I'm a landscape architect and I take the Amtrak 4 days a week and watched those columns evolve. I also knew a PM from Centurion and watched with interest as the building came out of the ground. The WPA is one of my favorite periods of art, and in my opinion little public art meets the quality or rich content of that era. However, lately I seem to have noticed a major resurgence in public art, especially public art expressed in tile form (City of Dana Point entry gateway). This project is at the very top of the list--great content, something useful for many years to come, so much artistic talent shown on each face of each column, not only in the selection of historical subjects, but in the wide array of well-rendered form, varied techniques, and inventive collage--I have been really impressed. I have my bias, as noted above, but I find this to be one of the great hidden public art secrets of San Diego. I am glad to have learned the artist's name--great work, Betsy, the developer, the City, and the public are fortunate to be the recipient of your talented hand and mind.

Another nominator said "In 2008-09 Betsy Schulz created and installed mosaic murals depicting the History of San Diego which were installed onto ten columns on the track side of Sapphire Tower, located on the corner of Kettner and A Street. Each column represents a different period in San Diego's history. Not intended to be a complete time line, the murals provide “a glimpse” of history that best represent the feeling of the times as interpreted by the artist. The San Diego Historical Society advised and helped supply accurate historical details and imagery for interpretation by the artist. All photographic image rights were obtained, through either the San Diego Historical Society Archives or other educational sources. The images were then scanned, processed onto silk screens, applied to hand-rolled green clay, and fired to make ceramic tiles. Each tile was screened multiple times with several images to add layers of interest and history. Other imagery was sculpted or created through mosaics by the artist. In conjunction with this project, the artist sponsored two workshops with the McKinley School and the A Reason To Survive (ARTS). All extra mosaic tiles, samples and grout were donated to the ARTS for their ongoing projects with children."

Other nominators of this project had this to say: "The Artist depicts the history of San Diego from before man to present. It is located so those arriving or departing by train, or just strolling by, may learn something about San Diego and enjoy fine art. It is a great addition to our city." "The detail and design are extraordinary. Not only do these columns represent history and culture, they are done with integrity. The artistic processes are one-of-a-kind, innovative and beautiful. A major accomplishment and a wonderful way to showcase San Diego. BRAVO!" "A wonderful public art work that teaches, inspires, and adorns. The project involved countless hours hand-screening and hand-firing 6000 ceramic tiles. The artist, Betsy Schulz, also involved several local schools in the creation of the piece, something that will give future generations a personal connection both with public art and our downtown." "Betsy Schulz has created a series of mosaic murals with the utmost tender loving care. Handcrafted and sculpted, silk-screened with images and words, the history of San Diego is literally written on the walls of this installation. Betsy worked closely with the San Diego Historical Society to produce a poignant and accurate glimpse into our local history. The beauty and layers of interest draw in passers-by and the details will keep them there inspecting and taking in the thousands of details."