During the 1998-99 school year, fourth grade students were formally commissioned as artists to create a ceramic tile mural reflecting the culture of pre-Columbian Southeastern Native Americans with an emphasis on the Cherokee. Each student researched, drew, and sculpted a tile portraying a Native American image. Approximately 220 clay tiles were permanently installed on a wall in the front hallway of Mount Pleasant Elementary School.

The North Carolina Arts Council awarded Mount Pleasant Elementary School $3,120.00 to create the mural in collaboration with a local sculptor, Mr. Raymond Moose. Mr. Moose created a bronze bust of a Cherokee as the focal point of the mural. Fourth grade teachers integrated the North Carolina Social Studies curriculum with the North Carolina Visual Arts Curriculum. The fourth grade art students invited the Three-Dimensional Art class from Mount Pleasant High School to help them make the plaster molds of the tiles. Mr. Moose also conducted two sculpture workshops for teachers and staff members who wanted the opportunity to create a tile for the mural. The entire school was invited to witness a sawdust firing of the clay tiles on the school grounds. Parents, businesses, and community organizations worked together with students and teachers contributing their technical expertise, financial sponsorship, and support. Mr. Moose has created a videotape of the entire sculpting and firing procedures so that present and future students may benefit from the learning opportunities of this project.

On May 2, there was an official unveiling of the mural, a reception for the artists, and public acknowledgment of all key participants.  Parents, school personnel and officials, dignitaries, and local patrons of the arts were invited to attend. Fourth graders delved into the Native American culture and uncovered a wealth of images that will be a constant reminder to this small, rural North Carolina community of a culture nearly forgotten. We believe this mural touches people in a special way, reminding them of a highly civilized and artistic culture that through projects like this, will not be forgotten.