Henry Ford’s 150th: “Innovation”

Inspired by the work of Henry Ford, students in
18 cities share their innovative ideas for the future.

Celebrating Henry Ford’s 150th birthday and his innovative ideas, thousands of students (grades 6-12) in 18 U.S. cities participated in The Henry Ford 150 Years Mosaic Mural Program.  Art teachers in nearly 50 schools shared resources and information about the life of Henry Ford and his legacy as an innovator.   Students created artworks and wrote artist’s statements focusing on the ways that they could be innovators in their community, throughout the country, and around the world.  Their ideas ranged from improvements in agriculture, manufacturing and environmental sustainability to improvements in health, lifestyle and energy efficiency.  Some participants reflected on the innovations of Henry Ford in manufacturing, management and entrepreneurship.

Thousands of artworks contributed to the giant 9’x5’ mosaic mural that was unveiled in July, 2013 and installed in the lobby of Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Each participating city also received their own 6’x4’ edition of the mosaic mural.

I felt like I was important because so many people across the country have their artworks put together to create this huge mosaic that is sentimental and it shows how much of an impact Henry Ford had on the world.

Participants can access the mosaic mural online in the Project S.N.A.P. Online Art Museum, read and share their artist’s statement and see how their artwork fits into the “big picture”.   The mosaic mural is also on display as part of the  “Featured Programs” in the Project S.N.A.P. Online Art Museum.