ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The City of Elk Grove has unveiled “Hello-Goodbye,” a large-scale sculptural installation by nationally recognized artist Stephen Fairfield.

Installed along the historic railroad tracks beside the Old Town Plaza, the work reflects the mid-1800s era when people of many ethnic backgrounds arrived and departed Elk Grove by train. It captures the universal experience of welcoming and parting, moments filled with stories, emotions and life events that shape community.

Fabricated in steel, fiberglass and stainless steel, the installation honors Elk Grove’s cultural diversity and agricultural legacy.

The 20-foot-long by 10-foot-tall piece depicts a stylized railroad car with three life-sized figures: a man inspired by an Elk Grove resident of Chinese heritage waves from the train, a woman stands on the platform and a farmer steps down from the car.

Sally Guttridge, a former member of Elk Grove’s Arts Commission now serving on the Arts and Creative Economy Commission, shared, “Our family has a long and storied history in Elk Grove, and we’re proud of what it has become. This artwork tells the story of Elk Grove’s evolution, honoring the days of the railroad, the men and women who came seeking their fortunes, and the immigrant farmers who enriched our land and helped define our agricultural roots.”

 

Stephen Fairfield is the artist of the “Hello-Goodbye” installation. Photo courtesy of the City of Elk Grove

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen added, “This installation is a beautiful reminder of our city’s roots and the many cultures that helped shape Elk Grove. Public art like this not only honors our past but creates a more dynamic and welcoming city for residents, businesses and visitors alike in our present and future.”

Fairfield, a full-time artist with over 50 years of experience and a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, shared: “I am grateful to Elk Grove for providing me an opportunity to create this universal expression of the moments we leave and come home to our friends and loved ones.”

The project was funded through Elk Grove’s Percent for the Arts Program, established in 2016 to dedicate 2% of construction costs from public projects toward public art. Past installations include District56, parks in the Laguna Ridge Specific Plan and Southeast Policy Area, and the Old Town Plaza. “Hello-Goodbye” builds on the revitalization of Old Town Plaza, completed in 2021, which has become a hub for community gatherings, small business activity and cultural vibrancy.