Gretchen Update!
In early 2026, I saw a Call to Artists for a 3D sculpture to be displayed above a fountain in Ward Parkway Center in Kansas City, MO. I immediately jumped at the chance and submitted photos of Gretchen for consideration. I was over the moon when they contacted me to say they had selected Gretchen.
After meeting with the property management team (love, love, love), I decided that I wanted to build a base for Gretchen to balance on. With only a week or two to complete the base, I immediately got to work.
The base is made from two pieces of 2-inch-thick Styrofoam insulation, cut into circles and then coated in concrete patching compound and mortar. Tiles were laid out face-down, glued to a mesh backing, and then placed around the perimeter. More tiles were added to the top and some along the underside. Because the top isn’t viewable from eye level, I didn’t want to weigh the piece down with more tiles.
A very sincere thank you to the team at Ward Parkway for selecting Gretchen and providing a venue for local artists to showcase their work.
Gretchen
Meet Gretchen. I’m not quite sure why I chose that name, but it just felt right.
Gretchen came to life during the summer of 2024. She’s crafted from a blend of materials: concrete over polystyrene and cardboard reinforced with wire mesh and then covered with vibrant ceramic tiles and stained-glass strips. The eyes are upcycled candle holders, giving her a unique character.
The inspiration for Gretchen came from a visit to my sister Laurie in Connecticut. Laurie’s backyard is like a magazine spread, complete with a serene koi pond. During my stay, I spent countless hours outside with family, watching the fish glide gracefully through the water.
Gretchen is a gentle reminder of the importance of those cherished moments with family and loved ones. She embodies the joy of gathering together, taking a moment to simply enjoy the present, and celebrating the beauty of being.
Piece
Gretchen
Year
2024
