Artist and students create mosaic | News, Sports, Jobs - The Sentinel

Jul 11, 2024

Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGERMifflin County Middle School students Maddox Gentzel (left) as well as Eric Gertzen (middle) and Devin Larson assist artist Linda Billet in lining up the third and final piece of their mosaic art project.

LEWISTOWN — Students had the opportunity to learn how to create abstract designs using mosaic tiles to put together a mural that will permanently hang in the TIU 11 offices in the Pa CareerLink Mifflin County building.

The project is part of a Project YES summer camp through Tuscarora Intermediate School and a Perry County Council of the Arts’ Residency program, which was led by glass artisan Linda Billet

June 17-27.

“Projects like these teach kids to collaborate and think outside the box,” said Billet. “I think it is empowering for them when it is all over and they see what they have accomplished.”

The residency is supported by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts funding through the Arts in Education program. Perry County Council of the Arts is the local partner who arranges and oversees the residencies.

Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGERPictured is the completed mosaic.

To make her creations, Billet fuses glass to make mosaic tiles. Glass fusing is the process of taking compatible glass, stacking it to make a pattern or design and then firing it in a kiln until it melts together.

“I hope for students to see the merits of pitching in and spending time on something worthwhile,” said Billet. “I want them to see that worthwhile things often take patience and perseverance.”

Billet’s greatest love is to be in her own shop, using the tools she has accumulated over the years, while working with her hands. In 2011, she began sharing her love of glass in residencies.

“I like that my work is never boring. Each project is totally unique and has its own rewards and challenges,” said Billet.

Just as she has combined mosaic and fusing, she is working toward projects with a large enough budget to combine her own skilled glass work with residency work. In the past, she has directed 30 groups of people with little or no glass experience to create mosaics they can be proud of. Her goal is to always surpass the last project.

“I do these projects because I thoroughly enjoy them. If I win the lottery, I will still do community mosaics,” she said.

Through artist residencies, the program enables artists to help others explore and develop their creativity and artistic skills in a variety of educational, community and institutional settings.

Project YES is a voluntary program that targets middle school students who are at risk for success-hindering behaviors. Identified risk factors include academic problems, attendance issues, behavioral problems, and/or issues with the overall adjustment to middle school. Referrals are accepted from any school personnel, community agency/organization, or concerned community member. Once enrolled, Project YES offers a wide variety of activities, including summer camp.

The intensive summer program is offered to provide fun, educational opportunities to enrolled students throughout the summer. Students who attend camp received Project YES school year services or are fifth graders entering sixth grade who were referred by a guidance counselor.

For the remainder of the summer, camp will focus on a new theme each week to include young scientists camp; 4-H camp; TIU STEM camp; agriculture awareness camp, with a visit to Love Two Farm, an agritourism destination; and wrap-up with a trip to a Harrisburg Senators game and a trip to Lake Tobias.

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