Artwork copyright Lilli Ann Killen and Marvin Rosenberg. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Bird Bench #2 Red, 1996

Lilli Ann Killen and Marvin Rosenberg
Lilli Ann Killen Rosenberg (American (born 1924, died 2011)) - Marvin Rosenberg (American (born 1927, died 2010))

Location: Talbot Hill Elementary, Renton

About the Artwork

Artist team Lilli Ann Killen Rosenberg and Marvin Rosenberg designed Bird Bench #2 Red while thinking about how art can be integrated into an environment for children. It is inspired by bird symbolism found in folk stories all over the world and is meant to be a place for children to play. The artists combined found objects and ceramic tiles to create a captivating mosaic and usable checkerboard.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Renton School District.

About the Artist

The artists Lilli Ann Killen Rosenberg (1924-2011) and Marvin Rosenberg (1927-2010) collaborated to create elaborate and integrated ceramic, sculptural mosaics for public spaces. Lilli Ann designed and executed the mosaic pieces, which were engineered and installed by her husband, Marvin.
Lilli Ann Killen Rosenberg was a self-taught artist who created playful, colorful mosaic artworks filled with animals and nature. She wanted her art out in public where it would be enjoyed by all types of people. The Rosenbergs moved from New England to Oregon in 1990. They created many mosaic artworks for Boston, New York City, Oregon, and Washington over more than fifty years.