Laird Plumleigh established his ceramic arts studio in l976 specializing in tile and pottery in the Classical and Arts and Crafts tradition. A native Californian, Laird’s work reflects his love of the early California lifestyle and the craftsman ethic. More than reproductions, the products created by the artisans at Alchemie are unmatched for their creativity and transcend into a style that is fitting for the contemporary aesthetic. In addition to individual art tiles and pottery, the studio produces a very extensive line of moldings, sculptural features, fireplace facades and fountain components surfaced with custom formulated exquisite glazes.

PUBLIC ART PROJECTS AND RELATED EXPERIENCE
Mr. Plumleigh works on a daily basis with individuals, architects, contractors and designers and has produced hundreds of walls, facades and fountains for both public and private installation. The following projects highlight work in the public art arena:

Plaza de Panama Fountain, Balboa Park San Diego
Working with officials of the City of San Diego, Balboa Park, Estrada Land Planning and Soltec Construction, Laird Plumleigh designed, sculpted and finished the ceramic cladding that now adorns the Plaza de Panama Fountain in Balboa Park. The patterns and colors in the tile work were designed in Hispano-Mooresque style to be consistent with the cultural surroundings of Balboa Park. Located in the center of the park on the Prado, the fountain is identified as an important part of the restoration of Plaza de Panama to its historic role as a pedestrian-oriented, paved and landscaped area.

Founder’s Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego
Over a period of two years, Mr. Plumleigh worked with City officials, Marcia McLatchy of Balboa Park, and engineers with the firm of KTU+A to create the Founder’s Plaza at Balboa Park. Located near the west entrance on north side of Laurel Avenue, the plaza consists of natural stone walkways and walls that frame a lily pad water feature and house bronze sculptures of Alonzo Horton, George Marston, and Ephraim Morse. Founder’s Plaza was dedicated by San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy in 2001.

Del Mar Library Wall, Del Mar, California
Alchemie, The Studio of Laird Plumleigh contributed Arts and Crafts tile, sculptures and performed the firing and finishing of mosaic sculptures for the mixed mosaic wall created by Betsy Schulz and Pat Welsh for the Del Mar Library. Alchemie artisans assisted the wall’s artist in molding firing and finishing the myriad natural scene sculptures as well as the “donor fish” which were sold to fund the project.

Proposed Fountain and Seating Area,
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, California
Working with artist Betsy Schulz, Laird Plumleigh designed a Spanish-styled well/fountain surrounded by tiled benches for a public seating area to be installed outside of the historic Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The tile surfaces of the well/fountain illustrate the hacienda-style history of Rancho Santa Fe and, coupled with the curved seating areas and planters, create an inviting destination. This project is currently in design review.

Solana Beach Historical Society, Historic Marker,
Solana Beach, California
Art tiles created by Laird Plumleigh featuring Torrey Pines and local landscape scenes were used by artist Stephanie Stephenson in the creation of a historic marker along the Coastal Rail Trail in Solana Beach. The marker is dedicated to the Solana Beach Women’s Civic Club in recognition of their efforts to change this area of Historic Highway 101 from “Billboard Alley” to a scenic, tree-filled area that can be enjoyed by the public.

EXHIBITS AND AWARDS
Laird Plumleigh’s work has been accepted and shown at numerours exhibitions throughout the United States. In June 2003, one of his fireplace installations won San Diego Home/Gardens remodel of the year award.

EDUCATION TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Master of Arts, l965. California state College Long Beach
Teaching Credentials, l965, California State College Long Beach
Bachelor of Fine Arts, l963, California State College Long Beach
Mr. Plumleigh taught at the high school and college level for a period of fourteen years. He established a ceramics program while teaching at Saint Joseph’s college in Kingston. Jamaica.

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