Artists & Communities Host Site: W.T. Neal Civic Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 40
Bountstown, FL 32424

Millennium Artist:
Richard Moss
Ceramic Mosaic Artist and Muralist
Massachusetts
E-mail: rm@eofc.com
Web site: www.eofc.com

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In the northern United States, the city of Philadelphia has often claimed distinction as a "melting pot." In the south, Blountstown, Florida may well claim this distinction, with a diverse population that includes individuals of Native American, African American, Arabic, Amish, and Mennonite heritage.

Over the course of six months, Millennium Artist and mosacist Richard Moss partnered with W.T. Neal Civic Center and local residents of diverse backgrounds on an Artists & Communities residency project. Together, they created a series of stone mosaics depicting the rich natural environment of this remote rural community.

Moss' residency began with a series of community meetings which introduced his work through lecture / demonstrations and hands-on activities. A series of workshops gave participants practical experience in designing and constructing stone mosaics, and an opportunity to share stories utilizing the familiar "Story Circle" format. From these sessions, Moss built a vocabulary of the symbols, rituals, and images that best depicted the unique natural environment and traditions of the Florida panhandle.

Working with a core group of community volunteers, and from photographs and drawings contributed by community members, Moss designed a three-panel, 400 square-foot black and white mosaic installation illustrating both the residents' and the artist's view of the community. Specific elements of the design included the area's untouched foliage and fauna. The completed work, entitled "A Pure Land," was installed in the lobby of the W.T. Neal Civic Center.

MILLENNIUM ARTIST BIO

Richard Moss works mosaic with his unique figurative talent, creating naturalistic images with precious stone, marble and granite, smalti (glass), and ceramic. Specialties include artwork, easel pieces, design, commissions, and surfaces - floors, walls, and tabletops. Moss also offers lecture/demonstrations, workshops, and courses.