Educational Background/Training

BFA Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, 200 hour RYT

About the Artist/Ensemble

Merenda Cecelia lives in Richmond, VA. She is an artist and state certified art educator with extensive experience in ceramics and mosaic work including interior and exterior murals. She has taught for almost 20 years in a variety of settings including public and private schools, community centers, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and The Visual Arts Center of Richmond since graduating with a BFA in Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Educational Program Description

In the ceramic tile and mosaic mural programs students can learn to make handmade decorative tiles in low-relief, cut and break tile, use various adhesives, and grout. The resulting projects can include individual work as well as large durable tiled panels, which can be mounted on an interior or exterior wall. Students learn valuable skills, consider historical and environmental context, and work within a chosen theme. The timing and scope of the project revolves around the number of students, skills, ages, and available space and equipment. The timeframe consists of an initial site visit and visiting artist workshops over several weeks for each step of the process. Site coordinators can choose which parts of the process they would like their organization to be involved in: creating tiles, mosaic work, gluing and grouting. Merenda will work with site facilities staff to ensure the panels are mounted and displayed in a safe and secure way to be enjoyed for many years to come!

New! The Cocoon Mobile Art Gallery is a tiny art gallery on wheels. Contact Merenda to find out more about having a show come to your organization or school. OR to use The Cocoon to display the work created by your students.

Audiences

• All Ages