students who were selected for their outstanding participation, and was attended by teachers and administrators, as well as a number of local artists and business-owners that participated in the project.
The Results
A presence of a permanent art installation is an incalculable addition to a public school in terms of adding beauty to the physical environment. However, for the students, the memories of being involved in a project that offers new hands-on experiences and develops new skills is every bit as exciting.
“My favorite part was going to the glass studio and seeing the big ovens,” said one excited student, of their class visit to the local glass studio.
In her grant application to AFTA, Mew states, “In seeing their murals displayed on the school campus, students become both creators and beneficiaries of a learning environment that values aesthetics, instills a sense of purpose, and promotes school unity and student pride.”
Mew’s creativity, dedication to her students, and her ability to turn her vision into reality through the proposal and execution of a well-planned project resulted in securing an AFTA grant for Harriet Tubman Middle School. The results are certain to inspire the Tubman student body for years to come.
Learn More or Apply: The Annual AFTA Grant Program
Read Our Donor Success Stories
See photos from this project
Overview
In 2005, a grant of $975.00 was awarded by the AFTA Grant Program to Natalie Mew, an Art Teacher at Harriet Tubman Middle School in Northeast Portland. Mew sought the funds to purchase art supplies needed for her students to create a Fused Glass Mural at the school.
The Project
60 students each created a unique piece of fused-glass tile artwork, which are now arranged in a hanging “glass curtain” that stands as the first significant permanent art installation in the school. Each student was challenged to create his or her own interpretation of the theme, “Imagination,” and transfer it into a highly personal work of art.
“You can see that each tile really reflects the diversity of our school,” said Mew, “We have African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, and many others in our programs, and each created something from their own experiences.” The tiles depict translucent basketballs, ships sailing past islands, families, stars, and many other abstract patterns.
The Players
Lisa Wilke, a local glass and mosaic artisan and instructor working with the Young Audiences organization, provided instruction and guidance to the students in partnership with Natalie Mew, and Kate Hartley at Uroboros Glass Studios, Inc. Uroboros provided glass supplies and firing time in their kilns for the project.
The Celebration
On March 24, 2006, Harriet Tubman Middle School hosted a Student Art Reception to celebrate the completion of the tile mosaic project. The event recognized 10 students who were selected for their outstanding participation, and was attended by teachers and administrators, as well as a number of local artists and business-owners that participated in the project.
The Results
A presence of a permanent art installation is an incalculable addition to a public school in terms of adding beauty to the physical environment. However, for the students, the memories of being involved in a project that offers new hands-on experiences and develops new skills is every bit as exciting.
“My favorite part was going to the glass studio and seeing the big ovens,” said one excited student, of their class visit to the local glass studio.
In her grant application to AFTA, Mew states, “In seeing their murals displayed on the school campus, students become both creators and beneficiaries of a learning environment that values aesthetics, instills a sense of purpose, and promotes school unity and student pride.”
Mew’s creativity, dedication to her students, and her ability to turn her vision into reality through the proposal and execution of a well-planned project resulted in securing an AFTA grant for Harriet Tubman Middle School. The results are certain to inspire the Tubman student body for years to come.
Learn More or Apply: The Annual AFTA Grant Program
Read Our Donor Success Stories
Printed Sat, May 17, 2008 - 7:48:30 at www.artistsforthearts.org
Artists for the Arts
PO Box 12702, Portland OR 97212 © 2008 Artists for the Arts
Artists for the Arts
PO Box 12702, Portland OR 97212 © 2008 Artists for the Arts