LA Artist Sijia Chen Unveils Unity Dome Sculpture in Downtown Joliet Before Return to Los Angeles

Sculpture Celebrates Route 66 Centennial in Joliet's New City Square

Los Angeles-based artist Sijia Chen watched her new Dome of Unity sculpture take shape in downtown Joliet as construction workers assembled the pieces across from the Rialto Square Theatre.

Chen spent several days monitoring the installation process while she was in town. The sculpture is now visible to anyone walking through Joliet's new City Square that opened last weekend.

The Unity Dome is a centerpiece for the 100-year Route 66 celebration that will take place in June. Chen delivered her design to the city with excitement for this milestone anniversary.

Local Residents Take Selfies With Artist

People walking through the new City Square stopped to take selfies with Chen on Tuesday during lunch hour. She happily obliged each person who asked for a photograph with the artist.

Chen originally comes from China and now operates a multi-media art studio in Los Angeles. The Unity Dome represents her contribution to Joliet's downtown development.

Sculpture Installation Completed Monday

Nichols construction workers assembled the Dome of Unity pieces on Monday. A Nichols construction crane lifted the components into place at their final destination.

The pieces arrived in Joliet on a truck before the installation team positioned them. Chen confirmed that the installation process went smoothly according to her expectations.

Chen Hopes City Square Becomes Community Hub

Chen hopes that Joliet residents will use the new City Square to relax and connect with family and friends. She wants people to spend time with themselves and appreciate the Unity Dome sculpture.

"Joliet is a great city with a lot of history, culture and a lot of great people," Chen said.

She added that she hopes the City Square will give residents a place to come up and relax. She wants people to connect with each other and of course appreciate the Unity Dome.

Chen Leaves Joliet Today

Joliet Patch asked Chen to give a message to Joliet residents before she leaves the city. She plans to fly back to Los Angeles later today.

Chen expressed excitement about her work in Joliet. She noted that the City Square is different and nice both during the day and at night.

"I think Joliet deserves it, a proper city square," Chen said when asked about her thoughts on the new City Square.

The City Square just opened last weekend with live music concerts at the band stage. The Unity Dome stands as a lasting artistic contribution to Joliet's downtown development.