The Bench Project is a professionally designed and directed Public Art project. Concrete benches are transformed into visually pleasing, utilitarian art for the public's enjoyment. Tiles on each bench are unique and follow a particular theme.
The project is possible through collaboration between elementary school students, college professors, sponsors, art education graduate students, and various other volunteers. Located throughout the city of Huntsville, the benches enhance our community by proudly displaying students’ creativity in a manner for everyone to enjoy.
The project is possible through collaboration between elementary school students, college professors, sponsors, art education graduate students, and various other volunteers. Located throughout the city of Huntsville, the benches enhance our community by proudly displaying students’ creativity in a manner for everyone to enjoy.
The Bench Project is created by professionals volunteering for the Student Outreach Committee of the 2009 AL Clay Conference in Huntsville, AL. It is non-profit, funded completely by Bench Sponsors. The project is being coordinated by Art Professor Jennie Couch of Alabama A&M University.
Individuals or businesses are welcome to become a Sponsor. All benches bear tiles honoring the Sponsor and School, permanently affixed to each end of the bench.
$1,500 pays for the cost of materials, labor and installation on a concrete pad within Huntsville City limits. Checks are payable to "The Arts Council" and are fully tax-deductible.
Elementary school students paint tiles with the inspiration of lesson plans created by Alabama A&M Art Education graduate students. The tiles are then fired and attached to the benches at Alabama A&M by Student Outreach Committee volunteers, under the supervision of Professor Jennie Couch.
Benches are installed at the Sponsors' choice of location within Huntsville city limits. Currently there are benches at these locations:
- Alabama A&M University
- On a hiking trail of The Land Trust
- North exterior side of the Huntsville Museum of Art
- Front entrance of Earlyworks Children's Museum
Alpha Omega Alpha Fraternity at Alabama A&M University
George and Linda Knapp
Scott and Frances Akridge
Athens State University
Randolph School
Linda Woodcock
Downtown Forty-Seven
George and Linda Knapp
Scott and Frances Akridge
Athens State University
Randolph School
Linda Woodcock
Downtown Forty-Seven
In June of 2007, graphic designer and clay artist Diane Walls attended her first planning meeting for the 24th Annual AL Clay Conference, being held in Huntsville in 2009. After hearing the Chairman, Curt Benzle describe the positive local impact of the Conference, the idea came to her. Fondly remembering an outdoor public art project in her hometown– a tile wall created by students at the Dunedin (FL) Fine Arts Center– Diane voiced her wish to see more public art in Huntsville. She proposed a tile wall to beautify the city, promote students’ art, inspire creativity, and to create collaboration.
Thanks to Curt's enthusiastic endorsement, the Conference's Student Outreach Committee then "brainstormed" many possibilities for public art involving students, the community and tiles. Art Professor, Jennie Couch suggested placing the tiles on public benches. So began the Bench Project!
Thanks to Curt's enthusiastic endorsement, the Conference's Student Outreach Committee then "brainstormed" many possibilities for public art involving students, the community and tiles. Art Professor, Jennie Couch suggested placing the tiles on public benches. So began the Bench Project!
