Large installations with community participation
Gail works with the community to design and install large scale mosaics.
These collaborative projects are executed with children and adults.Nature Themed Mosaics, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
This large-scale installation in the new satellite hospital gave over 2,000 students from 18 neighboring schools the opportunity to create permanent artworks that brought sunshine and the four seasons indoors.
18 panels in total, each measuring 28 inches (w) x 7 feet (h)
"Children Chasing the Rainbow”,
Children’s Hospital of Michigan Entrance Lobby
This piece was a joint collaboration between patients, their families, and visiting guests, and was also open to participation from all hospital personnel, including doctors, nurses, social workers, custodians, and more. This permanent installation graces the main lobby and features the hospital logo- showcasing “patients Jake and Ellie” against a rainbow background.
Installation:15 feet (h) x 7 feet (w)
"Lighting Up Literacy” Mosaic installation,
Detroit Public Library Children’s Reading Room
"Lighting Up Literacy" is a mosaic project that inspired youth in the city of Detroit to connect more deeply with the resources of their local library. Using art as a powerful tool to motivate and engage, students in eight public and charter schools submitted drawings that reflected curriculum studies; these illustrations were used to create the final mosaic designs. Students cut and placed over 47,000 mosaic tiles as they brought their designs to life under the guidance of Gail and her mosaic partner Dani Katsir.
8 panels measuring 34 inches (h) x 84 inches (w), 1 panel measuring 34 inches (h) x 160 inches (w)
Artist Gail Kaplan is an artist who cares for children. She engaged all the students of Pasteur Elementary School in creating an enormous mural for the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. From discussing with them what it is to be an artist, to figuring out mathematically how many pieces of glass would be used, to actually gluing in the pieces. She helped everyone feel that they were a part of something important. The children can show their grandparents and grandchildren their permanent installation in this important public space.
Kids Kicking Cancer-Tree of Life Fundraising
This artwork is permanently installed in a martial arts center used by children fighting cancer and other lifelong illnesses. Not only does it add beauty to the studio, the act of creating it gave a sense of accomplishment to the Kids Kicking Cancer participants, their families, and the center’s staff. Participants cut and arranged both glass tiles and 65 “leaves” which highlight the impact from donors. A raised sunburst with the Kids Kicking Cancer logo is shown on the upper left corner, and the words “Power,” “Peace” and “Purpose”, made in fused glass, are especially impactful.
Installation: 90 inches (w) x 54 inches (h),
High School Commission, Bloomfield Hills High School
This piece was created by students, staff, and the broader community to adorn the lobby of the newly constructed Bloomfield Hills High School. Funded by donors in memory of a student who was a member of the Bells Music Club.
Size: 9 feet (w) by 7 feet (h)
My daughter Julie loved her years singing with the Bells music group at the Bloomfield Hiils High school. Bringing the community together to create this installation in her memory for the entrance lobby of their new building was a thrill and we could not have done it without Gail’s creativity and vision.