For years, two tons of bronze ingots—the melted remains of Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee statue—have sat in storage, waiting for a second act. This Saturday, that transformation begins in earnest as the Swords Into Plowshares project hosts an exclusive press preview to reveal the final visions for reclaiming the city’s public landscape.

The event, held at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC), marks a pivotal moment in a journey that saw 32 applicants narrowed down to three prestigious design firms. These finalists are tasked with a heavy responsibility: turning the material of a divisive past into a symbol of a shared future.

The Finalists

The preview will feature presentations from the creative leads of each firm, offering a first look at their specific approaches to the “Recast/Reclaim” initiative:

  • MASS Design Group: Represented by Jha D Amazi and Dana King.
  • Hood Design Studio: Led by Walter Hood, Alma Du Solier, and Sarita Schreiber.
  • PUSH Studio: Represented by Vinson Hustvedt-Camacho and Glenn Smith.

Organizers Jalane Schmidt and Andrea Douglas will also be on hand to discuss the project’s broader mission of restorative justice and community healing through art.

A Community-Driven Transformation

The “Recast/Reclaim” exhibit isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about a deliberate shift in narrative. By melting down the Lee statue, the project literalizes the biblical concept of “swords into plowshares”—repurposing an instrument of conflict into a tool for growth.

Reporters will have the opportunity to preview the exhibit’s displays and question the designers on how their work will respond to the specific history and hopes of the Charlottesville community. Public feedback will play a crucial role in the final selection process, ensuring the new installation resonates with those who walk the city’s parks daily.

Event Details

Following the morning press session, the firms will present their proposals to the general public during the official exhibit opening later that evening at 6:00 p.m.

Media Registration: Outlets interested in attending the preview should contact Jameira Saylor atinfo@jeffschoolheritagecenter.orgto register.