Salt Lake County, UT — Eight large sculptures made entirely of canned food are now on public display at Salt Lake County facilities across the valley through the end of July as part of the County’s America250 initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The sculptures were constructed on May 15 by teams of architects and designers in partnership with Utah Food Bank, AIA Utah, and CANstruction Salt Lake City. Together, the eight installations used more than 25,000 cans of food and depicted iconic American themes, including:
- The Artemis II spaceship and moon, honoring the first U.S. lunar mission since 1972
- The Liberty Bell
- The USS Constitution battleship
- A column commemorating the U.S. National Park Service scene
- A red, white, and blue slice of birthday cake
- A cityscape
- A hot air balloon
- A full America-themed birthday cake
View photos and videos of the sculptures.
All canned goods used in the sculptures will be donated to Utah Food Bank at the conclusion of the display. Salt Lake County has set a goal of generating the equivalent of 250,000 meals for local families through this summer-long effort.
“These 25,000 cans are a symbol of what Salt Lake County does best: coming together to take care of one another,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Come see the sculptures, cast your vote, and donate if you can.”
How to Participate
Residents are encouraged to:
- Visit all 8 sculpture locations across the county
- Vote for their favorite sculpture
- Donate food at any of the 8 locations — donation bins are available near each sculpture
- Give online at slco.to/250
“It was fun to watch these food sculptures take shape, and we hope residents visit all eight locations around the county,” said Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton. “Who knew that canned food could provide such great nutritional and artistic enrichment.”
Sculpture Locations
The sculptures are on display at the following Salt Lake County facilities. Hours vary by location — visit slco.to/250 for a full map and hours.
- Salt Lake County Government Center North Building – 2001 S State St, Salt Lake City – The Artemis II spaceship and moon, honoring the first U.S. lunar mission since 1972
- Salt Lake County Viridian Event Center (West Jordan Library) – 8030 S 1825 W, West Jordan – A column commemorating the U.S. National Park Service scene
- Salt Lake County Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center – 2525 Taylorsville Blvd, Taylorsville – A hot air balloon
- Salt Lake County Holladay Lions Recreation Center – 1661 E Murray Holladay Rd, Millcreek – The Liberty Bell
- Salt Lake City Sports Complex – Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City – A full America-themed birthday cake
- Salt Lake County Draper Senior Center – 1148 Pioneer Rd, Draper – The USS Constitution battleship
- Salt Lake County Magna Kennecott Senior Center – 9228 2700 S, Magna – A red, white, and blue slice of birthday cake
- Salt Lake County JL Sorenson Recreation Center – 5350 Main St, Herriman – A cityscape
