Mosaic Mural Dedicated at Elementary School

By Lisa Moughan/Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation

Saucon Valley Elementary School principal Ro Frey assembled the fifth grade students on Sept. 21 to celebrate the dedication of a special piece of artwork--a mosaic created by the class that will be permanently displayed in the courtyard.

The mosaic mural was inspired by the story "How Night Came from the Sea." It is a story from Brazil and is retold by Mary-Joan Gerson and illustrated by Carla Golembe. It is one of the collections of stories that the school's fourth-graders read. 

The mosaic was funded by a grant from the Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation (SVFEI) at the request of elementary art teacher Jackie Roumeliotis.

According to Ms. Roumeliotis, the mosaic image on the wall is of Lemanja with her hands outspread, dispersing the night and its creatures. In between the large pieces are ceramic fish, birds, stars and the moon that all seem to add cohesion to the entire mosaic. It is really an amazing work of art that will give delight for years to come. 

Ms. Roumeliotis invited Kim Hogan, an artist from the Banana Factory, to create the design and assist last year’s fourth-grade students with the project.

According to Ms. Hogan, the glass tiles will never fade, regardless of excessive sun or extreme weather, so many future classes will be able to enjoy this beautiful artwork.

Congratulations to all those involved and to SVFEI (www.svfoundation.net), which funded the project.