Community leaders and members of GoRockford gathered behind the Rockford Public Library on Aug. 27, 2025, to unveil the new location of the Rockford letters and announce the installation of 18 new sculptures around Rockford.
The CRE8IV program, a transformational sculpture initiative in Rockford, originally consisted of nine sculptures in 2015. Now the program has grown to display over 33 sculptures across the Rockford area.
“As we looked at expanding the program this year, it was really a key priority for us, taking direction from our Thrive 2035 master plan,” GoRockford President John Groh said. “Rockford is a creative community, and a thriving community.”
The locations of the new sculptures are West State Street, Downtown, Harrison Avenue, Broadway, 7th Street, the North End, Peryville Road, and South Main Street.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to see the CRE8IV sculpture program continue to grow.” Kristen Paul, GoRockford’s executive vice president, said in a press release. “It’s incredibly rewarding when people recognize Rockford as an arts-forward city.”
Kara Hawley is a photographer for the Rockford Register Star. She can be reached at kghawley@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford celebrates new home for Rockford letters, welcomes 18 sculptures
Reporting by Kara Hawley, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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