Gift of Time Foam Sculpture
Tomorrow’s Hope,
Jefferson, Wisconsin

The Gift of Time art piece was created for Tomorrow’s Hope in Jefferson, Wisconsin, a local nonprofit supporting individuals and families in southern Wisconsin affected by life-limiting illnesses. Although the piece was officially unveiled in 2018, the idea began years earlier, around 2015, through conversations about how art could reflect the organization’s mission and values.

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Tomorrow’s Hope was founded in 1998 by Jefferson-area residents who believed donated funds should stay local and directly support people close to home—those living with cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other serious illnesses. That local-first mindset shaped the direction of this project from the start.

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A major part of bringing Gift of Time to life was the leadership and encouragement of Barb Endl, former Director of Tomorrow’s Hope. Barb believed in the project early on and gave it the space and trust needed to grow into something meaningful for the community.

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The finished piece is a fully functioning, three-dimensional clock sculpture, measuring roughly six feet in diameter and two feet deep, created primarily from EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam. This was my first large-scale EPS foam sculpture, and it marked the beginning of my work in dimensional fabrication. Aside from materials such as plexiglass, rope, clock hands, and LED lighting, the structure was entirely sculpted from EPS foam.

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The project would not have been possible without the support of Schaefer’s Soft Water Inc. and Eric Schaefer, who generously provided access to a heated workspace during fabrication. That space was critical, especially through Wisconsin winters, and Eric was both a key contributor and a friend throughout the process. The piece was also made possible by the generosity of many local sponsors who donated materials and supplies.

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Gift of Time stands as a true community effort—built on trust, collaboration, and the belief that art can honor both time and the people we share it with.

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This project was featured in the Watertown Daily Times, the Jefferson County Union, and the Hotwire Foam Factory Gallery.