Middle-school students leave their mark before graduating by installing a permanent mosaic mural in an overlooked space near the school’s entrance.

Kimberly Bierwirth and Jeanna Peña

This project was inspired by the belief that artists can use their creativity to strengthen their community. Our graduating students chose to leave their mark by creating a one-of-a-kind mosaic connected to the environment, centered on the theme of One Ocean. Because our community is close to the Gulf Coast, students focused on celebrating ocean habitats connected to their own environment.

We began by introducing the concept of one interconnected ocean made up of many ocean basins. Students researched marine animals, focusing on species found along the Gulf Coast. Each student chose one animal to research, sketch, and create in clay. Chosen animals were added to a master list to ensure a variety of marine life and ocean depths were represented. The size of the pieces was limited to palm-sized or smaller to ensure they all would fit in the mural.

The ceramic process began with slabs of low-fire clay. Students used their prior knowledge of relief sculpture to create slab-built animals in low relief. Each student also sculpted at least one piece of coral.

Once the clay pieces were bisque- and glaze-fired, students arranged them on a paper template cut to the size of the mural space. Students collaborated on where to place the various animals, coral pieces, and additional marine elements in the mural. Once the final placement was determined, students traced each ceramic component, numbered it, and marked the paper template with the corresponding number.

The installation process began with preparing the site—decades-old mosaic tiles covered in multiple layers of paint. The mural area was cleaned and lightly sanded before the ceramic pieces were adhered with pre-mixed thin-set mortar, using the paper template as our guide. Since the mural surface was vertical, we used masking tape to hold the heavier ceramic pieces to the wall until the mortar was fully cured. Once all the ceramic pieces were installed, we could begin to add the background, water, and ocean floor details.

In the weeks leading up to the installation, students cut tile and glass in a variety of colors into small thumbnail-sized pieces. The slope of the ocean floor and key components were drawn on the wall before the remaining pieces were placed. Two to three students at a time worked in small sections to adhere glass, tile, and beads—making sure to leave a small space around each piece for grout.

The top portion of the mural was near the ceiling, so a different method of construction was used. Mosaic mesh cut to size was laid on top of plastic sheeting. Then glass and tile were adhered to the mesh with PVA glue. Once the mesh surface was filled and the glue dried, it was attached to the wall with thin-set mortar.

After allowing for several days of drying time, the mural was ready for grout. We found the best way to apply grout to an uneven surface was to scoop and smear it directly onto the tile by hand. When applying the grout, we worked in small sections to allow time to wipe the excess off the tiles and glass.

• Seek donations. Mosaic materials can be costly. We were fortunate to receive donated tile and glass from a colleague.
• Think creatively. Old costume jewelry, shells, and found objects can add texture and meaning to your design.
• Cut safely. When cutting tile and glass into smaller pieces, cut into a large plastic cup to contain shards.
• Protect your hands. Wear gloves, especially when applying grout.
• Clean promptly. Use a large damp sponge to wipe excess grout off within thirty minutes of applying.
• Seal for longevity. Seal the grout once it is fully dry. (Wait at least one week.)

The impact of this legacy mural on students, staff, and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. What was once a drab, overlooked area is now a vibrant focal point that has inspired additional permanent art on campus. Most importantly, students discovered that their creativity and talent can meaningfully shape their environment and leave a lasting mark on their community.

Kimberly Bierwirth is a retired K–12 art educator and mixed-media artist in Texas. kmbierwirth@gmail.com

Jeanna Peña is a teaching mixed-media artist and former K–8 art teacher in Texas. lagunamadreclay@gmail.com

Leaving a Legacy: An Eighth-Grade Mosaic Mural