Tiger Spot to Reopen
Lindsey Ellis
October 29, 2004

Three years after its unveiling, Tiger Spot could see the light of day again on 
Monday.

Workers on the mural said Tiger Spot would be re-unveiled Nov. 1, after being 
shown for Homecoming in October 2001.

It’s unlikely students would get too close to the Italian lass mural. Under 
orders from the uninterested, workers installed steel poles around Tiger Spot to 
prevent students and visitors from waling on the massive mural.

The mural, designated by local artist Paul Jackson, made of about 12,000 to 
15,000 tiles, resembles the head of a tiger.

Volunteer Tom Edwards said university officials decided to set up permanent 
poles to encircle Tiger Spot during the restoration process. Apparently, after 
past damage to the work, MU administration was not willing to take any chances, 
Edwards said.

When Tiger Spot originally opened three years ago, it was paid for by private 
donations and artist Paul Jackson worked for free. A new drainage system was 
installed on Lowry Mall after water damage to Tiger Spot, which cost MU $11,000.

Due to the water damage and the wear and tear of general traffic, officials were 
forced to rope off Tiger Spot for repair. Edwards said no one initially expected 
the work to be trampled so much. He also said a snowplow ran over the tile 
during winter 2001, harming the work considerably.

Senior Shayla Ayers said she witnessed harm done to Tiger Spot.

In addiction to the poles around Tiger Spot, the work as been sealed with a 
glossy coating to prevent deterioration from weather conditions. Also, an outer 
ring was installed around the outside to interlock the mosaic and the base.

“I think it was a good idea for the university to go t extreme measures to 
protect Tiger Spot,” said Ralph McCoy, a junior interdisciplinary studies major. 
“We need to preserve the art at Mizzou.”

For those who still want to contribute to the work, Edwards said the 
administration would start accepting donations in spring 2005.