A local mosaic is now being admired by people around the world.

  • Mosaic of former Monrovia Mayor selected for exhibit
  • Entered by artist Carole Choucair Oueijan
  • Work captures spirit of city's first African-American mayor

A mosaic of former Monrovia Mayor Bob Bartlett at a train station has been selected for display at the prestigious American Mosaic Summit in April. The art piece was selected out of entries from around the world and will be on display in Nashville.

Artist Carole Choucair Oueijan entered the piece into the competition.

“I was so humble and honored to be selected to have this piece as one of the selected pieces this year,” Oueijan said.

Oueijan created the piece in her studio in Hacienda Heights. She imports glass from Italy and Mexico to create colorful mosaics. Each piece of glass is hand cut using a tool she inherited from her father. He was both an artist and priest in Lebanon.  

Now Oueijan carries on the family business by creating mosaic masterpieces. She sells each piece for buyers to enjoy in their homes for roughly $15,000 dollars.

But she says creating public art pieces for everyone to enjoy is her favorite job. She has also created public art in Temple City and Temecula.

Monrovia City Councilman Larry Spicer, who knew Bob Bartlett personally for years, selected the picture Oueijan used for the mosaic.

Bartlett was Monrovia’s first African-American mayor. Spicer says the mosaic perfectly captures his vibrant spirit.

“We thought that this picture here showed a lot of life…the big cheeks of Bob and that beautiful smile,” Spicer said.  “And that’s why we always called him Mr. Mayor. He always had that big smile on his face.”

Bartlett’s smile will be on display at the Summit in Nashville from April 23-28.