Special Artists Create Mosaic On MacArthur Boulevard

Several dozen special artists have created a visual gift for San Leandro by installing a mural outside the offices of , a non-profit agency that serves the developmentally-disabled.

The artwork is already visible outside the organization's offices at 311 MacArthur Blvd., just south of the Oakland city line.

Residents are invited to a ceremony Thursday afternoon from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. to christen the mosaic and thank city officials for their help.

"We wanted to bring some sunshine to our neighborhood," said Stepping Stones Executive Director Jerry Joseph.

Joseph said the project was partially supported by the city's Awning, Sign and Paint Loan Program run by the Redevelopment Agency.

San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy will speak at the event.

The mosaic was designed by ceramics teacher Meadow Presley, who is one of about 70 staffers who serve the organization's 300 clients.

The artwork depicts a nature scene that fades from day to evening and includes plants and animals native to Northern California. Clients made the tiles in their ceramics classes.

Michael Trujillo and Rebecca Jantzen were among the roughly 40 clients who took part in the project, which took about 12 months from conception to completion.

"I did the coyote and the sun and the beehive," Trujillo said.

"I love doing art," Jantzen added.

Joseph said the project had several goals.

"We wanted to educate the public about the talents of people with disabilities," he said.

Working together also served a therapeutic end.

"Creating in a group setting helps teach appropriate ways to interract," he said.

Stepping Stones has been in San Leandro since 1995. Joseph said many of the organization's clients live in the city and are employed by local businesses.