---
title: The Work Behind the Art
description: Go behind the scenes of the craftsmanship Rice Companies brings to every build.
image: https://ricecompanies.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(2)-1.png
---

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# The Work Behind the Art

![Maroon Circle R Icon](https://ricecompanies.com/hubfs/Maroon%20Circle%20R%20Icon.png)

## When Someone Asks for Help, Rice Shows Up

Local artist, Desi Murphy, had a vision. A large-scale ceramic tile mosaic displayed on the back patio of the Great River Children’s Museum in St. Cloud.

Before a single tile could go up, she needed a partner who could frame and prepare the wall to make it happen.

**She reached out to Rice. We said yes.**

 

![IMG_2160](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2160.jpg?height=2000&name=IMG_2160.jpg)

The Rice Service team volunteered their time and talent installing the frame and prepping the wall, which provided the structural groundwork that gave the artist, Desi, a solid, level surface to work from. It’s the kind of work that never makes it into the final photo, but without it, there is no final photo. Once the wall was ready, Desi placed the mosaic — a vivid, permanent piece of color and character that transforms the space into something kids and families will remember.

Rice had worked with Desi before — the team had done work on her studio a while back. So when she needed help with the museum project, she already knew who to call. Rice General Manager [John Waletzko](https://ricecompanies.com/our-team)also serves on the Great River Children’s Museum board in a Market Development capacity, deepening that community tie even further.

###### What Rice Service Does Every Day

[Rice Service](https://ricecompanies.com/facility-repair) is the commercial facility repair and remodel division of Rice Companies, a Midwest design-build firm that has been at it [since 1953](https://ricecompanies.com/about). Day to day, that means showing up for clients who need interior repairs, exterior work, roofing, carpentry, concrete, and masonry.

The team self-performs most of its work, which keeps things straightforward for clients with one crew, one point of contact, and clear accountability for the outcome.

###### The Work Behind the Work

The museum project is a good example of something that doesn’t always get said out loud: a lot of what makes a finished space look the way it does is the foundational work that nobody sees. The framing is buried. The wall prep is painted over. The structural decisions that made everything else possible are invisible by design.

###### Work With Rice Service

If your facility needs attention, whether that’s a repair, a remodel, or ongoing maintenance, Rice Service is here for you.

Learn more at: [Rice Service](https://ricecompanies.com/facility-repair)

## GALLERY

- ![IMG_2143](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2143.jpg?width=4160&height=6240&name=IMG_2143.jpg)
- ![IMG_2145-1](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2145-1.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=IMG_2145-1.jpg)
- ![IMG_2147-1](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2147-1.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=IMG_2147-1.jpg)
- ![IMG_2149](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2149.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=IMG_2149.jpg)
- ![IMG_2153-1](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2153-1.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=IMG_2153-1.jpg)
- ![IMG_2154](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2154.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=IMG_2154.jpg)

## NEWS + CULTURE

[![Top 4 Benefits of Construction Management Technology on Projects](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20-%20Procore%20(2).png?width=1200&height=630&name=Blog%20-%20Procore%20(2).png)](https://ricecompanies.com/news/top/4/benefits/of/construction/management/technology)

09.03.2026

[Top 4 Benefits of Construction Management Technology on Projects](https://ricecompanies.com/news/top/4/benefits/of/construction/management/technology)

The Distance Between a Job Site and a Conference Room Used to Be Measured in More Than Miles. Commer...

[READ MORE](https://ricecompanies.com/news/top/4/benefits/of/construction/management/technology)

[![Rice Earns National Construction Leadership Credential](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RiceCompaniesConstructionBuildTeamAgConstruction.png?width=788&height=450&name=RiceCompaniesConstructionBuildTeamAgConstruction.png)](https://ricecompanies.com/news/rice-earns-prestigious-national-credential-for-construction-leadership)

09.02.2026

[Rice Earns National Construction Leadership Credential](https://ricecompanies.com/news/rice-earns-prestigious-national-credential-for-construction-leadership)

“Earning the AQC credential for a second year is a reflection of the standards our team holds itself...

[READ MORE](https://ricecompanies.com/news/rice-earns-prestigious-national-credential-for-construction-leadership)

[![Before the First Freeze: Winter-Ready Your Building](https://ricecompanies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fall%20Facility%20Maintenance%20(1).png?width=1200&height=630&name=Fall%20Facility%20Maintenance%20(1).png)](https://ricecompanies.com/news/before-the-first-freeze-how-rice-service-helps-commercial-building-owners-get-ahead-of-winter)

09.01.2026

[Before the First Freeze: Winter-Ready Your Building](https://ricecompanies.com/news/before-the-first-freeze-how-rice-service-helps-commercial-building-owners-get-ahead-of-winter)

What Our Teams See Every Year Rice Service managers Dan Sweeney in Fargo, North Dakota and Justin Mc...

[READ MORE](https://ricecompanies.com/news/before-the-first-freeze-how-rice-service-helps-commercial-building-owners-get-ahead-of-winter)

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