"James Simon’s mosaic mural masterpiece will blow your mind, trust me.” Jenna Brew, SNN TV. The Magic River”Mosaic, 2019, Bradenton Florida, is a 120’ glass and ceramic mosaic commissioned by Realize Bradenton for a new building that houses the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, retail spaces, and a parking garage. The mosaic will look out on to a new public space still in process. The Mosaic celebrates the diverse cultures and daily life of Bradenton with the symbolic “Manatee River” running through the entire composition, tying everything together. The ceramic fish in the river were created by members of the community through two artist-led workshops.The glass comes from the Youghiogheny glass-making factory in Pennsylvania. All other ceramic tiles were created by the artist, with the exception of a bit of sliced agate, and some Mexican and antique tile. Note: the Pittsburgh Pirates have a stadium, teams and training facilities in LECOM Park in Bradenton (The Marauders), which is why Pirates baseball is a feature.
James with The Mayor of Bradenton. Wayne H. Poshton
James with the Marauders baseball team
from left: Jodi Carol, Justin Gargott, James Simon, jenny Pearson, Justin Gratton, and the Director of Realize Bradenton, Johnette Isham
"Clay Together" workshop where the community makes some fish for the mosaic
The Mayor making a fish!
"Clay Together" workshop where the community makes some fish for the mosaic
"Clay Together" workshop where the community makes some fish for the mosaic
