from JHS Art teacher, Mrs. Sara Sutton:

This year, we welcomed back glass artist Linda Billet for a project of both fused glass and mosaic. We wanted to create a public art piece that would last long into our future and would beautify our community. We worked to expand our knowledge and skill in glasswork while also expanding beyond our classroom walls. As this would be a gift to our local Juniata County Public Library, we encouraged community participation by offering Friday evening and Saturday afternoon work sessions. It was a chance to meet the artists, learn some techniques, and contribute to a group art project. Extending the residency to 20 days allowed us to incorporate individual fused tiles (which make up the continents), along with glass mosaic to create a 6' x 10' work. Fusing the glass demanded that students create a design, cut glass to specific shapes and sizes, layer, and then fire in the kiln. As a result, students' layered glass melted into one glass tile. To mosaic, students cut and glued glass pieces according to color in order to create the earth and background. As an exterior mosaic, we completed by thin-setting the glass to concrete boards, grouting, and sealing the overall piece. The work is now on display on the exterior of the Juniata County Public Library.

This project has been made possible by the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, the Perry County Council on the Arts, the Juniata Cultural Arts Committee, Juniata Valley Bank, Pennian Bank, and  Century 21 of Mifflintown, as well as other community donors.