Yesterdays tile installation was a wonder to behold. All 100+ tiles were laid by noon, and traffic was literally stopped as people slowed their cars to admire how it looked. Channel 2 came for an interview and footage, as well as the Contra Costa Times and Record.
We still have grouting and UV protection to add, but the hard part is done. Our generous contactor Dimitry Doronkin did an excellent job, but very much appreciated his hands on assistant, Worth A Dam treasurer (husband!) and beaver friend Jon. Yesterday I wasted no time writing the council, inviting them to come see for themselves, and asking for a donation to pay for this years festival art supplies! I got some positive responses, too, so we’ll see what transpires.
I was saying yesterday that designing the tile layout and counting the needed border tiles for the perimeter was one of the most challenging beaver labors my brain has faced. Its not what I generally do well. I tried begging some designers for insight, but no one felt so inclined. I was helped, oddly enough, by using scrabble tiles on a raised deluxe board (letter up: colored tiles, wood surface: border tiles) and lots and lots of repetition. Turns out my uneasy calculations were exactly correct. We had three extra tiles.
Come down and admire the artists work in all its bridge-y glory. Stop by the primary dam and see its disarray and then stroll to the footbridge to admire where the beavers have been putting all their effort. It has been a magical week aboard the beaver madness express. If there were any more room in the scrapbook, this would definitely go in it.