Teacher Comments:

This was a challenging project for me. At first it was difficult to see how students would connect the art work chosen to American History, but the visit to the DIA went much better than I expected for my students. I really didn’t realize how few of them had ever been to the DIA. I was able to share my enjoyment about continuing to learn by visiting museums.

The tragedy on September 11, 2001 affected this project. A great deal of nationalism has since been evident in our American culture. Students increased their knowledge of Arab culture through art, and understand that America has always been a mosaic made of different cultures. We were able to demonstrate the need for all cultures to have meaningful images and symbols with this American Mosaic project.

American Mosaic display in school art fair (click the image for a larger version).

The best part of this project for me was working with Darla Gower, the art teacher. Her enthusiasm and interest in the project gave me inspiration and a new understanding of art and at times, my students.

Many of the students’ paper mosaics are beautiful works. I am eager to have our students share them with the community at our annual school art fair. I look forward to next year’s American Mosaic project.

Mike Mansour, Social Studies
John Page Middle School
29615 Tawas
Madison Heights, MI 48071
E-mail: Mansourm@lamphere.k12.mi.us