This fall, five students from Sheridan Elementary School participated in a Communities In Schools activity and worked with local artists to create two tile mosaics. One mosaic depicts a mountain and wildlife and the other has children playing in a meadow under a bright sun and a flower store in the background.
Local artists Jacquelyn Vlasak of Tacoma and Cathy Moeller of Puyallup worked with fifth graders Cheyenne Weidencamp, Saleen Nelson Blouch and Jannely Dela Cruz and fourth graders Brianna Jones and José Soto to create the mosaic panels which are 30 inches by 30 inches.
The Partnership Team at Sheridan managed the project, which the Pacific Avenue Business District funded along with a grant from Tacoma Neighborhoods Together, a non-profit association sponsored by the Tacoma Cross District Business Association.
Sheridan will officially present the mosaics to the Pacific Avenue Business District Nov. 30. The business district, which encompasses the neighborhood surrounding Pacific Avenue between 46th and 56th streets, is currently in negotiations with local business and community entities to install the art work in areas for public viewing within the business district.
Erling Kuester, president of Cross District Association, will serve as master of ceremonies. A short program will highlight the contributions of the artists and students. The student creators and directing artists, managing school staff, and business sector partners will be on hand to answer questions following the program.
For more information, contact Stacey Riley, Community Partnership liaison, School, Family and Community Partnership Program, Sheridan Elementary School, 253-571-5935.