As you travel through Media, you may have noticed the beautiful and colorful mosaic patterns on the new Media Borough gateway signs. Many thanks to Claire Brill, who is the artistic talent behind these one of a kind mosaic tile wayfinding signs.
It’s not just the grout and adhesive behind the beautiful wall mosaics the residents of Media have the pleasure of viewing, it’s the talented artistry of Ms. Brill. Claire, once an elementary school teacher, discovered her love and inspiration of mosaic art while working in the art department at The University of Pennsylvania. She created her initial work here, turning a dreary children’s lunchroom into a bright and cheery work of art. Claire learned how much she enjoyed the process of working with her hands. She calls this “the single most exciting thing I had ever done in my life”.
The mosaics around town are both visual art and expressions of emotions. One of her favorite works is the mural on Plum Street Mall. Claire calls it “a message, actual hands of people in the community, taking care of each other and taking care of the community, trees and the environment”.
Claire lives in Media and has two children in college. She balances her artwork between teaching and commissions. She also enjoys gardening and hiking.
Take time this summer to come out and enjoy Claire’s work. Other local projects include mosaics at Media Elementary School, Indian Lane Elementary, and Glenwood Elementary.
She believes that art is a skill and not a “God-given talent. People can do art and be taught this skill. I was someone that didn’t think I would be an artist. Mosaics were a safe entry into art making. Drawing is a skill and not a God-given talent. With the right teachers, art and mosaics are extremely accessible, art is accessible for all”.