Coronado High School Unveils New Mosaic Artwork

Categories: ArtCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

The new mosaic 'Fragments of Change' at Coronado High School celebrates student creativity and resilience.

News Summary

Coronado High School will unveil a new mosaic titled ‘Fragments of Change’ at a community celebration. The mosaic represents resilience and growth, featuring vibrant imagery created by over 70 students. This artistic project, led by art teacher Laura Hill, took over ten months to complete and symbolizes the transformative journey of students. The unveiling will take place on May 29, inviting community members to witness this significant addition to the school.

Coronado, CA – Coronado High School is set to unveil a vibrant new mosaic titled “Fragments of Change” on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 5 pm. The community is encouraged to attend the unveiling celebration at the intersection of 6th Ave and D Street. This striking mosaic measures 23 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and it represents a significant artistic project that celebrates student resilience and growth.

The mosaic took over ten months to complete and is custom-designed to fit a specific niche along the brick wall on the 6th Street side of Coronado High School (CHS). The vision for such a large-scale mosaic originated over a decade ago from Laura Hill, an art teacher at CHS, who has dedicated her efforts to making this project a reality since its conceptual phase began in the summer of 2024.

Throughout the development of the mosaic, Hill emphasized the importance of creating a piece that is not only visually stunning but also timeless and relevant for students of all ages. The design features vibrant natural imagery of flowers, plants, and fauna, set against a backdrop that transitions from the typical May gray of Coronado to a deep midnight blue sky. This backdrop symbolizes the transformative journey of students, akin to the change experienced by a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.

The inclusion of the Latin phrase “Per Aspera Ad Astra,” which translates to “Through Hardships, to the Stars,” serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that students need to navigate their educational and personal challenges.

A total of over 70 students from diverse skill levels contributed to the production of the mosaic, ranging from first-year art students to advanced AP artists. A senior Art Portfolio student, Griffin Wong, played a crucial role in scaling the design to fit the designated wall area, employing mathematical techniques to develop a grid for the mosaic’s construction.

The project involved the collaboration of two art instructors and three consultants. Kirstin Green, the principal consultant, acted as the artist-in-residence, dedicating two class periods each day throughout the school year to mentor students. This hands-on experience not only enriched their educational journey but also fostered personal growth and teamwork skills among participants.

Students learned professional-level tiling techniques which may provide future job opportunities. The mosaic is composed of handcrafted ceramic pieces, with hundreds of individual elements made by CHS students in the ceramics studio. Various art tents were constructed on campus to facilitate the crafting of the mosaic panels.

The project was made possible through funding from the Jill Hardman Endowment, which honors a dedicated supporter of CHS arts who passed away in 2019. The completion of “Fragments of Change” is a tribute to the creativity and artistic expression of CHS students. In addition, community support remains strong, highlighted by an anonymous donor’s offer to match donations up to $6,000 for future restoration projects.

This artistic installation aims to inspire students as they face personal challenges and prepares them for life after high school. “Fragments of Change” will serve as a lasting testament to the dedication and talents of CHS students and their commitment to an enriching artistic education.