Yarrow Thorne: This Monumental Piece of Public Art Is Gone, But Certainly Not Forgotten

Yarrow Thorne: This Monumental Piece of Public Art Is Gone, But Certainly Not Forgotten

As you may have heard, last week Steven Siegel's 'Like a buoy, like a barrel' was destroyed in a fire. This monumental piece of public art was installed last September outside the Point225 innovation center as part of our partnership with Wexford Science & Technology. It was supposed to remain on display for three years and now, after less than a full year, it's gone.

This was truly public art, with hundreds of people across the state participating in its creation by collecting, washing and preparing the raw materials from which Steven Siegel assembled the first major art installation in Providence's new Innovation District.

Many people have asked what happened. While early indications point to this fire being intentional, we still don't yet know who did this or why. The incident is being investigated and we hope to know more soon.

In the meantime, we prefer not to focus on the destruction of this site-specific sculpture. Instead, we choose to celebrate the incredible collective effort that went into its creation and the value it brought to the community over the past year. Below you'll find some content that tells the story of this beautiful piece of public art.

We hope the community will join us in celebrating Siegel's work, sharing your memories, reactions and photos of the piece on social media, using the hashtag #avenuepvd.

The Avenue Concept and Wexford Science & Technology remain committed to making public art happen in the plaza and throughout Providence in the coming days, months and years and we will continue to add value to our community by showcasing local, national and international artists in public space. If you are able, we ask that you help support the Avenue Concept.


Yarrow Thorne is the Founder/Executive Director of the Avenue Concept