Artwork Detail

Helen Keller Park Ceramic Mural

Artist: Martinez, Michele C.

Object Date: 2008

Medium: Glaze on terra cotta

Imperial Dims: Overall: 81 x 183 in.

Department(s): Parks and Recreation

Supervisorial District: 2

About the Artwork:

Michele Martinez's large scale glazed ceramic tile murals on the pool house façade honor the park's namesake, Helen Keller. This panel features tiles made by local youth during a workshop led by the artist. One panel shows a group of children basking in the sun alongside a rippling pooll. The murals are accompanied by quotes from Helen Keller, presented in English, Spanish and Braille.

About the Artist:

Michele Martinez, who resides in southern California, received a MA from UCLA in Latin American Studies and also is a credited Bilingual/Crosscultural Academic Development Specialist. Martinez has completed public art commissions for the Metro Orange Line Sepulveda Station, Pasadena Armory for the Arts, and the City of El Potrero, Costa Rica. Her work is characterized by vivid imagery that often reflects historical aspects of the community in which she works. With her extensive teaching experience, Martinez often involves community members in the development and execution of her projects.