girlsjumpkiddetail1salamatu

Out of the library mural came a children's mosaic installed in an interior location at the Takoma Park Community Center, inspiration for a book by ESOL (English as a second language) teacher Rachna Rikye, with photographs by Laurie Stepp, documenting the mosaic project and clarifying the use of mosaic as a metaphorfor the beauty of diverse communities.

 

westmorelandwall

The wall at Westmoreland and Carroll Ave represents a different, more individual but still collaborative approach.

This piece, designed by Laurie Stepp, combines mirrored mosaic with a rain garden of native plants, managing storm water runoff. With assistance from local mosaicists including Ken Gedling, Fritzie Siedler, Luke Vawter, and many others, 55 glass and ceramic panels based on geometric Japanese flowers combine art & sustainability, appropriate for the community of Takoma Park.

For more information, view these archive websites:
http://www.lauriestepp.com/people5.html
http://laurie180.wordpress.com/