Revering the Phoenix Effect

This metal sculpture, located on the north side of the Joplin Public Library, symbolizes the strength and tenacity of our community, which rose from the debris of the devastating 2011 tornado like a phoenix from the ashes. The sculpture's creator, world-renowned artist Jorge Leyva, crafted each house to represent an identity lost and each branch and blade of grass to signify a new life rising from devastation. New structures are built in our city and new trees begin their journey skyward, allowing man-made objects and nature to grow in unison in order to create a renewed community.