Corinne Peterson, professional ceramic artist

As construction on the new Middle School continues, Latin students who will attend classes there in the fall have been working on a contribution of their own: a mosaic mural that will hang in the building’s entryway.

Two professional Chicago-based artists, Ginny Sykes and Corrine Peterson, have been leading the project and will fabricate the piece. Both have extensive experience in creating public works as well as working with students.

Grades five through seven have had the opportunity to help with the artwork, from submitting ideas for design to crafting ceramic pieces that will be included in the final mosaic. They have also learned about the methods and techniques of mosaic, gaining exposure to that ancient art process.

“We wanted to have a way the students could be invested in the new building,” said LS art teacher Brenda Friedman.

The theme of the piece itself is layers of time. The artists incorporated references to historical events such as the Chicago fire, as well as the history of the building that previously stood on the corner of North and Dearborn, the Eleanor Residence.

“It’s a wonderful piece of art. I’m so proud to have these accomplished artists do this.”

The mural is scheduled to be installed in the Middle School lobby in the summer of 2007.

© 2008 The Latin School of Chicago

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