Installation is complete on  the newest mosaic installation on the Morgan Arts Council (MAC) Ice House Art Center, featuring student work to create the “Help Save the Endangered Animal” mural.

The artwork was created in fall 2025 by Ms. Myers’ fourth-grade students at Warm Springs Intermediate School. The project was completed with the guidance of art teacher Anna Ruggiero and potter Lynn Lavin.

Since 2013, the Morgan Arts Council has partnered with the Morgan County School System to offer Art Integration programs twice a year. The Endangered Animal class is one of many offered through this initiative. In the class, students learn about the causes of animal endangerment and the efforts being made to protect vulnerable species. They then translate that knowledge into creative expression by crafting their own clay pieces.

“These hands-on experiences not only deepen understanding but also inspire creativity and a lasting appreciation for the arts,” said project leaders.

Mural grant donor

The opportunity to bring this mural to life was made possible through a generous donation to the Ice House Artists’ Co-Op in memory of Phillip MacKenzie, who passed away last summer. Phil, a relative of Lynn Lavin and a longtime supporter of the arts, was a painter, draftsman, and sculptor who loved all forms of artistic expression. He participated in the Endangered! gallery exhibit curated by Lynn in 2024, and greatly appreciated the quality of work and welcoming atmosphere found at the Ice House.

Diversity boosts ecosystem

Located across from Hunter’s Hardware, the mural serves as a vibrant reminder to help protect endangered animals. The polar bear—whose habitat is increasingly threatened by climate change—stands as a powerful symbol of the challenges facing wildlife worldwide.

At the center is MAC’s longtime unofficial polar bear mascot, Artie, with paws resting on the Earth, surrounded by animals representing diverse ecosystems across the globe. The mural measures approximately 100 inches long and 34 inches wide.

“The Morgan Arts Council extends its gratitude to the many individuals who contributed to the installation, including Anna Ruggiero, Lynn Lavin, Tina Rose, Patrick, TJ Enderlein, and Shanahan Elmore. Special thanks also go to Kurt Busse for providing the scaffolding that made the safe installation and grouting of the many ceramic pieces possible,” said MAC Executive Director Jordan Warren.

Student creativity & hands

Students played an active role in every stage of the project—creating and glazing animal figures, contributing to ocean elements, and designing lettering that reflects the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) focus of the program.

Each student also created a small clay hand, signed it, and added it to the mural. These personal touches are scattered throughout, allowing students to return and find their own mark for years to come—a meaningful connection to their creative work and community.

“As the Ice House continues to transform its exterior spaces, this mural joins other student-led projects, including the Apollo Splashdown mural created through the Morgan County After 3 program. The ‘Help Save Endangered Animals’ mural stands as both an educational piece and a lasting symbol of creativity, collaboration, and community pride,” said Warren.