Become a friend on the NEW McGroarty Arts Center Staircase

Since 2001, the Tile Wall of Friends has captivated imaginations at McGroarty Arts Center,
adding whimsy and charm to the grounds. Now, for the first time in nearly a decade, this public art installation is being expanded, and the community is invited to be a part of it. 

Just a few weeks ago, the Center completed construction of a new outdoor staircase that provides a safe way for guests to access the Center from the lower parking lot. The staircase includes seating ledges and retaining walls that provide the blank palette for the expanded Tile Wall of Friends. The gorgeous upgrade to the McGroarty Arts Center grounds was designed by Sloan Foxe Ashley of Wormwood Designs in Sun Valley and funded by a grant from the Ahmanson Foundation.

A limited number of tiles is on sale now through the end of the summer. Starting at only $300, you can reserve a hand-crafted, ceramic tile in your name. Unlike other donor walls, each tile on the Wall of Friends is a unique work of art in itself. When assembled, individual tiles become part of larger permanent art installation that represents the community as a whole.

New to the 2011 expansion of the Wall of Friends, the $1,000 Legacy Level Tile includes a face-to-face consultation between the donor and the tile artist, which allows the donor to give input about the overall design, style, and color scheme of their tile. A Legacy Tile will reflect the personality of the person or organization it represents. Tiles at every level will carry the inscription of the donor’s choosing.

“The purchase of a tile, which is as always, a tax-deductible donation, is a fabulous way to put your name on something permanent and special. My greatest heroes are my parents. They are getting a tile. No question.” says Monica Hicks, the Center’s Communications Associate. Hicks adds, “I will also be considering the largest tile size and am pleased to know that I can pay for it in automated installments. Now I don’t have to be worried about breaking the bank.”  Anyone who purchases a tile has the option to spread their payments over multiple years.

A tile in the wall of friends makes a meaningful and lasting gift. It is the perfect way to honor an individual, business or organization that has done important work in the community, or to memorialize a loved one who has passed.

“I’m definitely buying a tile for myself.” adds Claire Knowlton, Executive Director. “My mother has a tile, all the previous directors have tiles, I want to be my name to be there too.”
Proceeds from the Tile Wall of Friends will be used to cover a portion of the construction costs for the staircase and to support existing programs and operations at McGroarty Arts Center. A limited number of hand-made tiles are available, and they will be offered on a first-come basis. Don’t miss out…reserve your tile today! For more information about the Tile Wall of Friends levels and pricing, or additional donation opportunities, contact Claire Knowlton by calling 818.352.5285 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .