Patch Readers Trash 'Dome Of Unity' $197K Sculpture Called 'Prominent Landmark' For Downtown Joliet

JOLIET, IL — Several hours after Joliet Patch shared the city's announcement that the Sijia Chen Studio has been selected to create the Dome of Unity sculpture for Joliet's new downtown City Square, Patch readers took to Facebook strongly criticizing the artwork.

According to Joliet's press release, the Dome of Unity sculpture will be on Tuesday night's Joliet City Council meeting agenda for a vote. The city indicated the sculpture would not exceed $197,000 in costs.

“The Dome of Unity will not only be an iconic piece of art, but also a reflection of Joliet’s identity, history, and future,” Mayor Terry D’Arcy announced in the press release. “We are proud to work with the Arts Commission and Sijia Chen Studio to bring this vision to life in the heart of our downtown.”

In less than 11 hours, Friday morning's Joliet Patch story about the Dome of Unity had generated 109 Facebook comments and the overwhelming responses from people were angry.

Here's a sampling of their responses:

• "The dome of unity sculpture doesn't look like it'll provide any kind of weather protection to the homeless that'll be underneath it. Maybe they need to make it so it has a solid roof," suggested Kurt.
• "I’m not paying these taxes for your “Dome of Unity” how about a bridge of unity that doesn’t need repairs every 3 months," remarked Richard.
• "D'Arcy seems to be doing very well financially with his lucrative car business...if the cost of the dome is under $200,000 maybe he can make a personal donation and pay for it?" suggested Gabrielle.
• "Can you see the Chicago influence coming in?" asked Joel.
• "Good Lord....screw the art pieces, use the money to clean up the city!" advised Patricia.

• "So how many will go there to sit and watch the sculpture? Just those waiting on the Rialto to open their doors," commented Samantha.
• "What does that have to do with identity, history and future how? Joliet's history is stone, steel, commerce. This "art" is in no way indicative of Joliet. And what is D'Arcy and company going to do with the rest of downtown? I for one am tired of politicians wasting our tax dollars on their egos and legacy," wrote Lisa Jean.
• "Almost everyone who has spoken at a council meeting quickly learns the city isn't interested in hearing what they have to say. Last meeting the city just openly tried to stop someone from talking at all. People have learned their lesson and aren't wasting their time. They are moving to another nearby town instead," suggested Tom Bee.
• "WTF we don't need that $%&@ no one goes downtown. Can we spend the money putting it to better cause. Like giving back to the people who live in Joliet so we can afford groceries, medicine, utilities. Give back to us in a stimulus check. Stop Spending Stupidly," Chris urged.
• "$197,000 should be used to benefit the Homeless, Veterans Programs, Youth Sports Programs, and much more that benefits the Tax Payers! Joliet can't even spend money to mow the grass and pick up trash in public areas," observed Kathy.
• "Maybe someone can uproot it and place it in Mayor D’arcy’s front yard!!! Because Joliet certainly does not need this $197,000 toilet paper looking structure to represent ANYTHING about our city! Mayor D’arcy, how about spending that money on something USEFUL for our city?!" wrote Kim.

• "How about fixing our roads first before wasting our taxes on this BS!" Angel pointed out.
• "Dome of unity?? The only unity about it is the city spending our tax dollars, how about fixing the sidewalks!! The sidewalk in front of my house is down to the gravel," Sue offered.
• "How bout we use that $$ to fix streets, clean up the garbage around and remove the panhandler’s at most intersections?" asked Karen.
• "That sculpture is in line with a rotten banana taped on a wall," pointed out Susan.
• "That is so ugly and a waste of money. I don't want to pay for that," Stacey suggested.
• "Is that what the dollar city tax on food is for?? Mayor just said "he didn't want to cut jobs." But you're gonna pay for a sculpture that nobody can eat?" Anne wondered.
• "$200k for that?? Seriously?? Our tax dollars hard at work," Matt opined.
• "This is the dumb shit why taxes keep going up," Jose announced.