The goal of this project was to create an opportunity for members of the tiny home community, surrounding businesses and neighbors, and the general Olympia community to get to know each other while creating a public art project for Village residence. Participants created an incredible array of unique work, as each individual house was lovingly created and then purposefully incorporated into the larger mosaic.  The finished mosaic is roughly 3 ft x 5 ft, arranged by Jennifer Kuhns of JK Mosaics. The piece has been donated to the Low Income Housing Institute and is installed permanently in the Plum St. Village.  The Arbutus Folk School thanks the City of Olympia’s Grants to Arts Organizations funding for this project.

The Arbutus Folk School, along with the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), hosted a 3-day community mosaic workshop to bring together members of the tiny home community, surrounding businesses and neighbors, and the general Olympia population. Participants collaborated on a 3′ x 5′ mosaic welcome sign for the Plum St. Tiny Home Village.  The project was designed and lead by artist Jennifer Kuhns and comprised of several small house shaped mosaic templates which Jennifer combined into the final mosaic.

Community engagement around art and cultural activities is a major focus for Arbutus. Creating art in community with others is an ideal way to strengthen bonds and deepen our understanding of each other.

Dates: July 18th, 19th, or 20th
Times: 1 PM – 4 PM

UPDATE!

The mosaic has been finished and installed! We succeeded in our objective to bring together members of the tiny home community, surrounding businesses and neighbors, and the general Olympia population. Participants created an incredible array of unique work, as each individual house was lovingly created and then purposefully incorporated into the larger mosaic.  The finished mosaic is roughly 3 ft x 5 ft, arranged by Jennifer Kuhns of JK Mosaics. The piece has been donated to LIHI and is installed permanently in the Plum St. Village.

Community Support
Alongside the City of Olympia GAO funding, this project was supported by volunteers, business sponsorship and community fundraising. We had two business sponsors, one in kind from Maryland Mosaics in the form of discounts for materials, and one from Matchless Brewing in Tumwater, WA. We had over 40 participants, which included many Plum St. Village residents and Olympia community members.