Blugold artists celebrate Chippewa River aquatic life in new public mosaic installation

The six-panel stained-glass mosaic enclosure was designed by Jyl Kelley, professor of art, and fabricated by art students Theron Christiansen, Erin Phelps and Anmarie “Rie” Roos. 
  

The subaquatic scene represents the Chippewa River and features a variety fish and plants, some of which are endangered species, Kelley says.

“This design brings attention to endangered species in our river and also gives viewers a perspective of what it might be like to look under the surface of the water,” Kelley says.

The state Department of Natural Resources provided input about local endangered aquatic species depicted in the mosaic, Kelley says, while Dr. Doug Faulkner, professor of geography, offered information to inform the design of the riverbed the scene represents.

The project was sponsored by the Eau Claire Transit Authority, the city of Eau Claire, the UW-Eau Claire Student Office of Sustainability, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the department of art & design. Instrumental assistance in the installation process was provided by Jacoby Matott, UW-Eau Claire wood and metals shop supervisor.

A reception celebrating the mosaic installation will be at the bus stop structure from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7. 

Created by Blugolds to last a generation 

For the three students who created the glass panels, Kelley was excited to offer an avenue of artistic expression that was both unique and challenging. Over the course of the project, the three students graduated in 2024 and recently completed the installation of the panels as Blugold alumni.

“Working with stained glass material has been an excellent challenge that has offered many new learning opportunities for our group since glass is not a medium that is traditionally offered in our department,” says Kelley, adding that the artists had to account for how the light passing through the glass affects the environment for viewers both inside and outside of the bus stop.

For Roos, the project presented a significant learning curve in developing new skills in this medium, as well as a chance to take part in creating public art.

“There was a lot to learn in cutting the glass,” says Roos, who graduated with a graphic communications degree. “Getting specific shaped pieces for the fish didn't always turn out like we wanted, as the glass liked to break straight so trying to get good curves that wouldn't shatter was a challenge.

“I think there is a big need for more public artists,” Roos says. “Art not only makes places more interesting to look at, but installations like this one can provide great wayfinding points, and just seeing the art makes daily chores like a grocery store run more enjoyable.”

For Christiansen, a studio art graduate, the artistic growth from this project was gratifying and enjoyable, but he also found the overall scope of a public project of this type to be eye-opening and useful to a future career involving the arts.

“This project has been an amazing experience,” Christiansen says. “Seeing how people commission and propose public art ideas, learning how to write for grants and then coming up with an actual plan are all skills that I believe are easier to learn while doing it. As a recent graduate, this project gave me valuable insight about how to conduct myself at a professional level in the art world.”

Christiansen already has been able to build from those professional experiences, as he is currently working on two murals commissioned by Eau Claire area businesses.