(Chelsea Update would like to thank Marsi Darwin for this story.)
Organizers of “The Pathway to Renewal” mosaic art project in Timbertown will host a 10th anniversary celebration on Oct. 19 from 1-4 p.m.
The community public art project is comprised of more than 45,000 pieces of glass and tile and forms an 18 x 20 foot, ammonite-shaped mosaic that features Michigan flora and fauna.
It was the brainchild of artist and therapist Lorin Kummer of Chelsea. And, it was funded by a grant from MACAA, Ruth Mott and sponsored by Chelsea Center for the Arts.
The piece came together after a series of tragic losses shook the community in the early 2000’s, and Kummer sought a way to bring healing and hope to those who were feeling shattered. She saw the mosaic as a way for those who had suffered the loss of a loved one to come together to make something beautiful out of what had been broken.
More than 250 members of the Chelsea community volunteered their time on the project in the summer of 2003.
The fragility and resiliency of glass made it a perfect material for the project.
The pathway mosaic features 19 panels filled with Michigan animals, birds, reptiles, flowers and plants. The walkway leading to the spiral is strewn with 150 stained glass leaves, many with special messages to loved ones on the glass backs set in cement.
There are seating areas and a special glass and metal table and chairs inset with glass leaves from Michigan trees.
The mosaic is rare in that it has survived the Michigan climate for a decade.
A dozen local artists collaborated with Kummer to help teach volunteers to cut and set glass. Many artists also created a key element, animal, plant or design as their unique contribution to the project.
The project has been featured in Jeff Daniels’ Best of Chelsea video, and has received several awards including an international Arts and Humanitarian award.
The group may also repair and winterize the site.
Please visit www.pathwaytorenewal.org for more information.
this is a beautiful work of art. thanks for the info.