Mosaic Project

A large and colorful mosaic artwork symbolizing our dedication to rebuilding community, a faithful world, and a better future, is now complete! Thank you to all who visited us in McFarland hall and helped place tiles to build this collaborative piece of art.

The finished mosaic was dedicated on June 16, 2024, and can be viewed in the North alcove of McFarland Hall.

Exploring the Theme of Rebuilding Together

In a time when many have lost faith in the institutions that once provided structure to our common life, we are called to rebuild trust. Following years of separation and isolation, we are called to rebuild community. While people of every age struggle to find purpose, we are called to rebuild paths to abundant life. As deepening division and the forces of polarizations tear us apart, we are called to rebuild bridges across the chasm.

As a community of faith, Second Presbyterian has explored the theme, A Time to Rebuild, through sermons, classes, prayers, ministry, and outreach. And through the Mosaic Project, we explore the theme of rebuilding through art. Led by mosaic artists, Yael Buxmaum and Joani Rothenberg, and the Fine Arts Advisory Team, the Mosaic Project is an artistic means of exploring relational, impactful, and transcendent questions related to how we are bringing people together, what differences we are making, and to whom we are pointing.

To this end, we have collected reflections on Rebuilding from as many groups and individuals as possible, and together, we will transform our collective contributions into a beautiful mosaic – a legacy art piece with a permanent home in McFarland Hall.

About the Artists

Mosaic Artists Yael Buxbaum and Joani Rothenberg of JoyaPublicArt.com are leading the community mosaic build at Second culminating in a new permanent art collection piece. The artists have created significant works for organizations like St. Vincent’s Hospital and the Girl Scout Headquarters using a collaborative-community approach.

Statement from the Artists - The true beauty of these projects can be found in the stories of the people engaged in the creative process. The community involvement can entail placing a tile, suggesting visual ideas, or simply showing support for the project. Contributions from others transform the art display from a simple installation into a meaningful and lasting part of the community.

Video Stories About Joani and Yael’s process and community work:

Art by Joani- Mosaic Project at Saint Vincent

Mosaic Project by Joani and Yael | Tree of Life