FAIRHOPE, Ala. - There aren’t many people around who don’t care whether they’re remembered long after they’re gone. Those who are concerned about their legacy, however, have an excellent opportunity to do something about it.

Now through April 15, volunteers involved in developing the plaza between the Fairhope Museum of History and the Fairhope Public Library are selling pavers at an early bird price.

A rectangular paver can be purchased for $50, and a swimming fish paver will mark your permanent place in history for $75. Several have already been sold.

Large-scale tiles may be commissioned at a starting price of $5,000.

The proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Colony Foundation, said project volunteer Deborah Newberry. The money raised will fund the paver project itself.

Newberry said the individual tiles and pavers being created by artist John Rezner will line the path between the two landmarks, and can contain the actual signature of an individual, or name of a group.

Because each paver is individually created by Rezner, folks who would like to be grouped with their friends or family may create a “school of fish” by specifying the group with which they would like their signature pavers to be placed.

The smaller pavers and fish will be grouped around the larger commissioned tiles that will one day be placed throughout the plaza gardens and walkways, said Newberry.

“This is in large part Dean Mosher’s brainchild,” she said. “The goal is having these complement the artistry and essence of Fairhope.”

Mosher said, “When the museum plaza was conceived, it was as a transportation hub and gathering place. We asked for ideas how we should make it a Fairhope space.”

Newberry pointed out, “What is particularly interesting is that each of these pavers is handmade. You sign a template, and they will be used to make the pavers. These are not mass produced pavers.” The use of block letters is also possible, she added.

Mosher said the pavers are baked at 2,100 degrees in Rezner’s wood-fired kiln, considered the largest in the area.

“The coloration is because ash distribution makes the most wonderful colors of the local clay,” he said. Only around 8,000 of the total 80,000 pounds of clay has been used so far.

Rezner’s family has been here for generations, Mosher said. He noted the making of clay pottery on the Eastern Shore, such as cooking vessels, whiskey jugs and bricks, dates back to the 19th century.

Two large scale tiles have been commissioned so far, according to Newberry. One is a fish inscribed with FSTC and the other a pelican inscribed with COPA (Committee On Public Art). The pelican commemorates COPA’s 2007 pelican project, of which a portion of the proceeds are helping finance an art fountain to be placed in the center of the plaza, as well as other projects.

Finalists from a fountain design competition will have maquettes and pictures of their design on display at the museum in April, Newberry said. Guests will have an opportunity to share their opinions of the designs. COPA will select the winner later this year.

Individuals will have an opportunity to purchase and provide signatures for the pavers at a booth at the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, March 14-16, at the museum during First Friday ArtWalk April 4, and again at the museum opening on April 6.

Tax-deductible checks for pavers may be made payable to the Colony Foundation, Attention: Deborah Newberry, 336 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532. The foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable contribution arm of the Fairhope Single Tax Corp.

More information about the project can be obtained from Newberry at (251) 454-7901 or from Mosher at (251) 928-0900. Include your telephone number if volunteers have questions about your request.