Today, Assemblymember Monica Wallace joined Cheektowaga Supervisor Brian Nowak and other local elected officials to unveil a new sculpture in Town Park that pays tribute to Cheektowaga’s Polish American heritage and history. The sculpture was fittingly unveiled during the opening ceremony of the Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival, which is taking place at Town Park from July 26 to July 28. The festival, a local tradition dating back to 1979, features Polish American cuisine, music, artwork, and performances.

Assemblymember Wallace secured $40,000 in state funding for public art through Arts Services, Inc., with $10,000 going toward a mural in the Village of Lancaster and the remaining portion funding the sculpture. The artwork was designed by artist John Lydon, constructed by contractors Terry Kerr and Brian Hogle of Kerr Industries, and selected by a panel that included Zoe Kaminski, a member of the General Pulaski Association Board of Directors; Jesse Walp, a professor at Villa Maria College; Shirley Verrico, a curator for the Buffalo Arts Studio; former Cheektowaga Supervisor Diane Benczkowski; and Kristina Groff, the former President and CEO of the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce.

The Town of Cheektowaga has among the highest percentages of residents of Polish descent in the U.S., with about 35% of residents reporting Polish ancestry in recent Census data. As a result, Cheektowaga and the neighboring East Side of Buffalo have many Polish American dining establishments, houses of worship, and cultural celebrations. The artwork is the first of its kind in Cheektowaga that celebrates Polish American ancestry.

“This new artwork both beautifies Town Park and recognizes the proud Polish American ancestry of Cheektowaga,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “Artist John Lydon and contractors Terry Kerr and Brian Hogle created a unique, engaging piece that will intrigue and delight visitors of all ethnic backgrounds. I thank everyone who worked hard to bring this project to fruition, and I’m so glad this beautiful piece was erected just in time for this beloved celebration of Polish American culture.”

“Public art beautifies our parks and community. I’m thankful for all those involved that made this art piece possible,” said Supervisor Nowak. “If there is a place in Western New York to tell the story of Polish people and Polish culture, it is the town of Cheektowaga.”

"I chose my design to represent Poland's history, culture, and solidarity. The red represents the Polish flag, the circle represents individuals connecting in solidarity, and the open space allows viewers to hold hands, complete the circle, and share a bond with the Polish dancers," said Lydon. " Dancing is the spirit of culture, touching all that participate. Dancing from one generation to the next generation assures the Polish spirit will live on for all to enjoy."

Assemblymember Wallace has a long track record of supporting public art, securing resources to improve parks, and recognizing Polish American heritage in New York State. She has secured funding for a new mural in the Village of Lancaster as well as hundreds of thousands for improvements to parks in Cheektowaga, including new recreation courts and fencing in Town Park, new ADA compliant bathrooms and a new splash pad in Griffith Park, and the town’s first accessible playground in Stiglmeier Park, among many other projects. She has also secured state funding to support local Polish events, Cheektowaga community programs, and passed resolutions recognizing Polish American history and celebrations, such as Dyngus Day. Earlier this year, Assemblymember Wallace invited former Consul General of the Republic of Poland, Adrian Kubicki, to the New York State Capitol to celebrate the ties that bind New York State and Poland.