#3: Love Thy Neighbor
Levi Yakubu, 2026
You'll find this piece on a large tree near our outdoor classroom, right off the paved trail.
About the tree
Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
aka “Pin Oak” or “Water Oak”. Medium to large tree with a single straight trunk. The leaves of this oak are thin resembling a willow leaf and the bark can become dark gray, almost black with narrow ridges as it ages. It can grow to be 50-80’ tall and live 150-200 years. Widely planted for shade as a street tree because of its beautiful, rounded form.
Fun fact: It is the host plant for the larvae of many moths and butterflies providing a great food source for nestling birds.
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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