River Stones Sculpture

Imagine yourself standing on the corner of Diamond Street and Convention Center Boulevard. Right there before you, embedded into the public square, stands the River Stones Sculpture. This is not just an ordinary collection of rocks. The five large, cast concrete sculptures represent the flow and strength of the Mississippi River. Each one looks like a perfect, giant, grey, spherical stone, with grooves etched into its surface. Artist Terry Weldon and landscape architect Charles Caplinger collaborated to create the River Stones Sculpture, which is a testament to the rich history of the surrounding neighborhood.
The River Stones Sculpture is more than just art. It also acts as a welcoming spot for tourists and locals. The area where it’s situated, Diamond Park, is a rare green space in the vicinity of the Convention Center. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park provides a beautiful respite for tourists and residents alike. It is just a short walk from the Convention Center, which is a popular spot for large events and conferences. Weldon and Caplinger even included benches in their design for visitors to sit and enjoy the views or have lunch. The sculpture project included planting trees and grass – a wonderful way to liven up the immediate surroundings. You may be wondering how a modern-day sculpture represents the history of the area.
Well, this piece is a reminder of the vital role that St. Mary’s Market played in the development of this neighborhood. This public market, which was the second oldest in the whole city, used to be located right where the sculpture stands today. St. Mary’s Market was once a hub of activity for the local people. Imagine, just 30 years ago, you could have been standing on the same spot, but instead of sculpted stones, would have been surrounded by bustling market stalls.
The River Stones Sculpture serves as a reminder of this rich past and is also a symbol of the city’s continuous evolution. Each sculpted stone is a reminder of the everlasting flow of the Mississippi River and the ever-changing landscape of New Orleans.