“Grant-Funded Art Enhances Downtown Transit Area“
Two new public art installations are now on display near the Haven Street train depot, marking the completion of a town-funded initiative aimed at enhancing public spaces and creating a more engaging downtown environment.
During her report to the Select Board, Jayne Wellman, Town Manager, announced that the installations — titled Spheres and Patches the Pig — were completed and installed earlier that day near the depot.
The works are created by artist Jon Sachs, a regional sculptor known for large-scale, whimsical pieces. The installations were acquired through a grant secured in 2025 and are part of a broader effort to bring public art into community spaces across Reading.
One of the pieces, Spheres, is designed as an interactive installation. The work consists of painted spheres filled with gravel, producing a sound when moved and inviting interaction from visitors.
The second piece, Patches the Pig, is a brightly painted sculpture with detailed artwork. The pig sculpture was previously part of a public art installation in Burlington and has now been relocated to the Haven Depot area as part of Reading’s program.
Both installations were selected through a process that included input from a staff and community-based committee, with the Department of Public Works assisting in the final placement.
The Haven Depot location was chosen as a high-visibility site that serves both commuters and visitors entering the downtown. Officials encouraged residents to visit the installations, which now sit prominently near the depot.
The addition of the artwork represents part of an ongoing effort by the town to activate public spaces through placemaking initiatives, using art to create more inviting and distinctive community areas.
With the installations now in place, the Haven Depot area gains a new visual landmark that blends public art with everyday activity, offering both a functional transit space and a destination for residents and visitors alike.
