Wrench Bench 

John Tagiuri (1955-2024) created public art, primarily in and around the city of Boston, for over 25 years. He specialized in community-focused permanent and temporary public sculptures and installations that rejuvenated inner-city parks and schoolyards and explored social issues. His projects are thought-provoking and fun for people of all ages and backgrounds. Tagiuri worked extensively with inner-city youth through UrbanArt’s Boston Schoolyard Initiative, the Cambridge Arts Council, the Somerville Arts Council, the Browne Fund, and the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Tagiuri also used his artwork to speak out for the environment. He supported recycling by building a full-sized ranch house, Trash Temple, out of the trash that an average family of four produces in a year. Trash Temple was erected on Boston City Hall plaza and was seen by 500,000 visitors. He then went on to design, print, and distribute over one million anti-SUV (sport utility vehicle) violation tickets, in 800 American cities. Through this grassroots, web-based campaign, he sparked a dialogue about the safety and environmental dangers of SUVs.  The project received national coverage in the New York Times, USA Today, Sierra Magazine, 60 Minutes, Time Magazine, Doonesbury, NPR, and Fox News, among others.

Tagiuri created Wrench Bench for BMAC in 2008. It is from an edition of 4 made from cast fiber, resin, and oil paint.

Thank You

Wrench Bench was commissioned for BMAC by an anonymous couple in Dummerston, Vermont.