Chippewa Valley Times

A new stained-glass mosaic window display is being installed at McIntyre Library, designed by Jyl Kelley, professor of art and design at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The project involves several student assistants and volunteers, with Wanrudee Buranakorn, professor emerita of art, volunteering her expertise.

Student assistants working on the installation include Will Horohoe from Manitowoc, Haylee Schreiber from Edgar, and Sarah Warren from Lear Lake, Minnesota. All three are senior integrated visual arts majors.

Kelley explained that the mosaic imagery "celebrates ideals relevant to the library space, plus has a beneficial and clean component while coexisting with and honoring nature." She added: "With this proposed two-piece mosaic mural, visitors can partake in the decor and celebrate their natural surroundings. UW-Eau Claire exists where it is, in part, because of our forests, water and other natural resources. Since the library is losing its view of the river and surrounding trees, this design brings a new vision of trees to the space."

Schreiber described her experience working on the project since July 1 as both educational and fulfilling for her artistic growth. "I was very excited about this opportunity to work with the community to create a public art exhibit," Schreiber said. "My hope is once these panels are installed, students and faculty will take time to find our mosaics, learn about the ecosystems that inspired them and find their own inspiration to take from them."

Funding for the project comes from multiple sources within the university: The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; the art & design department; and a grant provided by the UW-Eau Claire Foundation.

The completed installation will feature two panels measuring 10 feet by 4 feet each. These large-scale works will be placed on McIntyre Library’s first floor overlooking campus green space. This marks Kelley's second public glass art project; she previously led a student initiative with Eau Claire Transit to install glass murals at a local bus stop.

Creating realistic depictions such as evergreen tree boughs requires careful shaping and attention to color detail in each panel. Small animals like rabbits, snakes, bees, and centipedes have been included as hidden details within the artwork—a feature Schreiber highlighted as one of her favorites: "I appreciate little details in art, like the addition of a rabbit, snake, bee and centipede in this panel. I love imagining students taking time to search for these animals in the mosaic and grow curiosity to learn more about them and the trees they're burrowed under."