Beach School Donor Tile Wall
Concept, design, and installation of custom tile wall for public elementary school capital campaign.
The piece incorporated local flora and fauna depicted in hand thrown tiles to create a life-size creekside scene.
Project raised over 4 times the targeted amount for school facility and grounds (@$200K).
20 by 12 foot mural incorporating tiles at tiered donation levels. More than one choice of animal or plant was available at different levels, so design genuinely evolved in conjunction with the donors' choices.
The principal's concerns re. inclusion or stigma from comparing tiered donor levels was mitigated by creating a design that naturally included, and in fact required, different sizes and numbers of tiles for a cohesive scene.
Actual leaves from the neighborhood were pressed between wet paper towels and sent to be imprinted and hand thrown by the artisan to scale.
Local wildlife and habitats were researched to ensure all tiles in the scene were authentic to the immediate Bay Area and of particular educational interest to the student body and community members.
As we promoted the campaign and concept, participation increased exponentially. As the number of donors surpassed anticipated numbers, the design had to be continually redrafted and a new location on a larger edifice found.
The fluid nature of this design (not simply stacking engraved bricks) was an exciting challenge met with great success. It was also a testament to the prodigious levels of participation realized from a truly engaged audience.
The opportunity to purchase a unique, personalized tile to be included in a public work - the design of which was constantly evolving - was a commanding draw.
This final tile, placed as the piece was hand-plastered in, was dedicated to those who helped create the artwork and improve school grounds with their generous engagement. A ribbon cutting ceremony was coordinated with the school's newly hired principal and covered by local press.
Final design executed at the school auditorium entrance and lunch area where children and families enjoy it daily.
