HGI’s marvelous mosaic

It  was a three-week labour of love.  This winter, 150 grade 6 students at Henry G. Izatt Middle School created a massive mosaic that will become a permeant fixture.

The project, led by local artist-in-the-school, Dimitry Melman, was intense but well worth the effort.

“The end product is a visually stunning, permanent mosaic mural installation,” shared visual arts educator, Melanie Thwaites. “This is an installation for students, staff and community alike to view, enjoy and feel proud of. A mosaic mural to represent their legacy, their school and the four main pillars that are embedded into everyday learning - humanity, growth, innovation and sustainability.”

The process began with students learning more about Dimitry and his art. They then began sketching ideas on paper. Dimitry collected the sketches and wove them into a large collage. Once that outline was created, students learned how to use tile cutters to transform hundreds of tiny ceramic pieces into a mural.

“Working in small groups, the goal was to line up similar colours in a creative fashion, leaving just the right amount of space between each piece. The students had to learn to be mindful of borders and to collaborate. It was a lot of hard work. Each day, homeroom classes would visit the art room. Classes would rotate through the art room, taking over each section where the last group left off. From a student’s perspective, this was a really important experience. Individuals would have to “let go” of their work, and trust that the next group would continue to work with just as much care and creativity,” described Thwaites.

One of the last steps involved the HGI community gathering in the front foyer to watch the artist apply the adhesive to the wall; sealing not only the tiles, but symbolizing the closure of an amazing collaborative project.