About the William M. Reilly Memorial

The William M. Reilly Memorial in Fairmount Park was established through a trust created by General William M. Reilly (1822–1896) of the Pennsylvania National Guard, who envisioned a monument honoring Revolutionary War
figures from abroad. The first four sculptures — representing Richard Montgomery, Casimir Pulaski, Baron von Steuben, and the Marquis de Lafayette — were installed in 1947, more than fifty years after Reilly’s death. Additional figures, John Paul Jones and Nathanael Greene, were added in 1957 and 1961. Reilly described these figures as “young, ardent volunteers from other lands... inspired by... the love of liberty for all mankind,” and conceived the memorial as both a tribute to individual achievement and an expression of gratitude to the nations that contributed to the founding of the United States.

Inliquid at Park Towne Place
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About Inliquid

InLiquid is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting artists and expanding access to contemporary art through exhibitions, partnerships, and public programming. Through its dynamic network of artists and collaborators, InLiquid fosters opportunities for artistic experimentation and public engagement across the city and beyond.

About Park Towne Place

Park Towne Place Museum District Residences is uniquely situated on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway among the city of Philadelphia’s most cherished art and cultural institutions. The vision for the community is to fully integrate Park Towne Place into the fabric of the Parkway – providing a unique art experience for residents and visitors alike through the permanent art collection on display, rotational exhibits, and educational and social opportunities to visit with artists. The award-winning art program at Park Towne Place is presented by AIR Communities, one of the largest owners of apartment homes in Philadelphia.

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Charm Offensive

The project centers on the William M. Reilly Memorial in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia—six bronze sculptures honoring foreign-born volunteers who fought for American independence, commissioned per General Reilly's 1890 will. Wind, himself an immigrant, will conduct deep historical research in partnership with the Association for Public Art, then temporarily embellish the statues and pedestals with handcrafted jewelry and mixed-media assemblages—necklaces, belts, draped flags, and charm-laden chains—fabricated from laser-cut acrylic, found objects, and resin. The work unpacks visual codes of biography and heroism, reframing them through a contemporary lens and engaging urgent conversations about immigration, commemoration, and representation.

Artist Information

John Y. Wind

John Y. Wind is a multidisciplinary artist working across jewelry, installation, and material practice. His work engages intimacy, symbolism, and narrative through material form, often grounded in historical research. He studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, London, and the University of Pennsylvania.

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Research Location

The Association for Public Art (aPA)

Public art can spark imagination, explore hidden stories, engage the issues of our time, and bring people together. The Association for Public Art (aPA) collaborates with artists and communities to make public art accessible to all and create an enduring legacy for future generations. The aPA has been bringing contemporary art to Philadelphia since 1872, evolving over time to become one of the few nonprofit public art organizations in the U.S. that commissions new works, preserves historic works, and interprets a collection of public art.

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Radical Americana

For the Semiquincentennial, The Clay Studio is leading Radical Americana, a series of exhibitions organized by a consortium of Philadelphia’s arts and cultural institutions. Each celebrates how artists today are continuing the city’s robust legacy as a center for art, skill, and civic engagement. The 45 artists researched and were inspired by the art and history of Philadelphia in 1776, and the subsequent commemorations in 1876, 1926, and 1976. The artists' new work will add their voices to current dialogue about our nation’s present and future, inspire civil dialogue, celebrate Philadelphia's diversity, and continue the rich tradition of creativity in our city.

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InLiquid