HELP RESTORE "HOMES"

A Chattanooga sculptural landmark.

300 voices. One powerful symbol of hope.

Mark Making is on a rescue mission—and we need your help!

In 2009, 300 people experiencing homelessness created 300 ceramic tiles expressing their ideas of home—past, present, or imagined. Those tiles became HOMES, a proud 13-foot sculpture that has inspired Chattanoogans and visitors for more than a decade.

https://markmaking.org/homes

Over time, many of the original tiles have deteriorated. Now, we have an opportunity to restore this beloved sculpture while creating new artwork with another 300 people experiencing homelessness.

OUR GOAL: $9,235

Your support will help us:

$6,335 — ARTIST FEES

• 15 community art workshops

• Work with agencies serving meals to people experiencing homelessness

• Remove and sort existing tiles

• Refurbish the sculpture’s armature

• Map, cut, install, grout, and seal the new tile

• Project administration

$2,400 — SUPPLIES

• 320 hand-rolled bisque tiles and firings

• Grout and sealing materials

• Workshop supplies and more

WHY RESTORE HOMES?

HOMES inspired Chattanoogan Ellen Heavillon to create the Hart Gallery, providing a place to exhibit and sell artwork created by people experiencing homelessness.

What began as a low-budget art project became a symbol of hope, dignity, creativity, and possibility.

Now we want to give a new generation of 300 people the opportunity to add their voices to this story.

JOIN THE RESCUE MISSION

Help us preserve a piece of Chattanooga’s creative history—and create new opportunities for people whose voices deserve to be seen and heard.

Every contribution helps bring HOMES back to life.

Partners:

Mark Making • Hart Gallery • Scenic City Clay Arts • Jay & Ellen Heavillon

This image was taken during a workshop at the Salvation Army.

Julie and I applying the tile to the armature in 2009.