Aloe Tile Works creates tribute tiles for the El Progreso Library in Uvalde
Aloe Tile Works of Corpus Christi created a plaque in memory of the Robb Elementary shooting victims for the El Progreso Library in Uvalde, Texas.
Lucas Boland and Angela Piazza, Corpus Christi Caller Times
When Cornelia Gates heard about the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, she knew she wanted to help honor the lives of the 19 students and two teachers who were killed in her hometown of Uvalde.
Cornelia Gates and her husband, Ed Gates, have owned and operated Aloe Tile Works, a ceramic art tile company in Corpus Christi since 1993. The couple had created custom tile plaques for the Uvalde Library in the past , but they said this project was different.
“The library has a history with Aloe Tile, and this is a terrible tragedy that will define Uvalde for many people for many years to come,” said library director Mendell Morgan.
The tile, which measures 12 inches by 20 inches, is lined with a dark blue border and includes a stamp for the El Progreso Memorial Library. In the center are the names of the victims in alphabetical order, in a carefully selected and easy-to-read font.
“This tile probably got more specific and direct attention than any other plate we’ve done, just because of the intensity and gravity,” said Cornelia Gates. “It will be located closer to the archive area, where they will be part of the history and be seen when people come in… We felt very responsible to make sure we got it right.
“What’s important is to have the names on the wall, and we’re proud to be part of it,” added Cornelia.
The El Progreso Memorial Library, founded in 1903, has since become a place of refuge for the grieving community, offering creative workshops, group readings and even a place to escape.
Since May, creators and artists from across Texas have volunteered to read, entertain and perform at the library. Some dressed up as superheroes and other characters, set up bounce houses and mazes, offered free food and even gave away nearly $13,000 worth of toys.
Morgan said the library has accepted all offers from those who want to host events or donate children’s books.
“I knew this wasn’t typical for a library, but I just felt like we had to find some way to make the kids happy or normal,” Morgan said. “People need hope. People need to think about how to grieve in a positive and effective way.”
The tile was installed in what Morgan calls the “tunnel of love,” where other plaques created by Aloe Tile honor benefactors who helped build the library. It will be joined by a personalized bench with the names of the 21 victims donated by the Kingwood High School cheerleaders.
“We thought this would tie everything together in a more central way,” Morgan said. “I hope it represents a moment of pause to see and remember the names of the people who died.”
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