In 1961, Pat Neff Junior High School was a new school - all buildings were brown brick. While it was well designed, it was quite grim. The Art students decided to try to design something that would improve the aesthetic of the school.

After researching various types of architectural ornamentals that could be added to a completed building, mosaics seemed to be a perfect answer. The Art students chose the theme - The Texans (our mascot).

Each Art II student presented ideas and colored drawings. These drawings were combined into one large drawing on brown paper. This was reversed so that it would be correct when mounted. The pattern was fastened down on the table.

The mosaics were purchased from Cavallini Studios. Mr. Cavallini, a known expert in the field, was the advisor in all technical matters. He also supervised all installations.

The individual segments of the design were assigned to different students in each period. It was important that each segment fit in style with its neighbor. At first it was very hard for the students to understand this.

The tiles were shaped with cutters then pasted to the pattern with a cooked flour and water paste. As the students finished a segment, they would be reassigned to an empty spot. This continued until the entire pattern was covered.

The large pattern was then carefully cut in to roughly 12 inch pieces. Each was numbered on the paper. All the pieces that had fallen off were replaced so that all the pieces would fit back together perfectly. This was done by the Art II students.

When it was to be installed, black iron frames were mounted on the wall. Cement was applied on the wall inside the frames in an area roughly the size of the piece to be mounted. The numbered pieces were put into place - paper side out on the wall and then pounded into the cement.

When the entire mosaic was installed, the brown paper was removed and the seams were adjusted. The finished mosaic was grouted and then cleaned.

The first year a set of 2 were completed. It then took 3 months for each additional set - 7 years to complete all 21 of the existing murals on display today. They range in size from 24" x 36" to 138" x 50".

The subjects depict the pioneers, the early Spanish and Indians, the soldiers, Texas products, and the animals and birds of Texas.

All the money for the projects was raised by the students. They learned to design and silk screen so they could print the football spirit ribbons. These were printed and sold each week by the students.

All Art students worked on the murals including the special education students. They learned patience, craftsmanship, team work, consideration of others, responsibility to each other and the project. These were often difficult lessons to learn. They also learned you can't quit just because you're tired.

It was my pleasure and honor to work with these wonderful young craftsmen. To this day, almost 40 years later, the now grown-ups bring their children and grandchildren back to see the mural they worked on.

Today, the replacement value - even if they could be replaced would be priceless.

Hopefully, the murals will be carefully maintained by periodic cleaning and replacing of any missing tile. If this is done, they will last almost forever as a permanent gift of beauty to all present and future students of the now Pat Neff Middle School.

Ann Norton, Pat Neff Art teacher 1961-1985