Salida Mosaic Art Bench Projects

Two benches are being provided to the artist to create a fused glass mosaic. The layout will be a giant puzzle-piece — meaning each tile has an exact location and no two pieces are alike. It is expected to have the installation completed by June 2027 (or sooner!).

Follow along with the page “Salida Mosaic Bench Projects”. Project updates and progress images will be available to see how the project unfolds.

“Salida Magnetic Field”: Where Glass, Science, and the Street Meet

Some forces can’t be seen—but their patterns can be felt. Magnetism pulls. Quantum physics unsettles the familiar. And color, when it moves across a public space, can make an ordinary walk feel like a small discovery.

“Salida Magnetic Field” brings that sense of motion into a pair of mosaic bench projects selected for installation in Salida. The benches will sit across the street from one another, connected by a continuous visual language of bright blue, yellow, and green. Their fused-glass shapes will fit together like puzzle pieces, creating a lively image that seems to travel from one side of the street to the other.

The concept draws on images of electromagnetic fields and quantum phenomena: energy gathering, shifting, and radiating outward. Rather than treating each bench as a separate object, the design lets the glass tiles work together—each shape contributing to a larger composition. From nearby, the eye can follow the seams and individual pieces. From farther away, the colors and patterns become a single, flowing field.

Public art has to do more than catch the light. It has to meet the weather, the seasons, and the steady rhythm of daily life. A durable porcelain kickplate will protect the base from snow removal and foot traffic, giving the artwork a practical foundation as well as a vivid one. The result is designed to be both eye-catching and ready for its place outdoors.

There is something fitting about bringing ideas from physics into a bench: a place to pause, observe, and let the world move around you. The glass invites a closer look, while the larger design rewards anyone who notices how the two benches speak across the street.

Installation is scheduled before June 2027. Until then, “Salida Magnetic Field” is taking shape as a meeting point between fused glass, scientific wonder, and the everyday landscape of Salida. 

Ocotillo Bone Marrow Nearing Completion

 In the heart of the desert, where the sun kisses the earth and the wind whispers through the canyons, a new sculpture emerges—"Ocotillo Bone Marrow." This striking piece stands over 10 feet tall, a testament to the beauty and resilience of the Ocotillo cactus, a symbol of life in arid landscapes.

  

Crafted from mild steel, this sculpture is not just a visual marvel; it’s a dynamic experience. The two figures, mirroring each other, invite viewers to engage with their surroundings. As one walks around the piece, it unfolds like the gentle sway of grass in the breeze, revealing layers of intricate design and craftsmanship. 

The interior and exterior of the sculpture are transformed through the addition of fused glass orbs, each one a vibrant splash of color reminiscent of growth and water—elements so vital to life in the West. These orbs, with their oozing hues, create a dialogue between the steel and glass, merging the organic with the industrial. 

 

The base plate is meticulously designed to allow the figures to quiver, responding to the slightest touch or movement in the environment. This kinetic aspect adds a layer of interactivity, inviting viewers to not just observe but to participate in the artwork’s life.

Art is a reflection of the world around us, and "Ocotillo Bone Marrow" embodies the delicate balance of nature and human creativity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation and environmental consciousness, themes that resonate deeply in the Western American landscape.

This sculpture is more than just a piece of art; it’s a story waiting to be told. It invites you to explore, to reflect, and to connect with the natural world. 

For those interested in bringing a piece of this journey into their own space, "Ocotillo Bone Marrow" is available for viewing and purchase. Each piece is a unique expression of artistry, crafted with care and intention. 

Embrace the beauty of nature and art—discover more about this sculpture and others in the collection!