The Story Behind the Sculpture “Mediation”

Public gardens are often places where art commemorates community members who have contributed significant service to their community. Central Park Gardens of Davis is no exception. The sculpture “Mediation” in our garden is in honor of Thomas Frankel, who passed away recently on June 16, 2025. The sculpture was dedicated by the City of Davis to Mr. Frankel in January 2000 with a plaque that reads: "By his friends and family for his many years of outstanding service to the community of Yolo County."  The terrazzo sculpture depicts a pair of hands in a protective form, suggesting conflict resolution. The sculpture exemplifies how Frankel practiced family law and mediation during the fifty-six years he resided in Davis.

Frankel was president of the board of YoloCares (formerly Yolo Hospice) for many years. He was named Citizen of the Year in 1984. He also served as a trustee at the Explorit Science Center and co-founded the local chapter of the Yolo Compassionate Friends. Frankel was active in the establishment and growth of Congregation Bet Haverim in Davis, serving as board president. He was a member of the Rare Fruit Growers Association, growing more than eighty trees of many varieties in his yard. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

“Mediation” was sculpted by local artist Donna Billick and donated to the City of Davis. A self-described rock artist, Billick has created large scale public art and community-built art in cities across North America. Her mediums are ceramics, mosaic, terrazzo, stone, bronze, steel, and cement. Ms. Billick is locally known for “The Dancing Pigs” and “Cow Fountain” sculptures located at The Marketplace. Donna Billick cofounded the UC Davis Art-Science Fusion program with Diane Ullman, an entomologist and artist in 1997. Over the years, Billick led program participants in the creation of various ceramic installations on the UC Davis campus, including “Nature's Gallery Court”, oak-themed mosaic murals, benches, and tree plaques in Shields Oak Grove at the Arboretum, and “Miss Bee Haven” installed at UC Davis Bee Haven on Bee Biology Road.