Egbert W. Beach Elementary School Donor Tile Wall
Directed concept, design and installation of 20 foot tile wall for a public school capital campaign. The wall incorporates custom tiles of local flora and fauna to create a life-size creekside scene.
The campaign raised over 4 times the targeted amount for extensive school facility improvements.
School concerns re. inclusion or comparative stigma from tiered donor levels were mitigated by creating a design that naturally included different sizes and numbers of tile in a cohesive scene.
Actual leaves from the neighborhood were pressed between wet paper towels and sent to be imprinted and hand thrown to scale.
As we promoted the campaign and concept, participation increased exponentially. 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.
First Level $200 Donor Tile with Personal Inscription and film cover to protect glaze until installed.
Local wildlife and habitats were researched to ensure all tiles in the scene were authentic to the area and of particuar educational interest to the student body.
As the number of donors surpassed anticipated numbers, the design had to be continually redrafted and a new location on a larger ediface 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 exponential levels of participation possible when an audience or target group feels well represented by a concept.
Final design executed at the school auditorium entrance and lunch area where children and families can enjoy it daily.
This final tile, placed before the scene was hand-plastered in, was dedicated to the many donors whose generosity made the artwork and the improved school grounds what they are now.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was coordinated with the school's newly hired principal and covered by local press.
