May 4, 2000
336-879-7202
N.C. Zoo Dedicates Mural Today
ASHEBORO – A 31-foot by 8-foot ceramic tile mural, called “Junction
Spring,” depicting the state’s diverse landscapes, plants and animals,
was dedicated today at the North Carolina Zoological Park’s Junction
Plaza inside the zoo.
The $86,200 project began Nov. 1, 1999, and was funded entirely
through grants and donations to the North Carolina Zoological Society.
The mural artists are Linda Dixon and Drew Krouse of LDDK Studios in
Ramseur and LDDK Pottery in Seagrove.
A feature of the mural is a border of 120 8 inch by 8 inch ceramic
tiles, many designed by area school children and children visiting the
zoo. One tile, designed by Rebecca Lautier, 10, of Knightsdale, was the
winner of Winn Dixie’s contest to design a tile depicting North Carolina
natural resources, focusing on water and the important role it plays.
Some of the border tiles came through donations. For a $100 donation,
children were allowed to submit up to three tile design ideas. The
mural artists then selected one of the three, transferred the design to
a clay tile, and then glazed it to match the colors of the original
design.
The Junction Plaza mural project also includes 12 tiled columns,
four tiled water-fountain bases and a fountain and pool at the base of
the mural.
Junction Plaza is the zoo’s connecting plaza between the North America
and Africa regions.
The zoo is located six miles southeast of Asheboro on N.C. Route
159 and is an agency of the North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources.
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