Grant Allows Mosiac Benches to tell Gordo's Story

The Gordo Area Community Development Foundation, which was created to improve the quality of life in Gordo, was awarded a $3,100 grant from the Black Belt Arts Initiative.

The grant was awarded for a workshop hosted by mosaic artist Rhys Greene to teach young people how to create the benches. The theme, "Bloom Where You Are Planted" has mosaic artwork  highlightening different features of Gordo.

Eighteen children participated in the workshop. They were selected after submitting applications explaining why they wanted to be involved in the project.

Suzanne Gray was the artistic designer for the mosaic benches, which were made of colorful pieces of stained glass.

The dedication was held July 26, 2009 at Gordo Elementary School.  Dr. Lisa Stamps, GES principal, opened the dedication by recognizing all participants in the project.  Mayor Craig Patterson thanked all who help create the art project. 

MOSAICS BENCHES' ARE IN PLACE

The Mosaics benches' are now in place, except for two that are awaitung site prepration.  The week of August 17 - 23 was the time spent placing the benches at their permanet location. One bench is located at Gordo City Hall, another at Gordo High School, one at First National Bank of Central Alabama, Gordo and at West Alabama Bank & Trust, Gordo. A bench will be placed on the West side of Main Street when site prepration is completed.  The other mosaic bench will be located at J' Outlet when they move to their new location, corner of Main Street and US Hwy 82, after Labor Day.  "Bloom Where you are Planted" is the theme for the bench project.

Come to Gordo to see these benches' and you will also see smiling faces and hear a friendly Howdy.

The Mosaic benches' were made possible by a grant to The Gordo Area Community Development foundation by the Black Belt Arts Initative.