Robert Blankenship, chapter president of Trout Unlimited, and Karen Barnett, a member of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council, invited me to collaborate with a friend of mines to create a STEM capstone project based on what we're passionate in combination with what we can offer toward the project. What we found out was that my friend focused more on the economic disparities surrounding the river while I had more artistic endevors. Thus we created our research question: How does incorporating artistic aspects within the LA river benefit the economy of the surrounding communities?

Here we found out that  by integrating art into the river's infrastructure and surrounding areas, several positive outcomes were observed. First, the artistic elements attracted increased foot traffic and visitors, leading to a boost in local businesses, tourism, and economic activity. Additionally, the artistic enhancements can improve the overall aesthetic appeal of the river, making it a more attractive destination for residents and tourists alike.

We decided that making tiles were best to integrate a piece of our community within the art installations. Tiles can be produced in large quantities, making them accessible and cost-effective for large-scale community art projects. Their availability in various price ranges and the ability to mass-produce them allows for broader community engagement and inclusion. Initially the tiles are meant to be 8x8 inches in order to decorate the entrance to the LA river. 

With multiple drafts of 3D printing, I made iterations of the designs in 4x4 inches in order to not waste too much time waiting for them to complete. Also to notice if there are any issues with the prints. The printer was unable to print anything over 7 inches. Thus I made these tiles 7x7 inches to get my ideas across.

Both of these tiles contribute to the overall art installation along the LA River by adding meaningful and visually captivating elements. They engage community members, evoke emotions, and convey important messages related to the environment, community cohesiveness, and the significance of family bonds.

This tile represents the interconnectedness of the community and the natural environment. The design evolved through a collaborative process involving community members and artists. It depicts various elements symbolizing community life and the environment, such as the earth and LA residents. The tile features vibrant colors and a dynamic composition to evoke energy, vitality, and the diverse ecosystems present along the river.

This tile aims to convey the theme of love, nurturing, and family bonds. The design evolved based on community input, discussions, and artist interpretations. It depicts a parent figure embracing a child, symbolizing the nurturing relationship between a caregiver and their loved ones. The tile may emphasize tenderness, warmth, and a sense of protection. Colors chosen for this tile evoke emotions of love, compassion, and a sense of unity within families and the larger community. Both of these tiles contribute to the overall art installation along the LA River by adding meaningful and visually captivating elements. They engage community members, evoke emotions, and convey important messages related to the environment, community cohesiveness, and the significance of family bonds.