#11: Wonderfully Made
Levi Yakubu, 2026
You'll find this piece near the terrace behind the library building, right across from the flower mural.
About the tree
Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
aka “Red Oak”. This is a large, handsome, long-lived tree with a single straight trunk and wide crown. In perfect conditions it can grow to 100’ tall. The gray bark becomes darker with age. The red to reddish orange fall color makes it a great choice as an ornamental tree.
Fun fact: The small acorns of this tree are a favorite of deer and squirrel.
About the project
In March 2026, twelve trees in Pritchard Park will be home to clay masks and figures, created by artist Levi Yakubu and inspired by his Nigerian background.
Levi Yakubu is a graduate of Dordt University in Fine Arts Studio with an emphasis in ceramics. He is a 5th generation potter who grew up in Nigeria surrounded by mentors like his father who have influenced his work today. Yakubu draws upon his rich cultural background, the Tiv ethnic group of West Africa, to create artwork that speaks to his cultural identity and encourages dialogue around difficult issues. He currently resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he is an art teacher.
See more of Levi's work on Instagram @yakubupottery.
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