–community project is complete!

We are celebrating this summer!

A community  tile project that we began in the Spring of 2011 now springs to life!

Our story began when the vivacious cooperative effort to re-landscape the front of Sierra Madre Elementary School with all California Native plants was completed.  Suddenly, eyes were drawn to the cracked concrete entry at the front of the school.

Light bulb!  Idea!  Ceramic tile!

So Tracy and I introduced handmade ceramic tile to a group of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students at Sierra Madre Middle School.  Their task…to beautify that aged entry leading up to their Alma Mater elementary school.   

With the help of some great friends (Cathy, Barbara and Allison), we hand-cut 300 clay tiles.  We provided wood blocks and adhesive foam sheets for about 70 students to create their own stamps.   Once the stamps were made, the students pressed their newly-created designs into a wet clay tile, making a beautiful impression, ready to glaze.

Then, because of funding challenges, the tile project was delayed–the area planned for the installation was in great need of repair.  Time and water had cracked the surrounding walls. Finally in June, after much campaigning, we were able to acquire the needed funding for the repair and installation.

As of August 1st, the Middle School student-made tile is forever gifted to the entry steps of Sierra Madre Elementary School.   We are so delighted.  Please drop by 141 West Highland Avenue in Sierra Madre and have a look.

As per usual, the unpaid interns (Vinnie and Lucy) contribute their approval…