Mission Statement
WHAT I ENVISION
Kim Grant Mosaics provides enrichment programs for schools and community groups. The projects offer a tangible learning opportunity whilst also beautifying the organisation to which they belong. All projects foster creativity, self-expression, the freedom of exploration and community spirit which in turn leads to self-discovery, trust and friendship and gives participants an appreciation of art for its own sake. Participants are encouraged to express their own voice through the mosaic art medium while also learning how to incorporate that voice in collaboration with their community. It’s my mission to ensure that the arts remain strong, and to facilitate projects to participants of all levels - introducing newcomers to art and creativity, and refining the techniques of even the most veteran artists.
HOW IT WORKS
A residency can run anywhere from 6-12Â weeks or at a time frame that suits all parties. I partner up with one to two members of staff who usually arrange to take one of my beginner classes to learn the foundational skills of creating mosaics. This relationship is important as the community have onus of responsibility to the project, which in turn also fosters ownership. Each project culminates in a permanent outdoor public art project within the community. Typically, I will come on-site for up to three hours per week during fabrication stage and guide participants through the creation of their mural. The young artists create sections of their mosaic mural in smaller groups in the classroom. At the point of installation, the staff and I install the mosaic and in the cases where older students are involved, they will also assist. If necessary, I may bring in an assistant to help work with the students and teachers on site. Where appropriate, members of the community are also encouraged to join in (eg: when installations run on weekends and particularly for the grouting portion of the project). The final stage of the process is an unveiling ceremony where family, friends, members of the community and press are invited to attend.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS AS LEAD ARTIST
I am passionate about Community Art as it engenders a strong collaborative spirit, assists in the facilitation of self esteem, increased motivation, emotional intelligence, working with a variety of people as a team, the celebration of diversity and a love of learning (amongst a myriad of other mind-expanding and learning opportunities). Mosaic art is an excellent medium for community projects as it is permanent, able to withstand our harsh climate and an effective medium for beginners. In particular, I enjoy working with children as projects offer an opportunity for self expression in a creative way and I love to watch inner artists emerge from people of all ages.
As a lead artist and facilitator of community projects, I'm especially proud of the teamwork and creative approaches from everyone involved in each and every project.
I believe the work I do with the community speaks for itself. It tells the story of who we are and the teaching approach I take. In the style of showing and not telling, go ahead, see for yourself. Browse through the many projects by clicking the button and see how you & your community could start creating beautiful artwork today.
WHAT IT COSTS
Each project will differ as there are individual factors that need to be considered. As a starting point, a design fee and an hourly rate is applied for attendance on site. Site preparation to take the mosaic can either be quoted by me separately or the host may like to arrange for this independently after a needs-assessment has been discussed. A final quote is offered after an initial discussion with the organisation to determine the needs of each individual project. The end quote will differ dependent upon the needs of the specific project.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS AS PARTICIPATING ARTIST
I've been lucky enough to be involved in some wonderful community projects as a participating artist both here in Australia and overseas, including the USA & Chile.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS AS PARTICIPATING ARTIST
Contributing to colouring the world one tile at a time
1ST URBAN MOSAIC INTERVENTION, CHILE
Isidora Paz Lopez
In 2014, I was one of 80 artists selected internationally to contribute to a massive mosaic project in Puente Alto just outside Santiago, Chile. I travelled there and took part in creating a mosaic on the Town Hall of Puente Alto over 12 days, surrounded by fellow mosaic artists from every continent (except Antarctica). The project was facilitated by Isidora Paz Lopez
FROM ETHIOPIA TO JINGLETOWN
Laurel True
In 2008, I travelled to Oakland California, USA to participate in a mural class at the Institute of Mosaic Art. Over the course of the week and under the tutelage of Laurel True a group of us created a mosaic mural that was installed at a local cafe. This project was a turning point in my mosaic career.
HOSPITAL MOSAICS & MSF
Lin Schorr
Lin Schorr, an award winning mosaic artist from the USA has organised many community projects. I participated in four in 2009 & 2010, one of which was an auction with proceeds benefiting Medecins sans Frontieres. The other 3 projects were collaborative projects for a hospital foyer.
MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS
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These community projects are others that I've participated in over the years.