Public Space Beautified in Orange

Behind the Brass Factory on Freeman Street is a courtyard that is currently being transformed into a public meeting place. It is meant to illustrate the collective wish of Valley Arts to bring about positive change.

• There is a mosaic installation that is currently in progress- Several members of the community have been attending ValleyArts artist Debbie Markette's mosaic workshops and are now installing "seedling" forms with mirrors and ceramic tiles on the opposite wall of the Brass Factory. The artwork looks great, symbolizes growth.... and it has been lovely to see people from the neighborhood building relationships with each other and with VA folks.
  
• ValleyArts member Lisa Marie Bronson got white gravel spread on the ground of the courtyard to create a consistent background for artistic elements. She also installed our labyrinth footpath on the grounds of the courtyard. It is meant to be a meditative tool and an interactive element... allowing visitors to echo the VA "prayer" or "hope" for positive change.... OR to offer up their own prayers, wishes, concerns, etc. A sculptural center element of the labyrinth is being planned: perhaps an arrangement of stones or a recirculating water fountain feature.
  
• Dan Fenelon is a fine artist and graphic designer create a colorful mural on the rear wall of the Brass Factory. It has a "tribal" quality that seems to echo many different cultural styles. The central image depicts a dreamer who is held up by the supportive arms of his community. An angel gives him wings so that his vision can take flight. His creative vision is symbolized by a magnificent dragon.
  
• There are other elements of the courtyard under discussion. They include sculptural pieces, some sort of treatment of the fence adjacent to the Mitchell Supreme truck parking, some portable planters for trees, plants, flowers, and some seating.

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