Have you met Wally the Gator?
He's ferocious, looks ready to lunge at you, and his teeth come alive. He's also the most magnificent work of tile art you can imagine, and you might be the lucky one to take him home.
Participate in the Wally the Gator Auction!
Starting April 1 through April 30th, you have the opportunity to participate in the Wally the Gator auction.
Here's how.
Step 1: Access the Auction Site
To participate in the auction and bid on “Wally the Gator,” go to https://www.accelevents.com/e/wally via desktop or laptop, via your phone or other digital device using an app or text.
Step 2: Register
Once you reach the auction site, register. It's easy and it's free.
Step 3: Start Bidding!
Then, you can start bidding starting April 1st through April 30th when the auction closes!
Submit your desired bid amount. You will then receive a text confirmation of your bid. And, you'll receive instant text outbid notifications.
Finally, you'll be notified if you have won an item at the end of the auction through email and text.
Bidding is free.
Details on Wally the Gator
Wally the Gator is truly stunning.
This piece represents a 6’x4′ mosaic alligator-themed mural designed and installed by Joshua Nordstrom of Tierra Tile and Lee Callewaert of Dragonfly Tile and Stone Works, two master artisans.
>> See One-to-One with Lee Callewaert and Joshua Nordstrom
More About Joshua Nordstrom
>> Installation Case Study: Transforming tiles into artistic masterpieces
More About Lee Callewaert
>> Contractor Spotlight: Lee Callewaert
>> Dragonfly Tile on Instagram
>> Lee Callewaert of Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc. talks about working with handmade tile.
Tile Artisanship in Action: Wally the Gator
Created for Coverings 2021 on behalf of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) to demonstrate tile artisanship in action, 'Wally the Gator' brings to mind the magnificent Florida Everglades wildlife. The mural materials include Café Limestone, Tropical Granite, Green Labradorite stone, and porcelain tile.
The artisans used hand tools to fabricate the tile and stone pieces, which were then mounted and cut into the field tile for installation. The porcelain, onyx, and Labradorite were all hand milled and cut from slab material. Finally, hand-cut white onyx teeth are backlit with programmable LED lights. The 'Gator' itself consists of 660 pieces.
The entire mural fits into a custom Avondire exotic hardwood cabinet with brass framing measuring 75”x51” that can be hung on a wall or used as a tabletop.
>> 10 technical takeaways from the Coverings 2021 Artisan project
View Wally the Gator at Coverings 2023
Will you be at Coverings 2023? If yes, you will be able to see Wally the Gatorin person.
The work will be on display during Coverings 2023 in Orlando, Florida from April 18 through 21 in the Coverings Lounge in Booth #4209.
Who Benefits from the Wally the Gator Auction?
Excellent question! Proceeds from the auction will benefit CTEF.
Here's why that's beautiful. As Brad Denny, CTEF Executive Director, explains,
“’Wally the Gator’ is a spectacular work of art created by two of the finest tile artisans. Holding an auction to benefit CTEF with this stunning mosaic mural brings full circle what CTEF does. Both artisans are Certified Tile Installers and all those who participated in the project believe strongly in setting tile according to accepted standards and best practices.”
Would You Like to Take Wally the Gator Home With You?
If yes, then go ahead and participate in the auction. Remember, all you have to do to participate and bid on “Wally the Gator,” is to go to https://www.accelevents.com/e/wally via desktop or laptop, via your phone or other digital device using an app or text, to register. Bidding is free, and you can do so from April 1st through April 30th.
Thanks for reading!
