2026
Steel, Aluminum, LED Lights
Portsmouth Riverfront Project
Portsmouth, Ohio
How will the piece impact the surrounding community?
The sculpture, “Confluence” by Phil Proctor of Nucleus Sculpture Studio is a work of art that embodies the site it stands upon. The site, Alexandria Park, is a place where citizens coalesce, merge, and mingle. From the early morning walkers watching the sunrise, to the evening visitors who unwind at sunset, Alexandria Park attracts young and old, walkers and sitters, musicians and readers; those starting a fresh day and those ending a weary one.
The sculpture overlooks the confluence of the two rivers that define our city, the mighty Ohio River and the smaller Scioto River, its form echoing this intersection and intermingling waters.
“Confluence” is a physical articulation of what happens beneath its reaching arms, the confluence of the earth’s waters and the confluence of humanity in the park.
What is the overall importance of the piece?
“Confluence” adds to Portsmouth’s well-established reputation and tradition as a city embracing public art. It is located adjacent to the floodwall murals that run nearly one half mile, murals that illustrate the history of the land going back to a time when it was occupied by pre-historic Moundbuilders, and contrasts those traditionally painted images. This is a contemporary form that projects into the future. The materials selected for the sculpture reflect the steel industries that once employed our citizens and are illustrated just a block away. The juxtaposition is perfectly placed, the historic with contemporary, traditional with current, two dimensional with three dimensional, one looking to the past, one looking to the future.
What are the special features of the project?
It stands at the confluence of the two rivers that define the city and is a key component of a larger redesign and refurbishment of the Ohio River Riverfront Park. The renovation project of the river front extends 1.5 miles and includes walking paths, campgrounds, parks, an amphitheater, boat docks, and a kayak launch just under the reach of the sculpture. The surface of the “Confluence”, visible during the day, includes small cut holes representing the bubbling waters as they mix and churn below, the Scioto River flowing into the Ohio. At night, the banded lights, pointing to the river, extends to the stars, serving as a buoy to bring travelers in safely.
What makes this particular piece unique?
This is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art, a site specific image that not only reflects the history of the city but also reaches for an envisioned future. Portsmouth has undergone a renaissance, a rebuilding of the city during the last decade. “Confluence” stands as a beacon at the river, referencing the history of the early inhabitants who, most likely, arrived by water to the land now known as Portsmouth. The lights at night serve as a type of lighthouse, calling those new settlers to the city and beckoning those who left to return safely.
What relevant history, visibility or future does the project have?
“Confluence” reflects the optimism, the forward momentum, and pride of place that the citizens are realizing. It will be the backdrop of the selfies and family photographs of those spending time at the Riverfront. We imagine it to be the defining image of Portsmouth just as other sculptures identify their location without words or maps. Portsmouth has longed for this image. “Confluence” is that image, that visual icon that is created from the identity of place.
“Confluence” will be the witness that sees the growth of the river front park; as the new plantings grow, and more people come, it will be the spectator. We see life of our citizens happening at this site: neighbors and friends meeting for lunch, marriage proposals and future plans made by our townspeople, and friendships inspired under reach of “Confluence”. As the city grows into the 21st century, it too will be an observer and eyewitness to Portsmouth.
In “Confluence”, Phil Proctor of Nucleus Sculpture Studio has encapsulated the essence of the space, the spirit of the City; he has grasped the history and hope for the future of Portsmouth, Ohio.
Charlotte Gordon
Artistic Director | Southern Ohio Museum
Photo Credit:
Images 1, 2, 4, 5 = Toni Dengel
