Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Underwater Treasures

By Susan Lavin
Posted: September 17, 2008

Artist Mary Deacon Opasik stands with the artwork titled, “Underwater Treasures,” at at the Elkridge Branch Library. (Photo by Joanne Thomas).

I recently attended the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the beautiful mosaic artwork, “Underwater Treasures,” at the Elkridge Branch Library.  It was a lovely, sunny afternoon with a large crowd of supportive community members, teachers, parents, elected officials, students, library staff, and representatives of the school board.

If you haven’t seen it yet, stop by the Elkridge Branch Library soon!  It’s even more amazing close up, where you can see the details.

County Executive Ken Ulman said, “the project represents the Route 1 revitalization, and cooperation between community and students”  He went on to say “The $4,000 was an incredibly well spent investment.”

The artist, Mary Deacon Opasik spoke during the ceremony and said, “This was a special year of my life!  I loved working with the great children at ELMS, they showed enthusiasm while working on this project.”

“It not only brightens up the Route 1 corridor but it will also remind the Elkridge community of the talents and dedication of one of the best art teachers in the HCPSS, Patti Battalia.” Carol Jones said.

Battalia, the art instructor at the school who was instrumental in getting this Underwater Treasure project off the ground stated, “I love driving down the Route 1 corridor now.”  She is extremely pleased with the completed masterpiece.

Comment on this entry • View 1 response

user mjdthomas says...

Great Job Susan on covering this story. The mural is lovely. It represents a lot of pride and hard work by all that contributed. It was especially fun to watch it evolve.

Joanne Thomas
ELMS Media Assistant

Posted 8:21 AM, 09.19.08

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