Students unveil Washington mosaic
Madeleine LeMoyne is among the Washington notables featured in a mosaic mural created by eighth-grade students at Washington Junior High School. See video at observer-reporter.com.
Charles “Pruner” West is among those memorialized in a mosaic mural created by eighth-graders at Washington Junior High School.
What do Charles “Pruner” West, Pony League baseball, Shorty’s Lunch, Madeleine LeMoyne and the Whiskey Rebellion have in common?
Not only are these people and places rooted in Washington, they are the subject of a large mosaic created by Washington Junior High eighth-graders to be unveiled at 6 p.m. Monday before the school district’s holiday concert.
After researching Washington’s storied history, students chose their subjects and sketched prominent figures and institutions. The result is a 6- by 30-foot mosaic piece that will be installed in a future city parkette.
“This is great because it’s something that is going to be permanently displayed. Ten, 15, 20 years from now, (the students) will always be able to take ownership of this mosaic,” said Chet Henderson, junior high principal. “They should be very proud. I’m very proud. This is just a portion of what they’re capable of.”
The mural features representations of Washington & Jefferson College, Washington High School, Trinity High School, LeMoyne House, David Bradford, Catfish Creek, Joyce Ellis, Brownson House, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Osso’s Original Pizza, Washington County Courthouse, George Washington, American Indians and the Underground Railroad.
A code placed near each depiction will allow viewers to link to a website providing more information.
Social studies teacher Erin Moore said every one of the 108 eighth-grade students participated through research, sketching ideas or breaking up Italian glass tiles and mirrors for the final product. They worked with Laura Jean McLaughlin, an artist with Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
“They loved it. It was nine weeks of very tedious work,” Moore said. “We had kids stay after school to finish.”
Sponsored by the Benedum Foundation and the City of Washington, the mosaic is the first of many to be placed all over the city.
“This is what’s it’s all about, seeing the students succeed,” said Troy Breese, school board member.
“I couldn’t be more proud if they were my own children. I’m honored to be in their presence.”