#1: Untitled
Levi Yakubu, 2026
You'll find this piece on a tree facing the lower level windows of the library — you may be able to spy it from the public computing area!
About the tree
Loblolly Pine
Pinus taeda
a.k.a. “Old Field Pine” and “Mud Puddle Pine”. This large single trunk tree can grow 80’-100’ high and live 100-150 years. The name Loblolly derives from the Old English, Lob, meaning porridge, and Lolly, the pot it’s cooked in. Evergreen needles grow in bundles of 3, 6”-9” long, with a rosemary like fragrance. Bark is scaly or plated and while gray in youth turns reddish as it ages. Cones are stout with prickles and 3”-5” long. Fun fact: In 1971, Loblolly pine seeds traveled on Apollo 14 to the moon. These “moon trees” were planted across the US upon their return.
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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