Van Ness Elementary School
School Partnership Exhibition
How can we embody our values in an artwork? How can we show creativity, compassion, and constant learning?
In the fall of 2023, Kindergarten and 2nd grade students answered these questions through this mosaic, created in partnership with The Phillips Collection’s Art Links School Partner Program.
Over the course of four months, students from Van Ness Elementary School created their own mosaic inspired by Alma Thomas and their school values and colors. Students had a variety of classroom visits and museum trips to learn about mosaic style and composition, as well as to design their mosaic image, lay out their tiles, and grout the panel. The final product, which measures at 48”x30”, was installed in the Van Ness lobby.
Class: Kindergarten & Grade 2
Teachers: Steven Berry & Michelle Johnson
Artwork Inspiration: Alma Thomas, Breeze Rustling Through Fall Flowers, 1968, Acrylic on canvas, The Phillips Collection, Gift of Franz Bader, 1976 & Deirdre Saunder, Hopscotch, 1997, Ceramic tile mosaic, Union Station / H St. Bridge NE
Alma Thomas, Breeze Rustling Through Fall Flowers, 1968, Acrylic on canvas, The Phillips Collection, Gift of Franz Bader, 1976
Students in Process
Phillips Educator engages Van Ness students with Alma Thomas’ artwork.
Phillips Educators visit Van Ness to introduce them to their mosaic project.
Blueprint for mosaic.
Phillips educator helps student cut mosaic tiles in art workshop.
Students position the mosaic tiles.
Van Ness students add the grouting to their mosaic.