North San Juan artists Solomon Bassoff and Domenica Mottarella know how to touch the hearts of children.

So much so, in fact, that George Mark Children's House staff in San Leandro thought the couple's garden art, steel cement and mosaic sculptures would bring a smile to the understandably anxious visitors there. Set to open in January, the just-built nonprofit George Mark Children's House will offer medical, emotional, spiritual and respite support in a home-like setting for Northern California children who have life-threatening or terminal illnesses, and for their families.

Michele Forté, the George Mark Children's House executive director, first fell in love with the couple's sculptures exhibited at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show eight months ago. Forté immediately asked the North San Juan artists if they would consider giving a sculpture to what, she says, is the first free-standing children's hospice in this country.

Bassoff and Mottarella responded to Forté's request by bringing "Big Frog" - a 3-foot-by-3-foot friendly looking creature - to the house last Tuesday. They donated "Big Frog" in time for this week's opening celebration festivities designed to thank the nonprofit organization's nearly 1,500 supporters of individuals, corporations and foundations.

The sculpture, located prominently on the lawn for less than a week, has already made a huge impression as the "welcoming mascot," Forté said Friday.

"It's perfect; the frog is elegant and beautiful and fun and whimsical, all in one. It will help our families and children relax," Forté said. "Solomon and Domenica made it a structure the children can interact with, sit on."

After visiting the site three months ago, the couple was determined to help the George Mark Children's House.

"We got real excited for what they're doing," Mottarella said. "We wanted to contribute something. The house gives families and children a break and doesn't turn anyone away. It's a nice thing to do for children - our work brings a lot of joy, especially to children, and we wanted to share something cheerful for the kids."

The couple have worked full time on these garden sculptures for the last 18 months. Bassoff formerly worked in construction, contracting and watercolor, bronze and wood genres. Mottarella previously worked in ceramics, silk screenings and illustrations.

"We're really overwhelmed by the success of our pieces. We've sold 75 pieces the past year and they just elicit such strong emotional response," Bassoff said.

Their works are in galleries, including LALOO in Nevada City and Sausalito's Magic Planter Gallery and garden centers in Loomis and Aptos. The couple also appears at festivals, including the Auburn Christmas Festival at the Gold Country Fairgrounds Nov. 8-10.

To see art by Bassoff and Mottarella, check their Web site at www.faducci.com or call 292-3857 to arrange a studio visit.