RED RIVER ZOO MOSAIC MURAL ~ Fargo, ND ~ PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Completed Mosaic September 2013
HOW DID IT HAPPEN? In the Fall of 2012 I was approached by the Red River Zoo in Fargo, North Dakota to submit a design for a mosaic mural to decorate an existing freestanding wall. I was tasked with creating a new work of art that would recognize the history and give insight into the Zoo's plans for the future. Winter 2012 I presented my design to the Zoo's board and staff, an the search for funding began. To our delight, the Zoo was awarded a generous grant by the Arts Partnership of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo in the early summer of 2013. TURNING A DESIGN INTO A REALITY The summer of 2013 was spent selecting and cutting glass and transforming the design into into portable sections. In mid-August the pieces were coming together and I began to work on site, preparing the surface for the installation of the mosaic. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION During installation of the mural, Zoo Visitors were invited to participate in the decoration of the borders with a tempting selection of beads, stones, broken dishes, marbles, jewels, cut glass, and other treasures, including some donated items. Visitors perused these mementos and selected one item and placed it into the mural's border with my assistance. READY FOR ITS FIRST ZOOLIBRATION On September first the completed mosaic: "PAST PRESENT FUTURE" was officially revealed to the public in a dedication ceremony led by Lisa Tate, the Executive Director of the Zoo; Dayna Del Val, Executive Director of the Arts Partnership; and with a special guest: the Mayor of Fargo, Dennis Walaker. |
PAST PRESENT FUTURE of the RED RIVER ZOO
left PAST - NORTH ASIA -
Red Panda, Bactrian Camel, Reeves Muntjak, Takin, White Nape Crane, Koi Fish, Tanuki, Russian Red Squirrels, Mandarin Duck, Pallas Cat, Wild Boar, Pea Fowl.
center PRESENT - NORTH AMERICA -
Golden Eagle, Canadian Geese, Mule Deer, Snowy Owl, Grey Fox, Grey Wolf, White Tail Deer, Mallard Duck, Wood Duck, Redhead Duck, River Otters, Western Cattle Egret, Porcupine, Black Tailed Prairie Dog, Eastern Screech Owl.
right FUTURE - VIKING WILDERNESS -
Snow Leopard, Harbor Seal, Arctic Puffin, Brown Bear, Siberian Tiger, Arctic Fox, Polar Bear, Reindeer, Musk Ox, Asian Lion
left PAST - NORTH ASIA -
Red Panda, Bactrian Camel, Reeves Muntjak, Takin, White Nape Crane, Koi Fish, Tanuki, Russian Red Squirrels, Mandarin Duck, Pallas Cat, Wild Boar, Pea Fowl.
center PRESENT - NORTH AMERICA -
Golden Eagle, Canadian Geese, Mule Deer, Snowy Owl, Grey Fox, Grey Wolf, White Tail Deer, Mallard Duck, Wood Duck, Redhead Duck, River Otters, Western Cattle Egret, Porcupine, Black Tailed Prairie Dog, Eastern Screech Owl.
right FUTURE - VIKING WILDERNESS -
Snow Leopard, Harbor Seal, Arctic Puffin, Brown Bear, Siberian Tiger, Arctic Fox, Polar Bear, Reindeer, Musk Ox, Asian Lion