Overview
In 2003 Betsy Schulz’s design for two arches was chosen by the City of Solana Beach to replace the town’s aging south-end entry sign and to serve as the gateway to a walking and biking trail. The taller arch displays the city’s name, and the smaller arch announces the “Coastal Rail Trail.” For each arch two hand-sculpted concrete columns with inset tile support the metal lettering that arches over the trail. Schulz researched the history of Solana Beach, conducting many interviews in the process. Two tile-making workshops were held to encourage community involvement, one with Skyline Elementary School’s 2003 fifth graders and one for Solana Beach residents of all ages. Residents also shared stories and bought donor tiles to help support the project. Sculpted tiles of fossils, birds, fish, farming and people as well as small signs, shells and metal and ceramic artifacts were artistically combined to represent Solana Beach history.
| Name: | Solana Beach Gateway Arches |
| Artist: | Betsy Kopshina Schulz |
| Fabricator: | Standford Signs (built and Installed arched frames and letters) |
| Medium: | Handmade sculpted and mosaic tiles and found objects |
| Size: | Four columns / 150 sq. ft. of tile |
| Duration: | May 2003–June 2004 |
| Location: | Northeast corner of Via de La Valle and Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA |
| Client: | City of Solana Beach |
| Thanks: | City of Solana Beach, Solana Beach Historical Society (especially the late George Wilkens), Schmidt Design Group, Inc., Hans Tegebo, Barbara Hume, Kristy McCabe, Irene de Watteville, Katie Pelisek and the many volunteers |
