Kay Dartt

Rochester is a city rich in history and one that continues to evolve. Known as the Flour City, wheat processing was its driving economic industry in the early 1800’s. From the late 1800’s to the present day Rochester continues to be a leader in innovation and industry. The sculpture, titled “Roc City Wheat,” embodies the history of Rochester as well as Monroe County. Growing out of each town on a map of Monroe County are stems that converge to form one large wheat stalk above the city of Rochester. The wheat grows as single stalk signifying that Rochester is a community that gains strength from neighboring townships. The organic and geometric aesthetics of the sculpture represents the combination of agriculture and high technology industries of the area. The wheat sculpture is green as it is still growing just as Rochester continues to evolve. Each seed pod is hollow with an acrylic motif of the city logo, which at night lights up. During both day and night the sculpture is a beacon of economic history and continued growth.