Community Art

Overview: A unique mosaic design, solely constructed from recycled glass mosaics, currently graces a wall of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery in Issaquah, Washington. More than 100 volunteers gathered materials and used various MAPEI products to bring an artistic design to life.

Among the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s hatcheries, the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is one of the most visited. Tours are regularly conducted at the hatchery, during which visitors can see salmon return home to spawn. Community education programs are also held at the facility, as well as various fundraising endeavors.

In late 2016, MAPEI sales representative Chris Anderson received a call from local mosaic artist Cheryl Smith, who asked if MAPEI could provide a system that would allow tiles to be placed over salmon-holding tanks at the hatchery. Unfortunately, MAPEI determined that without the design specification for the tanks themselves, the company would not recommend installing artwork on the outside of the holding pens; therefore, MAPEI had to turn the project down.

A few weeks later, Smith called again. She said that the project was still viable, that she had found a new location in the hatchery for her mosaic and that, because MAPEI had been so helpful, she wanted the company to provide the tile system.

The mosaic, simply named “Salmon,” serves a dual purpose. Not only does it brighten an otherwise drab wall, it also helps to involve members of the public community in the renovation of their own local fish hatchery. The fact that the artwork is a mosaic requiring no prior art training or knowledge made it the perfect vehicle to bring the community together across all ages and abilities.

According to Smith, a key objective of the project was to minimize the impact on the environment, specifically the ecosystem of Pacific Northwest salmon. “Using recycled materials reduces potentially dangerous additions to landfills, keeping streams clean and the salmon population thriving,” she said.

The recycled glass used in the piece was sourced from vendors around Washington. Local glass retailers Perry Stained Glass Studio and Northwest Art Glass donated stained glass. Glass bubble rounds for the background were donated by Pental Surfaces and collected from the International Interior Design Association’s ZeroLandfill event. In addition, tile donations were made by Bedrosians Tile & Stone.

One hurdle for the project remained: The 76-square-foot (7.06-m²) mosaic would be installed by volunteers, so any products designated for the job had to be user-friendly. MAPEI was on board to provide any technical support and training necessary to use its products. MAPEI sales representative Keith Haney went to the site and conducted a seminar on Mapelastic 315 waterproofing membrane. In addition, Anderson provided technical training by phone and e-mail throughout the course of the entire project.

MAPEI products on the jobsite

All of the products used on the project were applied by a team of more than 100 volunteer artists who worked under the direction of MAPEI representatives. These products included Mapecem Quickpatch to patch and smooth the existing concrete wall, Mapelastic 315 for waterproofing, Adesilex P10 Mosaic & Glass Tile and Keraply (used together to produce a high-performance mortar), and Mapesil T silicone sealant for joints.

MAPEI Flexcolor 3D grout – in the color “Crystal Moon” – also played an integral role. Not only did this product complement the “green” goal of using recycled products, it also provided an iridescent effect to the grout joints that complemented the glass tile.

The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery mosaic project has been featured in several news articles for its artistry, creativity, community involvement and recyclable qualities. In addition, the project was submitted for the MAPEI North America “Show! Place! Win!” reference project competition and unanimously selected by the senior leadership committee for submittal to MAPEI’s international competition in Italy. MAPEI is honored to be a part of this exceptional community effort.