Mosaics are intricate works of art comprised of glass, ceramic tile and other textiles.
Fitting each seemingly dissimilar piece of tile to form a stunning composition often takes careful planning and creative ingenuity.
This art form is symbolic of the Women’s Studies mosaic project that artist and MFA candidate Danielle Dobies is leading this summer.
Her project is a cross-college, cross-generational collaboration that allows anyone interested in creating the mosaic to join in.
The project, like the art form, brings people from dissimilar backgrounds together to create something beautiful.
“Kerry Ferris in the Sociology Department was my first contact and actually suggested the project to me,” Dobies said. “I initially sought her out because I was intrigued by her research on celebrities. We talked about the Women’s Studies department, and Kerry said, ‘Hey! They’re redecorating. Maybe they want a mural!’ ”
Students and faculty present for the mosaic workshops are excited to be a part of the project.
Members talk, joke and sing to music as they diligently nip and arrange tile fragments of their practice pieces. The atmosphere of the workshop is inviting and energetic, with members of the workshop ranging from ages 10 to 65.
“The beauty of this project is that the community can get involved,” said Dobies, reflecting what her mentor, John Pitman Weber, has striven to do as an expert in community public art. “The point of this mosaic is to tell the story of Women’s Studies at NIU, the story of the community and the story of the people involved.”
Interested in taking part in the Women’s Studies mosaic project? The mosaic group meets Tuesday afternoons from noon to 2:30 p.m., and at 6 p.m. Thursdays in the Women’s Studies conference room.
Call (815) 753-1038 or email womenst@niu.edu for more information.
by Natalie Santiago
