SHIRLEY — A display of more than 70 fourth-grade pupils’ artwork in the meeting room of the Hazen Library gave visitors a visual answer to the question, “What is a tessellation?”
An opening reception was held last week, at which many parents, teachers, classmates and community members turned out to appreciate the young artists’ work.
“I’m excited to see the turnout,” art teacher Elaine Nogueira said.
Examples of tessellations, derived from the Latin word “tessella,” meaning “tile,” can be seen in our daily surroundings in floor designs, quilts and computer art. They are composed when a repeated pattern of objects is pieced together like a puzzle with no overlaps or spaces.
Famous Dutch-born artist M.C. Escher’s tessellated works using recognizable objects were inspired by the designs he saw inside a Spanish mosque, according to a poster situated at the entrance of the reception.
Alexandra Oldfied, a pupil from Erin Campobasso’s fourth-grade class, said she liked learning what a tessellation was and coloring and tracing the design.
The Lura A. White School pupils spent over a month creating their works of art, Nogueira said. Each design was different. Some were in the shape of animals, while others where geometric shapes.
Pupils were excited to share their experiences in making the artwork, and many parents expressed how proud they were to see the final result of the children’s efforts.
At the reception last week, refreshments were served including cookies donated by Girl Scout Troop 689.
Two guest books decorated by the pupils have been left on a table to be signed by visitors. The fourth-graders’ tessellation art will be on display at the library until June 2.
