Mosaic Sculptures
Grades 9-12

Materials:
2lb Styrofoam, Primus Dm (artificial cement), fiberglass mesh, ceramic tiles or glass tiles, tile adhesive, and grout.

Equipment:
Tile nippers, trowel, plastic gloves, hand saws, cement and grout blender, electric drill, goggles, and mixing buckets.

Time period: 4-8 weeks

Step 1. Students will create the design for the bench/sculpture (shape of Styrofoam).

Step 2. Students will create the mosaic design.

Step 3. Draw the design on the Styrofoam.

Step 4. Carve out the bench/sculpture out of the Styrofoam.

Step 5. Apply artificial cement and fiberglass mesh.

Step 6. Apply tile on bench/sculpture.

Step 7. Grout the bench/sculpture.
Bench/sculpture can be used in an outdoor garden.

Testimonial
"John worked with a group of Advanced Placement Studio Art students to create four large sculptures for the enclosed school courtyard. The students worked with 3’h x 4’w x 5’l blocks of very dense foam to create unique chairs that would function as both sculpture and furniture. John provided guidance as the students worked through design issues and practical concerns. He has a hands-on approach with the students and they appreciated his insight and knowledge. As the designs developed, John was able to provide guidance and suggestions in a manner that both honored the students ideas and challenged them to stretch their thinking."
Shari Tamte - Art Teacher at Buffalo High School - Buffalo, MN