After Auction, Eight Art Benches to Return to Public Spaces in Vienna

A few of the painted wooden benches auctioned off are set to return to spots around Vienna for community use.

Earlier this year, the Vienna Arts Society showcased the benches painted by artists around the town to celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary.

The auction on Nov. 2 sold the benches for roughly $50,000. Of the 41 sold, eight of them will find permanent homes around prominent public areas including the Patrick Henry Library and the Vienna Community Center, according to Vienna’s newsletter.

At the auction, Mayor Laurie DiRocco and her husband purchased “Church Street, Vienna VA USA” and plan to place it at the Freeman Store and Museum, the newsletter said. DiRocco was one of seven buyers who donated benches.

Sylvia Spengler, a community member, also donated two benches, the newsletter added.

“We’re so grateful to the Vienna Arts Society for sharing its cumulative talent with the community and we’re thrilled that several of the benches will remain in the public domain,” Leslie Herman, the director of parks and recreation, said.

Other benches which can soon be found around town include:

• “Sit” and “Play Time” at the Vienna Dog Park
• “Creative Kids” at Cunningham Elementary School
• “Pleasures of Vienna” at the Town Green, near the fountain
• “The Kaleidoscope Cats” at the Vienna Community Center
• “Unlock the Cosmos” at the Patrick Henry Library

Image via Town of Vienna