Social Mosaics worked with Raymond Cree Middle School during the September - June teaching the school students mosaic art. The school year is divided into two semester. The first semester we taught 3 classes with approximately 100 students total. We begin by teaching them the history of this art, basic principles, design possibilities, color coordination and placement of shapes and colors. Then they are given what we call “personal projects” that are from their own designs, color and shapes. After these projects are completed, a review and a critic are given by the class as a whole and us. Then they go into the final class project. These students wanted to hold a silent auction. The students found three discarded pieces of furniture - metal desk, 2-shelf bookcase and coffee table - and turned them into beautiful works of mosaic art. The furniture was sold through a silent auction via the School’s website and the proceeds were put back into the mosaic art program led by the Exploratory Teacher — Mrs. Thornhill.

The second semester students, after following the same principles and program guidelines as above, decided they wanted an art show and made extraordinary works that were displayed at the School’s Talent and Mosaic Art Show. The students were both amazed and proud that their works were actually displayed and even sold. All proceeds were again used to continue the mosaic art program. The final class project was a 5'x4' matador, the School’s mascot which was made with ceramic tiles, Italian smalti, vitreous glass, stained glass and 14K gold tiles. The mascot was unveiled in an informal presentation at the Talent and Art Show. When the principal and Mrs. Thornhill saw the project finished, they were overwhelmed with delight. The detailed work and placement of color and shapes in these piece was beyond their imagination and they wanted it to be protected from any possible harm. So they moved the final location, from its original place — outside the school — to the interior hallway next to the principal’s office for the entire school body, School Board, parents and teachers to view.

The students worked on each of their personal projects and final projects for the entire semester, working with Social Mosaics 2 - 3 days a week in 50 minute intervals per class. The first semester we taught 3 classes and the second semester, 2 classes. With the help of Mrs. Thornhill, she continued to work with the students, in our absence. The outcome speaks for itself.

What we found in bringing this beautiful art form into the middle school, were students that were first withdrawn and disruptive, come alive in their natural creative abilities. Their faces lightened and their focused improved. The simple fact that they were offered to learn something exciting and different seem to give them a joy that they hadn’t had before in the school environment. This art and the ability to create something together with their fellow students both brought the students together, when they were asking each other about color selection, placement and advice, and the pride of a visual accomplishment of beauty.

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