Pathways children made their marks on 290 white ceramic tiles - including the babies, whose footprints were carefully pressed onto tiles with safe, colorful paint! - that were mounted recently on a big bare wall at Pathways.  We're calling it ON THE PATH.

The wall mural was designed by artist Eileen Mueller with the intention of celebrating the uniqueness of each child as they continue on the path of their unfolding lives.  Eileen chose the Ysaye Barnwell quote that appears above the tiled pathway because it emphasizes the specialness of each individual young life:

In the center of the mural at the top of the wall, a bright, beautiful morning star has been painted to symbolize the fresh hope the children represent for all of us.  Eileen's idea celebrates how important each and every one of us is, with all our talents and outlooks, our positives and negatives.  And that goes double for children!  When the tiles were being painted over the course of last spring and fall, the kids were encouraged to paint exactly what they wanted to - no themes or instructions from teachers.  Eileen's vision has been realized - the diversity of the human creative spirit in the minds of our children is now immortalized on a once-empty wall at pathways.

Tiles, paint and glaze were donated by Eileen and Joe Mueller.  Glazed! on Washington Street, Gloucester baked the finished tiles.

The new wall art is gladdening the hearts of students, teachers, staff and visitors every day.  Come visit us so you can see it for yourself.