Jean Cory Beall facts for kids

Jean Cory Beall (born May 23, 1909 – died October 26, 1978) was a talented American artist. She created beautiful artworks, especially large mosaics. Her art is even featured in important places like the Seattle Art Museum.

Learning to Be an Artist

Jean Beall went to many different art schools to learn and improve her skills. She studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts. She also traveled to Paris, France, to attend the Parsons School of Design. In Mexico City, she learned at the Institute Politecnico. Finally, she studied at the famous Art Students' League in New York City. These experiences helped her become the amazing artist she was.

Big Art for Public Places

Jean Beall was known for creating large artworks called mosaics. Mosaics are pictures or designs made from small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. These pieces are carefully put together to form a bigger image.

Water into Electricity Mosaic

In 1957, Jean Beall created a huge mosaic called Water into Electricity (That Man May Use It Freely...). This artwork was 37 feet long! It was made from shiny glass tiles. She made it for the City Light building in Seattle, Washington. Many years later, in 1996, this impressive mural was moved to Seattle's Museum of History and Industry.

Olympia's Venetian Glass Mural

Two years later, in 1959, Jean Beall created another large mosaic. This one was for the General Administration Building in Olympia, Washington. It measured about 10.5 feet tall and 29.5 feet long. She used special Venetian glass tesserae (small pieces of glass) to make it. In 2018, this beautiful mosaic was moved to the Helen Sommers building, which is right next door.