Tucson Community Tile Mural in memory of those lost to COVID-19

by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Community tile mural in memory of those lost to COVID-19
“Join Southside Tucson artists Alex! Jimenez and Paloma Jaqueline to construct a large memorial to those who have died from COVID-19. These tiles will be gathered and assembled into a final public display in June of 2023. Participants will create original works of art and honor someone you love who has died of COVID. This project also aims to promote healing and give people a safe place to talk about death and grieving and use the grounding energy of clay to connect to emotions.

Ways to participate include:

Submit a name and the artists will include the name of your loved one on a tile.

Stamp the name of your loved one onto a tile that will be installed on the mural. (15 min – 30 min)

Make a tile Create a unique clay piece to honor someone you lost that will be installed on the mural. (45 minutes – 2 hours)

Work with the artists throughout the duration of the project. Volunteers will come in during drop-in hours and help with the production of tiles.“

Learn more by visiting the website!

Carolyn’s note: I’ve known 6 people who died in Arizona due to Covid, but only one was a close friend whose name I submitted for this mural project. Most died in the first year, unvacccinated.  Latest data states that 33,258 people have died in Arizona due to COVID:https://www.azdhs.gov/covid19/data/index.php#deaths