Edison Elementary to dedicate art projects at new school

Edison Elementary to dedicate art projects at new school
Artist to be in attendance to celebrate with children during all school assembly

All School Art Project Dedication Ceremony
- Date: Monday, May 23
- Time: 8:30 a.m.
- Location: Edison Elementary Gym (1315 E. Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362)
- Meet, photograph and interview artist Mauricio Robalino

Edison Elementary School is planning an all school Art Project Dedication Ceremony Monday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m to honor the work of Tacoma artist Mauricio Robalino.

Robalino has created a colorful wall mural for the inside of the school and a sculpture named Walla Walla Blossoms outside the school's main entrance. The artwork was included as part of the new school construction project which was approved by voters in 2007. The new Edison Elementary opened for school in the fall of 2009.

The artwork was funded through the Washington State Arts Commission's Art in Public Places program. Also known as the 1/2 of 1% for Art program, the Art Commission received funding from the new Edison construction project and construction at the Washington State Penitentiary to fund the Edison artwork. Learn more about Art in Public Places on the Washington State Arts Commission website: http://www.arts.wa.gov/public-art/percent.shtml

A school committee helped select the Edison artwork. Principal Josh Wolcott says the sculpture and mural helps welcome people to the school and inspires students to do their best and pursue their dreams.

The mosaic will be attached to Edison's main hallway wall on the ground floor. The mosaic is called "A Day in Walla Walla" and measures 44' x 6'. It is made of plywood, glass nuggets, glass shapes and cement grout.  Robalino designed it in the spring of 2010 and started building it November 6, 2010.

"I was inspired to make this mosaic because I had a fantastic visit to Edison and Walla Walla last year," Robalino said. "It is a beautiful place filled with friendly and smart people. I enjoyed making drawings with the children at Edison and this also helped to inspire me. It is a dream of mine that all my art projects help people to feel happy, curious and inspired to make their own creations!"