A Promised Day

Constructed using a collage-based composition, the three panels—Family, Hero, and Mother—express universal themes rooted in love, connection, and care for the natural world. The piece invites viewers to reflect on everyday beauty, resilience, and what it means to belong.

Crafted in galvanized steel, Promised Day stands at approximately 102” x 48” per panel and is made from approximately 2,207 pounds of structural steel. According to D Derek, while not a memorial, the sculpture serves as a contemporary reflection on the values that define the city—family, resilience, creativity, and care for one another and the natural world. The selection of galvanization was intentional. He informed us the best painted works only last 7 years optimistically whereas galvanization would be more resilient to time and ware with less upkeep and maintenance required. He also felt that creatively, the zinc finish would add a beautiful contrast to the square where it is displayed, standing vibrantly against the reds and browns of its surroundings.