The steel panel designs for three of the city’s multigenerational facilities were created in response to Mueller's impression of the architecture of the buildings. Arizona artists Lyle London and Gary Slater fabricated steel gate and fence panels. The works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Piet Mondrian influenced the design of this project.

Faced with the task of creating gateways to three parks can overwhelm any one person. With this in mind, it was essential that the artwork produced for the multigenerational art centers be the product of a team effort. In this instance, the project design was developed by sculptor Louis Mueller of Rhode Island and then fabricated with the help of Arizona artists Lyle London and Gary Slater.

In his design of steel gate and fence panels for the city’s three multigenerational recreation centers, Mueller combined the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright with his impressions of the buildings as Berber and medieval fortresses. His intent was to create visual harmony with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal planes consistent on both sides. Mueller explained his vision by stating, “My concern was that the gates have a certain physical power.” The design was then taken to London and Slater who built the steel gates and fence panels for the site.

The multigenerational recreation centers provide social services to teens and their families as well as to seniors. Due to the diverse community, it was important to create a space that would foster a nurturing environment to people of all ages. For this reason, the elegant finish to Mueller’s gate and fence panels were well suited to the project.

About the Artists
Louis Mueller currently teaches at Rhode Island School of Design, where he is the head of the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Department. Mueller has exhibited widely and is well known for his skill and artistry.

Since 1984, Lyle London has owned and operated Art in Metal USA, LLC, a design and fabrication firm in Tempe, Arizona. His personal work consists of pieces made from stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and glass.

Gary Slater earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Arizona State University in Sculpture. His site-specific work is made from a variety of metals, most notably copper, bronze and steel. Slater works with architects and designers in creating these pieces and has been widely recognized in this field.