A polished granite cube catches the sunlight at Common Ground. It beckons us closer to explore this unique sculpture in Benefit Park. Common Ground isn’t just any artwork. It’s a harmonious blend of sandstone, granite, and natural boulders. Artist Joe Wheeler envisioned a space beyond individuality. He wanted to create a place where people connect with their natural selves and find common ground. The composition uses Wilkeson sandstone, a polished granite cube, and unaltered granite boulders. These elements rest on a hidden concrete foundation. The two tall vertical granite uprights resemble a split tower. They remind us of a religious building or a natural rock spire, cracked by nature’s forces. The sculpture invites us to enter and reflect. Wheeler intended Common Ground not as a monument to be admired from afar, but as a catalyst for personal connection and spiritual experience. The stone’s cleanness and inherent respectability contribute to this feeling of spirituality. Stone steps, curbing, and natural boulders set the scene for a unique encounter. The centrally positioned polished granite cube anchors the composition. Common Ground invites us to open ourselves, listen to our inner voice, and find a sense of shared humanity.
Queen Anne Boulevard
“A scenic loop,” they called it. Queen Anne Boulevard gracefully winds around the crest of Queen Anne Hill. It offers