The Linn County Public Art Commission selected Artist Madeline Wiener’s public art proposal following an international call for public art for the Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris building. The outdoor artwork selected is two stone sculptures shaped as abstract people who are actually benches. These sculptures are the newest ‘members’ of what Wiener refer to as her “Bench People” series.
The larger of the two stone sculptures (5’ x 6’ x 4’) is a woman who is reaching to a child, suggesting that they are holding hands. Their eyes are connecting as they would in a good conversation, lesson, or game. The artist noted that with the difficulties of the pandemic that made hugging impossible, she wanted to show the togetherness of people. The generous ‘laps’ of these figures will offer a place for at least one or two people to join in their ‘conversation’ or wherever the viewers’ minds might take them. The smaller figure (4’ x 5’ x 2’6”) depicts a child lying on her stomach with knees bent so her feet become a seat. She is perhaps listening to the conversation or participating from a distance. Her gesture is warm and engaging.
These sculptures are meant to be interactive with the community, inviting people to sit on them and become part of the sculpture itself. Wiener shared that people of all ages find creative ways to interact with these figures and always enjoy the smooth surfaces as well as the variety of textures that they can explore.
Linn County joins communities across the United States and internationally that have selected Wiener’s Bench People for their public art installations, including, San Diego, Calif.; Santa Cruz, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; Loveland, Colo.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Glenview, Ill.; Terre Haute, Ind.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Anderson, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Roanoke, Va.
Wiener creates her Bench People as one-of-a-kind, site-specific sculptures.
Wiener said she uses dolomitic limestone for the sculptures because it is durable in all kinds of weather and tough enough to withstand the innocent abuse given by those who choose to climb on them. The stone requires little to no maintenance and holds up well with seasonal temperature extremes, remaining comfortable to sit on throughout the year.
“Upon arriving at the Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building, visitors and staff will be greeted by two large stone sculptures intended to give them a sense of welcome, warmth, comfort, familiarity, playfulness, caring, and curiosity that one might feel when being greeted by a friend,” Artist Madeline Wiener stated. “These figures are created to be visually pleasing and functional, interactive sculptures. They are intended for adults and children of all ages and sizes to climb on and become a part of the actual sculptures.”