Pete Bannan • Main Line Times • June, 2012

Students and teachers at Welsh Valley Middle School recently unveiled their new mosaic designed by renowned Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar. The artist’s Magic Gardens is a famed destination on South Street and his murals grace buildings around Philadelphia. (more…)

Mosaic Mural • 10’x22′ • Welsh Valley Middle School

The Welsh Valley Middle School community recently teamed with one of Philadelphia’s most prolific and preeminent artistic visionaries, Isaiah Zagar, to create a monumental work of art. The project was spurred by a generous grant from the Lower Merion Education Foundation and further supported by LMSD administration, Welsh Valley Student Government and the Home & School Association.

Most every student worked to embellish Zagar’s original composition by creating, placing and polishing each individual tile. In addition to embodying communal harmony and the collaborative process, the work serves as a celebration of the life of a fallen student and friend, Sean King. Just like the installation dedicated in his name, Sean’s impact will continue to beautify and inspire for many years to come.

Tile & Found Object Mosaic • 12’x12′ • Private Collection

I’m gearing up for next school year’s Isaiah Zagar mosaic mural project by gluing and grouting everything I can get my hands on.

Tile Mosaic • 12″x 12″ • Private Collection

It looks better if you squint your eyes. It looks best if you close them.

Tile Mosaic • 6″ x 8″ • Private Collection

A two-bit knockoff of an 8-bit masterpiece, made of bits and pieces.

Tile Mosaic on Plaster Skull • Skull Size • Private Collection

My school recently secured a grant to have Philadelphia artist, Isaiah Zagar, work with students to install a monumental mosaic mural. Consequently, I’ve been experimenting with various mosaic materials and techniques. Consequently, this skull is covered in tile.

Ceramic Tiles • Limbo

A fortnight ago, I took a graduate course on the subject of ceramic tile making. Pictured above are the fruits of my three-credit labor. They now sit, patiently, in my basement waiting to be used in a large-scale mosaic project.