Client: Jackson National Life Insurance Company
Location: Okemos, MI, United States
Completion date: 2015
Artwork budget: $12,000
Project Team
Artist
Mary Gillis
Mary Gillis LLC
Wood and glass fabrication
Frank J. Gillis
Overview
A sculpture reminiscent of fun times gone by. How many kids can we pack into a telephone booth? Complete with wood and glass booth, telephone and telephone book.
Created while still a young student, then resurrected in 2015 for Jackson National Life Insurance Headquarters.
Goals
This was a previously conceived and completed sculpture prior to its integration into the newly expanded offices of JNL. Now sited adjacent to an elevator which is interesting to viewers as they load into the elevator.
Process
This sculpture was a joy, as I was able to work with my paternal grandfather, Frank Gillis, who built the wood and glass telephone booth.
The figures began with wire armatures and were modeled with a non-baking clay; top coated with acrylic paint.
Additional Information
Jackson National Life Insurance VP, Dennis Blue, saw the historic value in preserving this sculptural image of a telephone booth, as well as the fun and joy the figures impart.