Jan Peeck’s Vine

Jan Peeck’s Vine was inspired by the natural beauty surrounding Peekskill Station, recreating local indigenous bindweed plants as imaginative structures that morph from rigid girders into flowing, soaring leaves and flowers. The artwork (named for the area’s first European resident for whom Peekskill is named) begins with a pair of painted steel sculptures on the southbound platform that echo the historic elements of the existing station and free them to run riot in a flowing, whimsical overhead design. From their bases, they grow to the canopy roof surrounding two supporting columns in a zig-zag pattern that replicates the lacing of the historic northbound canopy. As they climb up the columns, they begin to curve and twine, transforming into vines. Their stylized forms twist around the upright columns, finally breaking free into an organic design that fills the space above the entry. The vines proceed from each side in a roughly symmetrical pattern, meeting over the stairs like a huge arbor welcoming visitors to a vast local garden. Elements of this sculpture are repeated in the two Peekskill monograms atop the elevator entrances and in railing inserts on the northbound platform. The vivid colors and repeating shapes provide a modern, stylized take on historic elements of the station and surrounding architecture. Symbolizing the flowering of the contemporary arts in this historic city, Jan Peeck’s Vine welcomes commuters to their historic station. Joy Taylor’s artwork was fabricated by KC Fabrications.