March 22, 2023

Hi there,

Could you help us get the word out about the CTEF Auction of 'Wally the Gator' taking place during April? This is a stunning artisanal mosaic mural created by two noteworthy tile artisans, and it will be on display during Coverings 2023.

Thank you for supporting the CTEF mission and raising awareness of the value of education and installer certification programs for ceramic tile and stone industry professionals. 

Regards,

CTEF Auctions 'Wally the Gator' Artisanal Mosaic Mural During April; On Display at Coverings 2023

The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) will hold an Online Auction for 'Wally the Gator,' the 6’x4′ mosaic alligator-themed mural designed and installed by Joshua Nordstrom of Tierra Tile and Lee Callewaert of Dragonfly Tile and Stone Works from April 1 through 30^th, 2023. The work will be on display during Coverings 2023 in Orlando, Florida from April 18 through 21 in the Coverings Lounge in Booth #4209. Proceeds from the auction will benefit CTEF.

“’Wally the Gator’ is a spectacular work of art created by two of the finest tile artisans,” says Brad Denny, CTEF Executive Director. “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.”

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.

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, to register. Bidding is free. It opens April 1^st and closes on April 30^th.

For more information about ‘Wally the Gator,’ read https://www.tileletter.com/10-technical-takeaways-from-the-coverings-2021-artisan-project/

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About the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation

The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides education and installer certification for professionals working in the ceramic tile and stone industry. CTEF relies on the generosity of supporters to fulfill its mission as the ceramic tile industry’s reliable source for non-proprietary third-party certification, training, and education.

Certification programs include the CTEF Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program which is the only third-party assessment of installer skill and knowledge to be recognized by the tile industry and the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT).

CTEF is headquartered in Pendleton, South Carolina, near Clemson University and near the offices of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

For more information, visit https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org.

Follow CTEF on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ctilef, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeramicTileEducationFoundation/, and on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+CeramictilefoundationOrg