Sod Portrait of Tubman in Charlottesville

Local artist Jake Van Yahres has installed a striking portrait of Harriet Tubman made from sod and grass paint in Charlottesville’s Market Street Park — the very spot where Robert E. Lee’s statue once stood. Inspired by his childhood memories and the Unite the Right protests, Van Yahres embraced the unconventional medium, tackling perspective challenges and redoing the piece after his first attempt. With roots in his own history of public art — from tennis ball murals to chalk tributes honoring Heather Heyer — this work is both personal and political. He hopes the city will preserve it, even suggesting the sod could take root with care, while acknowledging the risks of vandalism and accepting that its future lies beyond his control. A bold, living memorial in a place of deep historical tension. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/56feefd86171eb94