Heart-Rainbow Diversity Mural Project

After the nightclub shooting in Orlando, I felt heartbroken.  I have many friends and students who identify as LGBTQ, and I was at a loss as to how to express my condolences, support and advocacy.  An idea came to me: filling a  wall with mosaic hearts made by anyone wanting to express these sentiments.

Initially, I reached out to some graduates of my mosaic program involved in Stonewall Youth to see if we could run the project through the organization.  But, it never got off the ground, and then the election sort of threw me for a loop and the project continued to germinate in my mind.

The most alarming aspect of last year's campaign and election, for me, was realizing the extreme level of divisiveness in the U.S. (and in  much of the world, actually.)  This project continued to nag at me, until I was chatting with the custodian at the high school where I teach mosaic on Fridays.  I found myself telling her about my concept, and she became very excited.  So, I met with the Principal of the school and asked if I could use class time on Fridays to create this mural with our students.  She enthusiastically agreed to it, so we started the following week, without knowing where it would go.

Shortly after, I posted on facebook that I was looking for a wall for my mural.  Within a half hour, I had a meeting arranged with the owner of Flourish in Olympia, who was already on board.  By now, I have permission from the owner of the building, and the project will be installed on a huge wall in Downtown Olympia.  

When standing and admiring this mural, made to honor Rachel Corrie, and with a similar community spirit, to the left up the block will be a wall of hearts.  I've already had several mosaic artists say they will send me hearts to incorporate, including one from Canada and one from Australia!  For experienced mosaic artists who want to send your heart, place fiberglass mesh over your design (which must be covered by plastic, or done onto slick freezer paper) and glue your tesserae to the mesh.  Thinset is ideal, but I am using weldbond with my students because it is much easier in this situation.  When it is dry, you can peel the paper template off the back and mail the heart to:

Choice High School

Attn: Jennifer Kuhns / Room 106

807 Pine St.

Shelton, WA 98584, U.S.A.

*I currently have zero budget to complete this project.  I have applied for funds through one program, which would cover most of the expense.  I also plan to seek sponsorships and to do fundraising events.  If you have any ideas for me, please get in touch.  We are in desperate need of opaque glass and glass tiles, mesh, and cash for supplies.

The first public heart-making event will take place on Saturday, April 22 during Arts Walk.  Location TBD.  I'll keep posting as more details are confirmed.

Mosaic Mural Making Workshop June 2017

I have just confirmed workshop dates for a Mosaic Mural Making Intensive at Arbutus Folk School in Olympia, WA.

Last November, a 4-day mosaic mural workshop was scheduled near Portland, OR, but due to unfortunate circumstances, the instructor's travel plans fell through.  With only a few days to go and with some students flying from other states to attend, the host called me in a panic.  I hadn't taught this workshop before, but I have a fair amount of experience with exterior installations and mosaic murals, so I agreed to step in.  And it was a great experience!  

Here are a few photos from the workshop:

With months to prepare, the next workshop will be even better.  This time, it will be in lovely Downtown Olympia, WA, where shopping, food, cafes, parks, the port and the farmers market are within walking distance.  The workshop will take place over 4 days, from Friday, June 23 to Monday the 26th.  It will be an action- and information- packed workshop, with the students working hands-on to create a mosaic that will be installed in the school.  Cost is $350 per person, all inclusive.  (Please bring glass and tile cutting tools if you have them, but I will supply a selection as well.)

For more information: www.arbutusfolkschool.org

Installing a mural in Atlanta, GA.

Installing a mural in Walnut Creek, CA.

Installing mosaic embellishments on a pediatric clinic in Olympia, WA.