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 Posted: June 28, 2006
Part Two of Two: Based on community input many themes were considered when designing the Douglass Community art wall. With the theme “The Tracks of our Past and Future,” it was important to reflect images from the beginnings of the community to the present day and future. Let’s take a look at the intricate images of the wall.
A quilt pattern based on the designs of noted Harlem artist Faith Ringgold begins the wall, based on submittals from Plano Independent School District students. The American flag represents the patriotism and service to country of those who have lived in the Community with the hands of God reaching down at both ends of the mural to reflect the strong ties of faith within the area. The Interurban Rail Car marks the original 1930’s electric rail link that ran from Denton to Dallas, providing Plano an important form of transport and commerce.
 The image of Community namesake Frederick Douglass, a prominent nationally-recognized abolitionist, begins the mural transition into Community landmarks. The Blue Room is a legendary dance club that served as a meeting place for persons to eat, dance and visit with friends, with the Haggard Park gazebo an area mainstay for concerts and gatherings. Local churches and historic homesteads are sheltered under large trees, with faith, home and family providing the strong roots for the Community. Structures include Old Charity’s House, an African-American woman who welcomed those less fortunate into her home providing food and comfort; The Holiness Temple Church of God in Christ, the Methodist Church and Shiloh Baptist Church, the first three churches established in the Community, each still active.
 Notable persons in the history of the Community are portrayed beginning with Ms. Jewel Roberts, a remarkable member of the neighborhood, passing away last year at the age of 114. Yes, that’s one hundred fourteen years of age. James Thomas is known as the “poor” philanthropist, who distributed food, clothing and other items to neighborhood residents donated to him by the more fortunate citizens. Andy Drake was the first freed African-American man to own property and live in Plano. Located within the Community, the Pioneer Cemetery holds many of Plano’s founding settlers and is a State of Texas historical landmark. Four children from the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County  represent the future of the Community and the diversity of the neighborhood as it has evolved over the years.
Where the Interurban electric rail once used to rumble past, today, the sleek Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART electric rail) now passes the Community, representing the continuing evolution and successful future of the Community, which today is a diverse and thriving community.
Mosaic tiles include Bisazza, Trend, and Mille Fiori from Italy, L’Opio from France and Hakatai from China. A preliminary sketch of the mural was created, known as a “cartoon.” This was placed on the cement wall to ensure an accurate sketch. Tesserae, or tiles, were then cut using nippers and placed along the lines of the cartoon back in the studio. The tesserae were glued onto fiberglass then grouted, with the completed sheet then affixed to the wall. The design was the work of
Tesserae Mosaic Studio, executed by Lynn Chinn, Shug Jones and Julie Dilling.
The wall may be viewed at 12th and I Avenue, adjacent the DART light rail track. Parking is on-site.
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