A collection of four sculptures that serve as benches and celebrate architectural fusion, “Graft” brings a touch of Puerto Rico to the heart of Boston. The installation beautifully incorporates Puerto Rican palm leaves into a unique geometric pattern, inspired by “rejas.” With beautifully crafted terrazzo plinths that serve as seats, the sculptures invite visitors to sit and reflect on the origins of architectural motifs.

Bringing the four stunning sculptures of Edra Soto’s “Graft” to life in Central Wharf Park was no small feat— it was a true labor of love that required a hefty dose of teamwork and a whole lot of corten steel. We caught up with the talented folks at Navillus Woodworks and Mill Creek Metal Works, Inc. to find out what it took to get “Graft” ready for prime time with the BRM Production installation team. Spoiler alert: It involved hundreds of miles of travel, pouring a lot of concrete, and putting in serious hours to perfect the fabrication process. The result? An accessible, always-free contemporary art experience for everyone strolling through Central Wharf Park!

Here’s what it took:

3280 lbs of Corten steel - that’s close to 82 large palm leaves!

The plinths (above) are used as seats in Soto’s “Graft.” (c) Annielly Camargo

The journey of “Graft’s” terrazzo plinths (seats) spanned an impressive 983.8 miles, traveling from Edra Soto’s home in Chicago to their final spot in Boston.

5 weeks devoted to casting and polishing the plinths, turning raw materials into refined pedestals for the art. Every detail received careful attention, resulting in the creation of plinths that stand not just as supports but as works of art in their own right.

12 feet of soaring sculpture, 48 total, easily commanding attention within a park of majestic oak trees and visitors.

84.8 gallons and 0.42 cubic yards of concrete, or 21,716 tablespoons - that’s a whole lot of concrete!

80 days worth of Steel Fabrication - helping meticulously craft the playful shadows we’ve come to know and love at the park through a lengthy CNC water jet-cutting process.

720 lbs of steel support for each structure, totaling 2,880 lbs - because, much like us, art thrives with ample support and fortitude!

The installation team hard at work bringing “Graft” to life at Central Wharf Park.

An installation process of 12 days with BRM Production Management, carefully bringing Edra Soto’s vision to life at Central Wharf Park.

“Much like its design, the installation of Graft required the carefully orchestrated interplay of heavy materials and equipment to achieve a final arrangement that is both lacelike and ethereal as it reaches playfully for the sky, while still providing the comfort of being grounded firmly into the earth below. Before each of Soto's pieces could be placed, we excavated a 12'x12' hole beneath each location and installed large custom steel footings which serve as the anchors for the piece while also minimizing the environmental impact this installation will have on the drainage system and root balls of this park's iconic trees.” - Bianca Mauro, BRM Production Management

24 mature oak trees in Central Wharf Park… Decorated by the playful shadows from “Graft’s” steel grates.

“Graft’s” steel-grated screens embarked on a 707-mile journey, making their way from Detroit to Boston. Their journey not only covers physical distance but also embodies the essence of travel—a fitting narrative for the story of "Graft."

Close-up of “Graft’s” details (c) Annielly Camargo

12 crew members to install the sculptures … fueled by the warmth of at least 30 cups of coffee and tea.

With 1 lift operator, the seamless execution of our project was elevated to new heights … 12 feet, that is!

The sculptures arrived in style with the cautious help of 4 trucks – ensuring they reached their destination safely.

Leaves wrapped up in the Corten steel (c) Faith Ninivaggi

And as autumn progressed, approximately 417 leaves found their new home in the grated sculptures of corten steel.

Public art = teamwork. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dan Sullivan and Wyatt Mitchell of Navillus Woodworks and Bianca Mauro of BRM Production Management for their instrumental role in compiling these essential details. Together, their collaboration has brought forth the numbers that paint a vibrant picture of “Graft’s” journey!

Over the past 101 days, thousands of visitors have experienced the cozy yet totempic sculptures since the installation of Soto's "Graft." With 265 days left for others to experience its beauty, there's ample opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Soto’s visionary work. We ask you to take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and effort that went into bringing "Graft" to life.

Banner Image (c) Annielly Camargo