The Statue of Liberty has an iconic outer face. Dancing with Liberty captures her inner essence.

Originally conceived and fabricated more than a decade ago, Joseph Schneider has built on his own monumental work to reflect our current moment in time. Moveable by people-power, the public is invited to engage with the work and to reflect on the meaning of liberty and hope.

2026

Exterior: Metal, fiberglass, lighting elements, armature and elbow grease
Interior: Ceramic, glass, hubcaps, Liberty dimes, plastic beads, adhesives and salvaged materials

2010 – The Original “Speaking to Liberty Project”

With the idea of inviting the community to participate actively engage, Schneider sculpted two faces of the Statue of Liberty. Outside was the familiar copper-tinged face of the statue that stands in the harbor in New York. Beneath was an inner jeweled face of unique beauty. He then invited everyday people to create liberty flags which then extended off the back like prayer flags. The call was for voices to answer the question: What does liberty mean to you?  The flags linked local activity with global concern, and brought the act of creating into everyday life. Thousands of people have shared the emotional engagement of Speaking To Liberty.

Funded in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council.