"MIKE'S DOLPHIN"

Through a Massachusetts Department of Education Community Service Learning Grant Uxbridge High School second year art students have created a stained glass mural for the intesive care unit of the children's ward at UMASS hospital. On December 22, 1997 this mural,mounted in a light box, was installed in the Echo (echo cardiogram) lab where children often undergo extensive tests. This "healing piece" will serve as a focal point and spiritual piece to help relax and give hope to children as they go through stressful and often painful experiences of recovery from illness. It is dedicated to the memory of Michael Morrissette who died in 1996 before graduating. Michael had a heart transplant at an early age. His mother Brenda, works at University of Massachusetts Hospital and chose the location for this community service art work.

The design began with a block print that Michael Morrissette did of a dolphin and displayed at home. The dolphin leaping out of the water symbolizes the transition between two planes of reality and the mysteries of our beautiful universe.

Stained Glass Artist Michael Martino of Martino Stain Glass Studio in Framingham was the technical advisor for the project. For two months, he worked with the Art 2 class every Monday and Friday to introduce and demonstrate technique, check out progress, and continue developing essential skills for this ancient craft. Mr. Martino has worked on museum restorations as well as travelled internationally to complete projects. He is a parent of four children all of whom have attended Uxbridge High. Students are learning the art, craft, and history of stained glass work, from design to the creation of murals in groups that will be given to hospitals, nursing homes, or other places of human care as community service learning.

The Light Box was designed, constructed, and donated by DJ Henderson Architectural Woodworking of Uxbridge.

This initiative was also made possible through funding of The Massachusetts Cultural Council's Education Partnership Grant.