Mosaic artist Bonnie Cohen designed this mosaic mural with help from members of The Adler Aphasia Center

The Adler Aphasia Center provides help for those living with aphasia and their caregivers. To celebrate their 15^th anniversary,  mosaic artist Bonnie Cohen was commissioned to design a collaborative mosaic mural to honor their generous donors.

Mrs. Adler’s words said it all…. “It is exactly what I wished for…A HAPPY WALL!”

“This project at the Adler Aphasia Center in N.J was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on”, said artist Bonnie Cohen. “Everyone who participated saw how art can bring people together to heal, to energize and bring happiness into our lives.”

The project was directed by Kathy Davis of the Welch Sign Company of Portland, Maine. Bonnie designed the mural and artistic concept with input from the Adler staff, including art and speech therapists. The design featured a winding pathway through a garden of mosaic flowers with the quote, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

During a two-day artist in residency, participants created mosaic flower motifs. Since most of the participants were only able to work with one hand, the project was designed to accommodate their physical limitations. Many of the tiles were pre-cut and the flower motifs were created using an adhesive mesh material.  Bonnie  created an instructional video with simple directions  about the project with helpful input from the staff.

After 2 days of intensive and invigorating mosaic workshops, 70 flower motifs were packed and shipped to the artist’s studio in Akron,Ohio. Mosaic leaves, stems and the background colors were added to complete the picture. The incredible staff even arranged a time to skype so everyone could see Bonnie’s progress in her studio.

Executive Director Karen Tucker said,” We love how the wall has inspired our donors, the pride the members have taken in pointing out the flowers they crafted, and the warm and welcoming feeling it exudes when any person walks in the Center. It was such a pleasure from beginning to end to work with Bonnie and the team at Welch Design. The process and that Bonnie and the members and volunteers created says so much about who we are  and how we want all those that enter our program to feel as they navigate life with aphasia”.

The upbeat attitude, the dedicated volunteers and the joy and camaraderie of the group made this project a success. The staff  had a vision, and Bonnie said,”I was truly honored to be able to help bring it to life!”