Mosaic

Tile and grout create mountains, sun, and memories. The colorful mosaic is a celebration of life, memorial of death; a work of art to remember our people, Anchorage’s homeless.

December 21st is recognized as the National Coalition for the Homeless Memorial Day. This day is set aside to remember the passing of homeless men, women and children. Bean’s recognizes this day by holding a candle lighting vigil for our community to remember those whom they have loved and lost.

The tradition at Bean’s began in 1988 with the reading of the names of clients, volunteers and employees that had died. Every year the list grows. The mosaic was conceived after one of these vigils. Angie Reynolds, a former Jesuit Volunteer who had given a year of service to volunteer at Bean’s Café, felt the need to do something. Looking out across the Anchorage landscape the idea hit, with the hands and talents of many, clients and friends, the mosaic was created.

Today the mosaic is the center piece of the café. To each it means something different. The names listed every year also mean something different to each of us that reads the name, knew the person or has lost someone.

 

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