Always on the quest to find programing for the library that teaches something new and involves all age groups, Clearwater Librarian Cyrene Bastian settled on the idea of a community mosaic.
Inspired by a previous community mosaic Legacy Program in 2014 that was conducted at each of the 32 branch libraries in the Great River Regional Library (GRRL) system, Bastian contacted local artist Penny Leuthard to lead the project.
Together they brainstormed theme ideas, settling on the wording ‘Clearwater Reads.’ A simple flowing river and pine trees completed the design.
The day of the program, community members were invited to work together to help create the mosaic using stained glass and ceramic tiles.
Because of the artwork’s large size, two additional days were needed for the piece to be finished, allowing more members of the community to participate. After it was completed the art was grouted and sealed.
The new ‘Clearwater Reads’ community mosaic now greets patrons when they enter the library.
“Clearwater is sure to be the trendsetter once the other libraries in the system hear about the workshop,” said Bastian, explaining that all of them had been extremely pleased with the 2014 program, the results of which are displayed at each library.
The stained glass and ceramic tiles used in the workshop were donated by Kathy Gerdts-Senger.
The Clearwater Library is offering additional mosaic workshops on March 9 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; patrons will be creating individual artwork. To register for either of the programs visit griver.org.
