colette crutcher
artwork made by hand
16th Ave & Moraga Tiled Steps
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
2005
16th Ave. & Moraga,
San Francisco,
California
163 steps,
82' high
History & Facts
Aileen Barr &
Colette Crutcher
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
in the news:
San Francisco Chronicle:
Perhaps the world's longest mosaic staircase was conceived and fabricated by Irish ceramicist Aileen Barr and San Francisco mosaic artist Colette Crutcher.
Over a two and a half year period, a tireless group of neighbors raised funds and lobbied City government to make the project, unveiled in August 2005, a reality.
The names of over 300 sponsors are woven into the sweeping sea-to-sky design. Over 2000 handmade tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, mirror and stained glass went into the finished piece.
The Tiled Steps have been awarded:
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2006 Beautification Award, San Francisco Beautiful
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Special Recognition Award, Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center
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Certificate of Appreciation, Art Deco Society of California
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City's Clean and Green Award
163: The Story of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Golden Gate Heights, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are among the hidden treasures of San Francisco. This landmark, designed and fabricated by artists Colette Crutcher and Aileen Barr, was initiated and funded by a grass-roots effort. Handmade tiles in the shapes of stars, birds, flowers, fish, and more bear the names of over 200 local residents and businesses who helped make the dream a reality.
In words and vivid photographs, this book tells the remarkable story of two artists and a community inspiring each other.