Pictured above: Artist’s rendering of “Rooted Harmony” bench design by sculptor Stacey Mrva.
Press release
“Rooted Harmony” Benches Represent Le Roy History
The Town and Country Garden Club of Le Roy, in partnership with the Village of Le Roy, proudly invites the public to the unveiling of two extraordinary steel benches, titled “Rooted Harmony”, a public art installation celebrating community, heritage, and the beauty of nature.
The ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Wiss Lot, located at the corner of Lake and Main Streets (Routes 19 and 5) in Le Roy.
The former site of the Wiss Hotel, constructed in 1802 and later demolished in 2013, has in recent years been transformed into a vibrant greenspace, hosting seasonal flowers, a 30-foot Christmas tree, community yoga, dog training, and public events. Supplemented by a mural by local artist Mandy Humphrey, the Wiss Lot has become a cherished hub of culture and community pride.
The new benches are meticulously engineered from weather-resistant steel and pay visual homage to Le Roy’s history from its abolitionist roots and the founding of the first women’s university in the U.S. to local innovations like the stringless green bean and the invention of Jell-O.
Positioned amid blooming flowers, lit during winter festivities, these benches will add a
durable layer of art and meaning to this beloved greenspace.
Garden Club President Nikki Calhoun explained, “The design of the benches was inspired by the
magnificent Copper Beech tree that stood in front of the Woodward Memorial Library for 127
years”.
The tree was a striking natural landmark and silent witness to generations of local history
but was removed in 2019 due to a tree disease that made it a safety hazard. Nikki added that
“…sculptor Stacey Mrva has captured the soul of the Copper Beech with curves, texture and
design symbolism in a way that artfully invites rest and reflection”.
About the Artist: Local and regional audiences know Stacey Mrva as a celebrated metal sculptor
and founder of Ironwood Studios Inc. After earning a sculpture degree from Syracuse University,
Stacey embraced welding, artistic installations, and community teaching for over 25 years. From
her workshop in Springwater, NY, she crafts custom metal furniture, public signage, lighting, and
garden pieces that marry whimsy with utility. Her work is on display throughout the Finger Lakes region, including along South Clinton Avenue in Rochester and on Main Street in LeRoy.
Mrva’s benches are known not only for their structural integrity and charm but also for their
ability to reflect the spirit of the spaces they inhabit.
The Wiss Lot Bench project was funded by the Statewide Community Regrant Program,
administered by GoArt!, supported by the NY State Council on the Arts, the Office of the
Governor, and the New York State Legislature, all in testament to the value of public investment
in cultural legacy.
The LeRoy Garden Club and the Village of LeRoy have jointly maintained the Wiss Lot for the
past several years, reflecting their dedication to revitalizing public space and celebrating local
heritage. These new benches are more than seating. They are lasting monuments that symbolize
cooperation, resilience, artistry, and the deep roots that bind our community’s past, present, and
future.
The Town and Country Garden Club of Le Roy, founded in 1954, is a community service
organization that plants and maintains several gardens and displays throughout town.
For more information about the Club, visit www.linktr.ee/leroynygardenclub and our Facebook page
@GardenClubLeRoyNY.