Visitors entering Community Music Center’s Mission District Branch courtyard this fall will be greeted by a joyful new work of art: three colorful panels of handmade tile created especially for CMC by acclaimed Bay Area artist Aileen Barr!
The installation brings together music and the natural world: musical instruments and symbols flowing among plants, seeds, and flowers, to celebrate the creativity, growth, and connection that fill CMC each day. It also offers a lasting tribute to Misty Tyree, a generous CMC capital campaign donor whose name, along with her late husband’s, are now woven into this special gathering place.
Honoring Misty and Lee
Misty Tyree was an extraordinary friend and generous supporter of CMC. Before her passing in 2025, she chose to name CMC’s renovated courtyard in honor of herself and her late husband, Lee, creating a lasting home for their shared legacy.
Misty and Lee married in 1971 and moved to San Francisco in 1981, quickly falling in love with the city they would call home for the rest of their lives. Lee built a successful career with AT&T and was remembered for his optimism, humor, humility, and belief in serving others. Misty devoted herself wholeheartedly to civic life and philanthropy. She served as a San Francisco City Guide and was a board member and volunteer with numerous civic and community organizations, supporting them quietly and without seeking recognition. Read more about Misty’s remarkable life.
At CMC, we remember Misty for her warmth, enthusiasm, and deep belief in the power of community. The Misty and Lee Tyree Courtyard reflects that spirit: a welcoming place where students, families, faculty, and friends can gather, rest, connect, and hear music drifting from throughout the building.
A Work of Art Created for CMC
CMC was honored to commission Aileen Barr to create an original tile installation for the newly renovated courtyard. Born in Ireland and trained in Ceramic Design at Dublin’s National College of Art and Design, Aileen has created celebrated public artworks throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. Her work can be seen at beloved sites such as the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and the Lincoln Park Steps. Learn more about Aileen and her work.
“I was delighted to be asked by CMC to design and create a tile project for the newly renovated courtyard,” Aileen shared. “The inspiration for the artwork comes from combining images from nature and music for that space.”
Aileen envisioned musical instruments and symbols merging with plants, seeds, and flowers across three distinct panels. Together, the images form a vibrant composition that feels perfectly at home at CMC. “I hope they create a sense of movement and joy for the community as they enter the courtyard area,” she said.
Every element was made by hand in Aileen’s Bayview studio. She rolled the clay into large slabs, individually cut and carved each tile, and then fired and glazed the pieces. The artwork was first assembled into panels in her studio before being installed and grouted onto the courtyard walls over two days.
“Installing tile for me can be an anxious time, making sure everything fits and looks as good as planned,” Aileen reflected. “But working in that courtyard, surrounded by music seemingly from every corner, was a pleasure.”
We are thrilled to have Aileen’s extraordinary work become a permanent part of CMC. Her artistry has transformed the courtyard into an even more beautiful and inspiring place, one that reflects both the joyful creativity of our community and the generosity that made the space possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone into the Misty and Lee Tyree Courtyard to experience the installation, spend time together, and celebrate a legacy of generosity, beauty, and music!
