(PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 5, 2003)—Inspired by the native flora, fauna, cultures and civilizations of the Southwest, Niki Glen and Helen Helwig have combined their talents to create high quality art displays in local and national public centers. The creative duo will exhibit their art at the Phoenix College Art Gallery from January 12 to February 4, showcasing pieces representative of the techniques they employ in their large scale public art projects.

Helwig has more than 20 years of experience in clay design and fabrication, while Glen has directed over 40 community participatory public art projects. Together, these talented women have collaborated their skills to form the Southwest Public Art Group, working with other artists, architects, engineers, city officials, landscape architects and the public on a variety of public art projects. Creating integrated public art space that unites all elements of design and enhances the surrounding area is the goal of the group, and success of the goal is strongly reflected in their work.

Together, the artists create handmade ceramic tile and stone mosaics that are integrated into masonry structures, large columns, walls and benches. The handmade textured and sculpted clay pieces are often filled with motifs that relate to local ecosystems and geography of Arizona. Varied texture and glaze colors of the clay pieces reflect the surrounding architecture, landscape and natural environment.

Indigenous rocks and stone can be found embedded near the handcrafted pieces, stimulating the viewer’s visual and tactile senses.

Committed to creating places and spaces that people enjoy, the Southwest Public Art Group has recently completed projects at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Chapel, Desert Botanical Garden, Hohokam Center Office Building entryway, Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Maricopa Freeway Enhancement Project at Central Avenue and I-17 and at 7th Avenue and I-17. Each public art project is site specific with plentiful research and careful detail to theme development and symbolism.

The artists feel that public art in many U.S. cities, Europe and throughout the world is important, as it raises the quality of life for all people. Public art creates warmth, and interesting themes become a topic of conversation among viewers. Artwork serves as a catalyst for discussion of ideas, leading to new ways of thinking and interacting with each other and our surroundings.

Included in the Phoenix College Art Gallery exhibition will be mixed media mosaics (with hand made clay, river rock, stone, flagstone and glass beads), bas relief clay pieces and watercolor maquettes used in public art models and metal sculptures. All pieces are representative of the artists larger public displays, as well as their commitment to nature and protecting the environment.

The Phoenix College Art Gallery is open from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free and the exhibition is open to the public. For further information, please call (602) 285-7277.

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