With the help of mortar from MAPEI, renowned mosaic artist Mike Mandel received the 2006 Spectrum Award. Presented annually by organizers of the Coverings tile and stone marketplace, the award honors installations that demonstrate "excellence in the use of ceramic tile." Mandel's winning entry involves two giant murals featured on walls of the Charlotte Arena in Charlotte, N.C. Because of the large size of the two murals, Mandel relied on MAPEI's Kerabond/Keralastic mortar system, which is designed to have an extended open time that allows installers to set tiles and make any needed adjustments to get the artistry just right. "MAPEI is proud of its contribution to the recognition received by artists who work in the ceramic tile medium," says MAPEI regional sales manager, Paul Hosford.