The city of Chattanooga has selected Homes as one of the new sculptures in the series: Public Art on Main 2009.

Homes is a collaborative effort between Mark Making, Julie Clark and clients from eight agencies who serve the homeless.

Mark Making facilitated workshops with about 300 artists to create 300 tiles under the direction of Frances McDonald. The artists are represented by the following agencies/ministries: the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, the Union Gospel Mission, the Salvation Army, Forest Avenue United Methodist Church, Grace in Action Ministry, Episcopal Metropolitan Ministry, Room in the Inn, and In His Hand Church.

Homes gives a voice to Chattanooga’s homeless people who are often overlooked or ignored. The sculpture will provoke dialogues regarding homelessness as viewers stop to read messages from those with whom they usually have no communication.

Homes encourages Chattanoogans and visitors to consider the homeless as real people instead of as a nagging statistical element.

The sculpture is a tall, steeple-like structure; its steel frame was fabricated by artist Julie Clark. The black and white ceramic tile collage is tall and proud, solid, and represents a place of safety akin to the sanctuary of a church, officials said. The art functions as a bulletin board or a newspaper. Each tile is marked with an individual’s drawings and/or words used to describe his/her idea of a home, commentary on the being homeless, words of gratitude, dedications, in memoriams, and sometimes a request for employment with their qualifications.

Art teacher/facilitators include facilitators Carla Guerra and John, assistants Kathyrn Franklin, Tina Hawks, Jessica Grogan and Hannah Phillips. Baylor School and Lolly Durant fired tiles at no cost. Joe Hailey’s facility and expertise was appreciated. Stroud Watson was a consultant.

Since Mark Making became a 501(c)(3) last October, the organization has completed the following art projects:
We Speak mural on the Ross Hotel Building, artists: teens from CADAS Scholze Adolescent Center, the Partnership for Children, Families, and Adults, and the Children’s Home/Chambliss Shelter.
My City ‘Tis of Thee mural on Barton Ave, artists: 55 third graders from Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences.
Everlasting Flow at the Hamilton County Bicentennial Library, artists: The Teen Advisory Board and Chattanooga Teen Scene.