Smokestack Project

Puente, a non-profit org has commissioned Gillian Christy to create public art on the existing smokestack in the Olneyville area of Providence, RI. The smokestack is part of a historic mill building with a history that has been a tumultuous one, as the top half of the stack was damaged and removed about ten years ago.

I propose to add to the smokestack by continuing its current size and shape upwards for up to 10' by creating "metal grout", or a grid system, that follows the existing brick and grout pattern. The open-air negative space will become a "brick", retaining the size as the bricks found on the stack and made visible by pieces of metal welded in the similar round grid pattern found in the grout.

In addition, I propose to add two wrapping vines with 30-40 sculptural leaves, varying in size between 24"- 36", to be added to the red-brick part of the smokestack winding their way onto the "metal grout". Each leaf will be fabricated from stainless steel. In some parts leaves will be in clusters of two or three leaves playfully interacting, and some longer leaves will reach upwards, around the smokestack.

In a community effort to create many parts of the whole piece, I have involved other programs such as The Steel Yard, by organizing welding courses and weekend workshops where people can cut, bend, roll and weld a leaf themselves to then add to the project. These activities bring people together, teach new skills, involve other community programs and help to carry out a vision that each leaf represents individuals within the community. When compiled it artistically expresses, through a singular smokestack, that we can work together.

The metal grout on top of the smokestack will be a reminder of the original one. The open brick space defined by metal grout recalls a joyous memory created through community effort. The leaves signify growth and connection of the old with the new while leading the eye around the cylindrical smokestack. Once installed, the piece will require little to no maintenance.

Find out how you can help sponsor The Smokestack Project.

Classes

Classes were taught at The Steel Yard in conjunction with Puente and The Smokestack Project held in November 2005. Through this class, students were able to learn welding as well as other applicable metal working skills by creating their own project. Then they contributed to The Smokestack Project by fabricating the stainless steel leaves that will be the leaves on the vine attached to the final sculpture on the smokestack. The city of Providence sponsored the classes, as well as receiving generous contributions from The Steel Yard in order to make these classes possible.

From Rubble to Revival!

Puente's Friend-Raiser recently hosted a party to celebrate the future programming at The Plant. Attendees were able to learn how artist Gillian Christy worked with local youth to turn The Plant's smokestack into a work of art.