When in Rome

After successfully receiving funding from the New York State Department of State Brownfield Opportunity Area Program, the City of Rome commissioned Joan Benefiel to create an art installation to enhance the Art Walk Corridor in the West Dominick Street Arts District. As stated on the city website, “The project seeks to use strategic placemaking via art as a way to strengthen the downtown district, ultimately attracting more visitors and residents.”

Inspired by the determination and innovation of the people of Rome throughout the City’s history, Joan sculpted an arrangement of interactive dynamic glowing artworks atop varying height steel columns for the intersection of W. Dominick & N. James Street. The design reflects the committee’s theme of "Honoring the past, Envisioning the future" and serves as a welcoming beacon to explore the district.

The walking sculptures represent the energy and bustle of the downtown vibe while the watchful, working sculptures atop the tallest columns look both to the past and future while representing the ingenuity and productivity of the people of Rome through its history and today.

Additionally, their glow is a metaphor for the light that is inside us all and the bond that brings communities together.

The colors of the installation are inspired by Rome's connection to water (blues and greens) and its commitment to continuous building and rebuilding throughout its history (represented by referencing a day’s changing light from morning to night with bright yellow of daylight through the deepening purples of a sunset).

 The rich coppery patina of the steel columns references Rome's reputation as the "CopperCity”.