kids and families help build the patient tower… one tile at a time

Patients and their families got a chance to add their artistic expression to the new patient tower by participating in a special project last week. They designed and constructed a part of a mosaic art installation that will be displayed on the rooftop garden.   The artist behind the 20 panel display, Cynthia Fisher, was there to teach them how to do it.

What is mosaic art? 

A mosaic is a piece of art or image made from the assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone or other materials. Most mosaics are made of small, flat, roughly square, pieces of stone or glass of different colors, known as tesserae. The mosaic we are creating has no sharp edges so it’s safe for kids of all ages!  It was designed to complement the “things that fly” theme of the new eight-story patient tower.  Each floor will have a different icon of things that fly – from bees to rocket ships.

How is it made?

Kids draw whatever they want – stars, flowers, butterflies, bees, birds, fairies, balloons, anything that flies or anything their imagination can dream up. Then they custom cut mosaic tiles to fit their piece, using any colors or shapes they like, to make their drawing come to life.  All the individual pieces will be assembled in the larger 20 panel mosaic to create a unique art display, custom made by Dayton Children’s patients, families, staff and community.

Art is part of the healing process for families at Dayton Children’s. Not only is it in the design for the hospital, it’s one of the daily activities offered for patients.  This mosaic will provide hours of entertainment, not only creating it, but for those who see it in the future.

This is one of several upcoming sessions that children and families will have to contribute to the piece.