The Dragon Family

Camp Allen’s “The Dragon Family” was the most student-driven design of all the mosaics we created in Norfolk, Virginia. The dragon is the school mascot, but I was wary of doing something too cartoonish. The students shared with me what they saw in the dragon and what they saw in themselves: strength, courage, resolve, and fierceness. The dragon was a symbol, a powerful representation of them and their school. It was an illuminating conversation that guided my work.

This mosaic represents the story of Camp Allen Elementary School, a place where young people are protected, supported and encouraged to learn, to grow, to create, and to make friends. The Dragon Family symbolizes the collective spirit of the place - both formidable and protective.