A woman with a mask creates a mosaic on a cinderblock wall.

This mural, located on a vibrant corner in the Bayside neighborhood of Portland, was designed by University of Southern Maine Artist-in-Residence Muhsana Ali in 2016. Ali is an internationally-recognized artist based in Senegal who works in many media to create conceptual community-centered art.

“The spiral design represents the common origin of all of humanity and the ways in which we spiral out from, or back into that center. The footprints, which I collected from the mural participants, are placed in various directions along the center of that spiral path. All of these elements glow together in one amazing, balanced and harmonious form like an evolved human family.” 
–Muhsana Ali, 2016 Artist-in-Residence

The project was organized by the USM Artist-in-Residence program in collaboration with the School of Social Work and Coffee By Design. Carolyn Eyler, USM Director of Exhibitions and Programs, executed site research and project management. Muhsana Ali and Dr. Paula Gerstenblatt taught a class that created an opportunity for USM students of many disciplines and community members to work together. Over one hundred USM students and several hundred community members participated in making small glass paintings. The artist and her assistants incorporated these pieces along with cut mirror, tiles, and ceramic pieces that were adhered to the wall with a mixture of pigmented concrete and sand.

Special mention is given to Senegalese artist, Amadou Kane Sy, Ali’s husband and colleague, who assisted in the creation of the mural. Many thanks to USM art alumna Mia Bogyo, USM art intern Kayla Frost, and USM art student Kenneth S. Davis. This project was completed with generous contributions by Redfern Properties, Coffee By Design, the USM Office of the President, the Running with Scissors artist community, an anonymous local donor, and all those who contributed material donation.

Images from the Artist’s Residency


Artist Muhsana Ali working on East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016, as part of her engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of the artist’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of the artist’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Mosaic installation process. Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of Ali’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Artist Muhsana Ali working on East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016, as part of her engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Mosaic installation process. Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of Ali’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Mosaic installation process. Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of Ali’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Mosaic installation process. Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of Ali’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Mosaic installation process. Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of Ali’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.
Mosaic installation process. Muhsana Ali, East Bayside Community Mosaic Mural, 2016. Mosaic. Created as part of Ali’s engagement as the University of Southern Maine’s Artist-in-Residence.