“Stone & Stories” Sculpture Garden Opens Downtown, Celebrating Local Artists

The City’s newest public art installation, Stone & Stories, opened this morning on the corner of Main Street and Stonebridge Way. The 3‑acre garden showcases 15 mixed‑media sculptures by seven of Stonebridge’s most celebrated artists, including ceramicist Maya Polis, bronze sculptor Derek Owens, and installation‑artist‑curator Lila Strazit. The works, ranging from abstract stone monoliths to interactive kinetic pieces, draw on the city’s historical ties to quarrying and the river that powered early industry.

The opening ceremony, held under a canopy of reclaimed timber, featured a live music performance by the Stonebridge Youth Jazz Ensemble, a reading of poems inspired by the sculptures, and a ribbon‑cutting by Mayor Elena R. Hartman. “This garden is a living testament to our community’s creativity and resilience,” she said. “I’m proud that every Stonebridge resident can come and experience art that reflects who we are.”

Visitors can stroll the paved pathways, read plaques that explain each piece’s inspiration, and participate in free guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city has also installed a QR‑code network that links to short videos of the artists discussing their works.

The “Stone & Stories” Sculpture Garden is open year‑round, with no admission fee. The City encourages residents to share their photos on social media using #StoneAndStories for a chance to win a guided tour with one of the artists.