Coronado High School Unveils Stunning Mosaic Artwork

The collaborative effort of Coronado High School students culminates in the mosaic 'Fragments of Change', depicting themes of growth and transformation.

News Summary

Students from Coronado High School will reveal a beautiful mosaic titled ‘Fragments of Change’ at the school’s wall. The artwork symbolizes transformation and resilience, created over ten months by over 70 students. This collaborative project highlights the importance of community involvement in education and the creative potential of students across all grades.

Coronado, CA – Coronado High School students will unveil their latest artistic achievement, a mosaic titled “Fragments of Change,” on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 5 PM. The unveiling will take place at the intersection of 6th Ave and D Street in Coronado, and the entire community is invited to celebrate this remarkable project that symbolizes growth and transformation.

The mosaic measures an impressive 23 feet tall and 8 feet wide, custom-designed to fit a specific niche on the brick wall of the school. The project was in the making for over ten months, with actual work commencing in the summer of 2024. A small group of students developed the concept and design during the summer before the school year, aiming to create a timeless piece appealing to all age groups, aesthetically balanced, and engaging for the student body.

The vivid imagery featured in the mosaic includes natural elements such as flowers, plants, and fauna against a dynamic backdrop of the sky. The color palette transitions from a “May gray” to a deep midnight blue, representing the journey of students likened to a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly. The design is complemented by the inclusion of a Latin phrase, “Per Aspera Ad Astra,” which translates to “Through Hardships, to the Stars,” serving as an inspirational message about resilience in the face of challenges.

Over 70 students of various skill levels participated in crafting the mosaic, including Advanced Placement (AP) art students and first-year students, demonstrating a strong collaboration across different grades. Senior Art Portfolio student Griffin Wong played a crucial role in scaling the design for the mosaic wall, ensuring that the vision was brought to life accurately. Students had the opportunity to gain technical skills while working with tile-cutting tools and collaborating on large-scale artistic projects.

Two art instructors and three consultants were vital in supporting the project. Principal consultant Kirstin Green served as the artist-in-residence, offering mentorship and guidance throughout the process. The creation of the mosaic also involved the use of handmade ceramic pieces crafted in the school’s ceramics studio alongside purchased tiles, showcasing a blend of student creativity and professional artistry.

The artwork was constructed under outdoor art tents, with students working diligently to tile all eight mosaic panels. Emphasis was placed on fostering collaboration and building trust among students and educators throughout the process. This project was made possible through funding from the Jill Hardman Endowment, honoring the legacy of Jill Hardman, a cherished supporter of Coronado High School arts who passed away in 2019.

The collaborative efforts of students, teachers, and local organizations played an essential role in the success of the project, showcasing the significant impact of community involvement in educational initiatives. With the unveiling of “Fragments of Change,” the students aim to share their artistic expression while inviting the community to reflect on the themes of transformation and perseverance embodied in the mosaic.