McKinley School’s spring 2006 artist-in-residence was internationally acclaimed muralist José Antonio Aguirre. He provided the artistic direction for McKinley students to create a colorfully rich geometric Southwest mosaic with desert landscape, Native American, and Asian influences. This extraordinary Venetian glass tile mosaic was permanently installed to encompass the entire east-facing wall below the McKinley kindergarten play yard. The Mayan title “Wayénone” embraces McKinley’s commitment to K-8 Music and Arts focus public education for Pasadena children.

Distinguished artist José Antonio Aguirre has participated in over 130 solo and collective exhibitions of paintings and prints, both nationally and internationally. He has created more that 26 permanent works of public art in the U.S. and Mexico. Collections of his work are permanently located in Germany, Mexico, New York and Los Angeles. You can view two of his recently commissioned mosaics at the Metro Gold Line Highland Avenue station stop and at the East Los Angeles Public Library!

Over 700 McKinley K through 6th graders had the opportunity to work closely with José Antonio during February, March, and April of 2006, as they planned and created this visually expansive mosaic. Students met by class with José Antonio, and learned by their experiential collaboration the unique steps and techniques in creating mosaic murals.