An initial concept drawing by Gail Kristensen had been created for this mural, and when she was unable to materialize the project, I was selected in 2003 to develop and complete the commission. I elected to work from Kristensen’s plan, making several modifications in the composition and redesigning the installation to create a continuous ceramic work. Students worked with me on this project, which was installed after nearly two years of fabrication and firing.

In March of 2009, Walt Gmelch asked if I would create a sculpture in memory of his late wife, Paula, a great honor. Their son Ben's eulogy and correspondence with Walt provided ideas for the piece.

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A stack of books with titles selected by family members, topped with a basin to catch rainwater. Perennial flowers would bloom in the adjacent planters; the title came from Ben's words: ‘My mom was the best listener I ever knew. ’ Using Curious George and Peter Pan and the Tiger to begin the stack honored Paula's love of children and her engagement with early childhood education. Little Women played an important role in Paula's (and in my own) early life as a reader. I did take some liberties with proportions to create a more dynamic overall composition.