Audubon Mosaic; Artist Becky Mitchell 2011
Artist Becky Mitchell lead workshops to create a mosaic for a remodeling of the Elementary School in Audubon based on the history of the community.
Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
Work Days - May 1-6, 2011
Presentation Day - May 23, 2011 - 700
700 people attended the program's unveiling.
Partner Organization(s):Elementary School in Audubon
Partner Organization(s) Contribution/Role in the Program:Elementary School in Audubon houses the mosaic.
Measurable Outcomes may be collected by survey, anecdotal responses, pre-test/post-test, observations; Describe proposed end user change in Behavior, Attitude, Skills, Knowledge, Condition and/or Status.
- Raise awareness of different forms of art and increasing exposure to art.
- Encourage community building and teamwork between several multiple generations.
- Allow Audubon area residents to experience and participate in creating art with no financial barriers.
- Have a piece of high quality public art in greater Minnesota comparable to one found in larger communities.
Artist Becky Mitchell spent 6 days at Lake Park Audubon Elementary in Audubon Minnesota. The entire school from Preschool thru 6th grade along with many members from the community participated in the project. The goal of the project was to create a mural for the community that represented the changes over the years in Audubon. A committee of residents, teachers and students had input in the design of the mural which ultimately ended up being the 3 stages of Audubon school(s). The 10' x 5' mural was sketched out onto wood and broken down into workable sizes for those participating in the project. Adults and children alike came to glue glass to the wood to create the mural. After each section was complete the piece was taken away and a new one presented so even those working on the project couldn't really see the bigger picture. The pieces are then mounted on a wall within in Audubon Elementary and bridged together so the mural will look like one solid piece. The mural is then grouted and sealed to complete the project. This mural represents so much more than a piece of beautiful public art. The Audubon school has been faced with much scrutiny as they are moving forward with an addition and renovation to the building. Many residents did not feel there was a need for updated facilities and it has caused disconnect in the community. This project honors the past while moving forward into the future. Students spent many hours prior to its creation talking with senior residents about their school days and life in general when they were young. Students then took those stories and turned them into written works of art as well as visual art. The mural project was the final phase. Bringing in ALL students within the school and residents from the community (of all ages) to create a piece of art together to remember the past but remind us that life is full of change. Many senior residents that once felt the change was not necessary have expressed this project has had an impact on them. They want to see and create more art in the city of Audubon and recognize that art feeds the soul.