The ARTery Project
Step #1 - DIALOGUE
Every great event begins with a dialogue.
The focus of this project is to create mosaic murals in the form of benches, that will capture the heart and soul of a community. This leads us to the first step - a dialogue between the young and old of a community in order to fully understand where we came from and what is important. This is done by listening, by communicating, by understanding each other's point of view.
Visioning Workshop
In order to create a dialogue, a community meeting must be set up by placing an ad about it in the local newspaper, as well as putting up flyers around the local schools and businesses. This meeting, which will be organized by the Artery as well as their sponsor, will introduce the project to the community. The attached proposal will be handed out. It will also be used to discuss the important issues and memories that make their community special. These stories and conversations will be recorded, providing an archive for the community and the source for the design of the mural. The input from the community will determine the theme and design elements to be featured in the mosaic mural benches.
Website Created
A website will be created that will document the project from beginning to end. Portions of the recordings, photos, media coverage and events will be posted on the community website. A member of the Artery (community art group) will be designated as historian in order to record this information.
Location Selection
The benches will be located at various sites within our community. This decision will be made by the community, the mayor, and the city council. The following locations are suggested for the placement of the first two benches. These two buildings, the courthouse and the city hall, are landmarks that are visited everyday, and located on the town square, which is considered the heart of the community. These sites are strategic to the town, and can be seen and appreciated by both residents and visitors.
The focus of this project is to create mosaic murals in the form of benches, that will capture the heart and soul of a community. This leads us to the first step - a dialogue between the young and old of a community in order to fully understand where we came from and what is important. This is done by listening, by communicating, by understanding each other's point of view.
Visioning Workshop
In order to create a dialogue, a community meeting must be set up by placing an ad about it in the local newspaper, as well as putting up flyers around the local schools and businesses. This meeting, which will be organized by the Artery as well as their sponsor, will introduce the project to the community. The attached proposal will be handed out. It will also be used to discuss the important issues and memories that make their community special. These stories and conversations will be recorded, providing an archive for the community and the source for the design of the mural. The input from the community will determine the theme and design elements to be featured in the mosaic mural benches.
Website Created
A website will be created that will document the project from beginning to end. Portions of the recordings, photos, media coverage and events will be posted on the community website. A member of the Artery (community art group) will be designated as historian in order to record this information.
Location Selection
The benches will be located at various sites within our community. This decision will be made by the community, the mayor, and the city council. The following locations are suggested for the placement of the first two benches. These two buildings, the courthouse and the city hall, are landmarks that are visited everyday, and located on the town square, which is considered the heart of the community. These sites are strategic to the town, and can be seen and appreciated by both residents and visitors.
Step #2 - DESIGN
After meeting with members of the community, the Artery (or your community art group) will collaborate in order to create several designs that convey some of the memories, values, traditions, customs, and/or aspirations of our community. These designs will meet the format and measurements of the bench seats that will be used.
At least 3 design templates need to be created. These will then be critiqued and a single design will be selected.
The design will then be recreated on a paper template matching the dimensions of the final bench seat. This template will have each section either labeled with the appropriate colors of tiles, or be colored according to the final design.
At least 3 design templates need to be created. These will then be critiqued and a single design will be selected.
The design will then be recreated on a paper template matching the dimensions of the final bench seat. This template will have each section either labeled with the appropriate colors of tiles, or be colored according to the final design.
Step #3 - DEVELOPMENT
This step encompasses compiling all supplies necessary for the deployment of the designs that will cover the cement benches. The base of the mosaic design will be a concrete bench. Homer High School shop department will construct the benches. The follow dimensions will be followed:
Top Dimensions: 60” x 24” x 5”
Pedestal Dimensions: 5.7” x 18” x 12”
Cost: Approximately $200 each
The first decision is the type of mosaics to be used in the project. Various materials are available and are listed below. The choice will be made collaboratively by the group producing the mosaic.
The following list of supplies will also be needed in the production of this project:
Top Dimensions: 60” x 24” x 5”
Pedestal Dimensions: 5.7” x 18” x 12”
Cost: Approximately $200 each
The first decision is the type of mosaics to be used in the project. Various materials are available and are listed below. The choice will be made collaboratively by the group producing the mosaic.
- Glass Tiles
- Ceramic Tiles
- Broken Tiles and Shards
The following list of supplies will also be needed in the production of this project:
- wheeled glass nippers (8)
- tile nippers (4)
- safety goggles (12)
- Weldborn glue (1 gallon)
- 6 oz. fiberglass mesh (2 rolls)
- thinset cement (1 bag)
- sanded grout
- grout floats (2)
- rubber 'nitrite' gloves (5)
Step #4 - EXECUTION
Once the design is finalized, a full-scale color drawing is made. This image will be the guide for the construction of the mosaic. Since the images will cover the entire surface area of the bench, several templates will be created in order to compose the final drawing.
Template #1 - Seat and sides of top of bench
Template #2 - Left pedestal
Template #3 - Right pedestal
Double Direct Method on Mesh will be the technique used in this project.
To get started, you will need a large flat area to lay the mosaic. You might want to use a piece of plywood or even a doubled up cardboard box. It just needs to be sturdy enough to hold your mosaic if you need to move it from the table in which you are working.
Now you are going to layer and tape the following in this order. Lay your design on the surface that you chose. Cover your design with plastic wrap. Next cover the plastic wrap with fiberglass mesh. Make sure that all of this is secured to the flat surface. If this moves during your mosaic, then your design will be shifted.
Using full strength Weldbond, start adhering the tiles to your design. You don't want to use too much glue so lightly dab the glue on the back of each piece. Follow your design that is under the mesh until you have completely covered it. Beware of cutting tiles over the mesh. You will end up with shards stuck in the grooves of the mesh and will have tiles pop off later because of poor adhesion.
Once you have finished laying the tiles, allow the piece to set overnight. Carefully flip the entire piece over and remove the plastic wrap. The glue will still be wet at this point but your tiles should stay in place. Let the glue finish drying. Trim the excess mesh from around the mosaic. If your mosaic is very large then you will need to cut it into workable pieces. If it is small enough to handle easily then you are ready to install.
Mix your thin set mortar using the latex additive according to package directions. Spread a thin layer onto your surface and trowel through until it is half the thickness of the tiles. Position the mosaic onto the thin set. Once you are sure that you have it where you want it, take a two by four and press down all of the tiles. If you have any thin set that squishes up between the tiles, use a toothpick to clean out immediately.
Allow your installed mosaic to set up overnight. Grout your finished mosaic the same way you would grout any other mosaic.
Template #1 - Seat and sides of top of bench
Template #2 - Left pedestal
Template #3 - Right pedestal
Double Direct Method on Mesh will be the technique used in this project.
To get started, you will need a large flat area to lay the mosaic. You might want to use a piece of plywood or even a doubled up cardboard box. It just needs to be sturdy enough to hold your mosaic if you need to move it from the table in which you are working.
Now you are going to layer and tape the following in this order. Lay your design on the surface that you chose. Cover your design with plastic wrap. Next cover the plastic wrap with fiberglass mesh. Make sure that all of this is secured to the flat surface. If this moves during your mosaic, then your design will be shifted.
Using full strength Weldbond, start adhering the tiles to your design. You don't want to use too much glue so lightly dab the glue on the back of each piece. Follow your design that is under the mesh until you have completely covered it. Beware of cutting tiles over the mesh. You will end up with shards stuck in the grooves of the mesh and will have tiles pop off later because of poor adhesion.
Once you have finished laying the tiles, allow the piece to set overnight. Carefully flip the entire piece over and remove the plastic wrap. The glue will still be wet at this point but your tiles should stay in place. Let the glue finish drying. Trim the excess mesh from around the mosaic. If your mosaic is very large then you will need to cut it into workable pieces. If it is small enough to handle easily then you are ready to install.
Mix your thin set mortar using the latex additive according to package directions. Spread a thin layer onto your surface and trowel through until it is half the thickness of the tiles. Position the mosaic onto the thin set. Once you are sure that you have it where you want it, take a two by four and press down all of the tiles. If you have any thin set that squishes up between the tiles, use a toothpick to clean out immediately.
Allow your installed mosaic to set up overnight. Grout your finished mosaic the same way you would grout any other mosaic.
Step #5 - INSTALLATION
The maintenance staff of Claiborne Parish School Board as
well as the maintenance staff of the Town of Homer will install the benches at the locations determined by the community.
