Springfield Art Museum installs $75K sculpture

The Springfield Art Museum has installed an interactive sculpture on its grounds.

The interactive piece from artist Hank Willis Thomas, called "Ernest and Ruth," cost $75,000 to acquire, said Joshua Best, museum affairs officer.

The sculpture, which doubles as a bench shaped like a cartoon speech bubble, recently was installed after the museum's acquisition committee approved the purchase of the work in 2018, Best said. Fabrication and installation work was paused until stormwater improvements on the grounds were complete, he said.

"Ernest and Ruth" was purchased, by exchange, through an original gift of artworks from Ronald K., Robert C. and Larry H. Greenburg that were deaccessioned, according to a news release. It has been installed on the Hatch Foundation Lawn.

The piece is named after Thomas’ grandparents and, according to museum officials, "it literally puts the public in public art."

"When viewers occupy the piece, they are encouraged to contemplate what it means to inhabit their own speech and beliefs," Thomas said in the release.