West Pompano Highlands Park

Many years ago the community of West Pompano Highlands Parks was a pineapple field surrounded by a homogeneous Caucasian community. The community today has evolved to become a very diverse community.

The artistic elements of this project deal with the theme of the butterfly and the concept of metamorphosis. Just as s the butterfly evolves from the egg to the pupa, chrysalis and eventually back to a butterfly, the community of West Pompano has also evolved. Because the site was once a pineapple field, it seemed fitting to also incorporate the image of the pineapple into the design of the butterfly.

The main artwork is a 20 foot diameter hand glazed ceramic tile floor for an exterior courtyard. A giant butterfly prominently depicted in the floor incorporates references to the pineapple, which not only symbol of the area's past, but also a well-recognized symbol representing hospitality.

Scattered throughout the butterfly's wings are self-portrait silhouettes and butterfly inspired autobiographies by the children of the community, as well as other quotations by recognized authors on the same theme. The sense of freedom and relaxation often suggested by the butterfly will be reflected in this colorful floor, to making this area the focal point of the garden with an inviting light, whimsical feeling.

Neighborhood children from the after-school program at Tedder Elementary School have been engaged in the project, following a curriculum that I developed in order to provide a meaningful educational experience in the context of participation in the creation of the artwork.