The project title refers to the work of folk artist and architect Simon Rodia. This project was produced by the artist in collaboration with students from Maryvale High School, Borman Junior High School, and Harris Elementary, Cartwright Elementary, Downs Elementary, Barry Elementary and Spitalny Elementary Schools in Phoenix. The collaboration produced a sculpture composed of four stone columns, covered with handmade ceramic tile pieces in a variety of shapes and colors.
The four totems that make up the Marivue Park sculpture, Nuestro Pueblo, represent a house of celebration. The outward slope of the poles is meant to imply a pitched roof, one that would give sanctuary to the people within the community. In this case, the sky is the shelter, opening possibilities for a new era.

In the spirit of celebration, artist Ron Gasowski drew from the influences of artist/architect Simon Rodia to create a piece which would use recycled and hand made materials characteristic of our industrial society.



By working with students from the Maryvale school district, Gasowski’s piece encapsulates the spirit of the age in which it was built. Students were asked to glaze the ceramic portions in a manner that would reflect their personal interests. The brightly colored pieces are filled with recognizable symbols such as images of rock stars, car emblems, skateboards, and individual signatures, all of which speak to American life in the late twentieth century. The vibrant colors combined with the imagery work together to convey the joy that coincides with rebirth as the city grows with its residents.

About the Artist
Ron Gasowski, a Michigan native, received an MFA in sculpture from the University of Washington. Since 1971, Gasowski has taught at Arizona State University as a Professor in the School of Art. His area of specialty is Folk Art and Intermedia.