Work in Progress

University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens (MBG) "Great Lakes Ecosystem" Mosaic Mural Project

Project Description:
The "Great Lakes Ecosystem" mosaic consists of 8 mosaic panels, each of size 3.5'x3.5', 96 sq ft total, featuring 8 ecological systems that form the Great Lakes Ecosystem. Each panel depicts at least 1 plant that is common to a specific ecosystem. This is an outdoor mosaic project which is being constructed with vitreous and stained glass tiles, and smalti.

The first phase of mosaic making was concept and sketch development. Yulia Hanansen met with Robert Grese, Director of Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum and Karen Sikkenga of MBGNA, to discuss the project site, ideas, and projected completion timeline. At the same time call for volunteer help was issued and volunteer sign up started.

Sketches were designed by Yulia Hanansen and submitted for approval to MBGNA and the President's Advisory Committee on Public Art. After the sketches were approved and "go ahead" was given, the sketches were enlarged to size and transferred onto the pre-cut cement boards. Materials were ordered from different mosaic supply sources. At this stage panels were ready for volunteers to mosaic.

Volunteers at work at Mosaic Sphere Studio

Volunteers are working on these mosaics every Tuesday evening, 6-8pm at Mosaic Sphere Studio, LLC. Mosaic panels are laid out on the tables and each volunteer is free to choose the part of the mosaic that they want to work on. Everyone is provided with guidance about the design layout and colors. People are encouraged to add their own creative solutions to mosaic implementation. During the first couple sessions we had people of all ages working together as a group- 3 and 4 year olds, teenagers, and adults. Volunteers' mosaic making experience ranges from several years of mosaic studies at Mosaic Sphere Studio, beginners, and complete novices. Mosaics will be grouted, inserted into metal frames, and installed on site in mid-May 2008.

 

The images below are sketches for the panels. They will be replaced by the images of mosaics as the work progresses.

In Progress. Deciduous Forest	In Progress.  Dunes	In Progress.  Rivers and Streams
Finished! Coniferous Forests Click Here for Large Image	Bogs	In Progress.  Ponds and Wetlands
Alvar and Rocky Shore	Prairie

The Wall where murals will be mounted. Project volunteer Minea (3.5 y) takes the measurements.

Project Progress by Date:

• December 12- mid February: proposal submitted to the President's Advisory Committee on Public Art. President Coleman has approved the Great Lakes Ecosystem mosaic project.
• Feb. 1, project designs approved by MBG
• Feb. 5-18, design enlargement, order materials, order & cut cement boards
• Feb. 19 Layout Start Date- Volunteers are welcome! Tuesday, 1-3pm and 6-8pm. Bring your family and friends! Sign up required. Call 769-8478.

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