About Me 

My name is Jim Reid. I am a builder and dreamer based in San Francisco. Since 1998, I have nurtured a vision of creating a modern wonder of the world on Alcatraz Island. My dream is to transform this iconic landmark into a beacon of creativity, resilience, and hope for the future.

To bring this project to life, I have begun writing a narrative titled To Alcatraz, chronicling a journey where humans lead countless animal delegates across the globe to the island, where they will be transformed into statues of monumental scale. These sculptures will stand as symbols of hope and unity.

The grand centerpiece of the installation will be five copper-clad statues, their clothing inscribed with ceramic fundraising tiles. These tiles, ranging in size from 4″ x 4″ to 12″ x 12″, will feature messages from global citizens, each contributing to the project’s realization. When lit at night, these inscriptions will create an awe-inspiring sight visible from across the bay.

This massive undertaking will employ countless artists, ceramicists, tile setters, construction workers, and designers—primarily based on Treasure Island, a site near Alcatraz. Funding for the project will come from memorial tiles, each one personally engraved and available for purchase through a robust fundraising platform.

Hummingbird bots, for a small fee, will allow anyone to locate their tile and view the message by simply using their mouse or smartphone. This interactive element will create a sense of personal connection to the monument and its mission of hope.

I have run for mayor of San Francisco twice—once in 1999 and again in 2003. During these campaigns, I sat beside Gavin Newsom in debates and discussed issues, including my vision for addressing homelessness. As a builder, I constructed the Smallest House in San Francisco as a solution to the city’s homeless problem.

I continue to believe that a future president, possibly Newsom, could help bring this project to fruition. Since Alcatraz is federal land, it would take national support to see this vision realized.

Just as the Statue of Liberty, dedicated in 1886, symbolized the promise of America, the Light of Hope will symbolize humanity’s collective hope for a better future—for us, for the animals, and for Earth itself. Where Alcatraz once stood as a symbol of human suffering, it will now shine as a place of light, creativity, and global unity.

In 10 years, I imagine a warm summer night where a million people gather around San Francisco Bay, awaiting the illumination of this wonder of the world. Beams of light from four children will join their mother’s raised hand, symbolizing humanity. Simultaneously, beams from 200 animal ambassadors will reach out, meeting the human light in an immense show of solidarity. A final brilliant beam will rise from the mother’s hand, reaching up into the heavens—a plea for salvation for all living beings on Earth.

If you are a 2D or 3D artist, I invite you to collaborate with me on this monumental project. Your creativity and vision could play a crucial role in bringing this dream to life. See my listing on Craigslist if you’re interested in joining me in this journey toward creating the Light of Hope.