Created: 2010-2011
Media: Acrylic paint and glass tile mosaic mural
Size: 465-sq.ft., 16' h x 64' l with (2) 4'x8' glass tile mosaic panels    
Budget: $24,150.00 (from grants and contributions - this mural was a gift to the school system from EastEnd Studio & Gallery)
Artists: Kimber Thompson, lead artist; Sabine LeDieu, project coordinator; and Sonia de la Torre, design concept and artist; with technical assistance from Lyndie Parrish and contributions from many community volunteers to paint the waves
Location: The Marshall Community Pool at Marshall High School, Marshall, MI

"MHS Pool Mural"

This 2-year project was completed in two Phases. Phase I involved
community members from ages 3 to "70ish" painting layers of acrylic glaze coats during open studio sessions after brief training sessions  by the lead artist, and finishing with the lead artist painting the final glaze layers to ensure visual continuity. During this phase, the swim team painted inspirational words into the depths of the water layers. Phase I started in May 2010 and finished with the installation of the painted boards in December 2010.
    
Phase II was the creation of (2) 4'x8' glass tile mosaic murals
depicting a swimmer and a diver. Lyndie Parrish gave technical advice to Kimber Thompson - who designed the panels, cut the 785 pieces of glass and prepared and grouted the boards with help from a small group of wonderful volunteers. Phase II of the project began in May 2011 and installation occurred mid-June 2011

Kimber wanted the DIVER panel to depict a strong, confident, beautiful female diver showing perfect form. At approximately 5'4" tall, the figure is life-size. She wanted the SWIMMER panel to depict a powerful, determined, inspired male swimmer showing perfect form. At approximately 5'10" tall, this figure is also life-size.

Intriguing details, such as the mirrored goggles both athletes are
wearing, are often found in the Kimber's artwork. The mirrored goggles are a favorite of both the MHS swim team and visiting swimmers, because they can "see themselves" in the figures. The swim team has also reported feeling more confident in their swimming abilities, and the Marshall community continues to praise the beauty of the murals and express how much pride they feel in having this mural installed in their school system.