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City Beat
Tile mural project is looking for community oriented contractor
Volunteer needed to complete the WG library's patio expansion
By Michele Leung
A tile mural designed by children for the Willow Glen Public Library patio is inching closer to completion. Now, Kitty Mason, president of the Willow Glen Beautification Project is seeking contractors willing to do some community service to give a helping hand.
Mason said volunteer contractors she had lined up to help with the job have backed out. Volunteers will be responsible for minor excavation, including concrete pad pouring and tile setting. Nina Koepcke, the artist in charge, says that the tiles have already been glazed and time is of the essence.
"We're desperately looking for a contractor who will lay down the tiles before April and before the building boom," she said. She fears that since contractors are scheduled a year in advance and that spring is around the corner, all available workers will be booked.
Koepcke feels that too much work and energy have been invested for the expansion to change at this point. While it would be easier to place the tiles on the wall, she is reluctant to modify. She has conducted numerous tests to ensure that the paints are attractive and safe for children to work with and that the tiles meet the proper engineering standards.
"It's OK to put them on a wall. But we're not going to change our minds now," she said.
The project is being funded by the Willow Glen Beautification Project with support from Friends of the Willow Glen Library. The patio expansion entails 18 two-foot by two-foot tiles that children have designed. This project is done as a memorial for Helen Clair Owen, who was the first business manager for the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association and a supporter of beautification in Willow Glen.
"She loved rabbits, and often called children her 'rabbits,'" said Koepcke. As a result, all tiles are illustrated with rabbit scenes from children's literature.
Project officials would like the tile laying to be completed by the end of April.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
