The Joliet City Council Tuesday approved a public art contract for the downtown city center after Mayor Terry D’Arcy broke a tie 4-4 vote.
The contract is with Sijia Chen Studio for the creation of a signature public art installation at City Square, located just steps from the historic Rialto Theatre, at a cost not to exceed $197,000.
Following an extensive review process and significant public input, the Joliet Arts Commission recommended “Dome of Unity” by internationally recognized artist Sijia Chen as the selected sculpture. The 12-foot-tall, 19-foot-wide domed structure will serve as a focal point within City Square, designed to be functional, adaptive, and community-driven, according to city officials.
The competitive selection process began in February 2024, when Joliet issued an international call for artists. Fifty proposals were received, which were narrowed to 14 semi-finalists for public voting. Nearly 3,000 votes were cast that determine six finalists, who then presented their designs to the Joliet Arts Commission. “Dome of Unity” was ultimately chosen as the recommended artwork.
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Lockport Mayor Steven Streit, a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, said the sculpture is not about “frivolity, but economic development.”
“Things like the (sculpture) is about who you are and where you are going,” Streit added.
John Simpson said he is among those in support of the artwork.
“Every thriving city in the State of Illinois has a great art scene and it is good business,” he said.
Councilwoman-at-large Jan Quillman said she cannot justify spending that much on art when so many people are struggling with inflation and trying to find ways to pay for their groceries and prescriptions.
“I am not against public art but now is not the time to put money on art,” said Quillman. “We have roads and sidewalks that need to be done.”
Councilman-at-large Juan Moreno, who voted against the sculpture expenditure along with Quillman, Larry Hug, District 1, and councilman-at-large Joe Clement, said he just cannot support the expense at this time.
“Do we need something there, yes. Will it bring people in, may be not,” said Moreno. “I like to support it, but I wish it had a Joliet flavor. I think Joliet is prideful in what it does.”
But council member Cesar Cardenas, who represents District 4, said the sculpture will become a focal point of Joliet’s revitalized downtown.
“I am excited for this dome, but let’s not stop there,” said Cardenas. “Let’s vote on more art as it brings people to town.”
Joining Cardenas in voting for the sculpture were council members Pat Mudron, District 2, Sherri Reardon, District 3, and Suzanna Ibarra, District 5.
Made of stainless steel with a protective anti-graffiti coating, the dome will feature Chinese paper cut techniques that incorporate figurative and abstract forms. These cutouts will allow light and air to pass through, cast dynamic shadows throughout the day, and contribute to the sculpture’s structural integrity, officials said Tuesday.
As part of the project, Chen will lead a community engagement process to shape the final design. The public will be invited to participate in a town hall-style meeting and a papercut technique workshop, as well as contribute feedback through a dedicated project website. This process will ensure that the sculpture reflects Joliet’s diverse community voices and shared values, according to officials.
The installation is expected to take approximately eight months to completion and be unveiled at the Rialto Square Theatre’s 100th Anniversary Gala on May 16, 2026.
