Joliet, Illinois
The City of Steel and Stone
Joliet was once one of the largest steel-producing cities in the Midwest.
One of the most famous prisons in America. Think Joliet Jake!
Sits on both Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway
“Joliet: A city built to last!”
The newly opened City Square in downtown Joliet features local artist Angelica Cristal of Waywards Art Haus presenting “Echoes of the Mother Road,” a Route 66 bench design reflecting the past, present, and future journeys woven through Route 66 and highlighting Joliet’s historic role as a key gateway community along the iconic highway. Images incorporated into the design highlight nearby Route 66 landmarks such as the Rialto Square Theatre, Rich & Creamy, and the Old Joliet Prison.
“Echoes of the Mother Road”
Dodge Pickup Bench
Angelica Cristal
Angelica is a multidisciplinary artist who has helped cultivate the creative community of Joliet for more than sixteen years. Moving fluidly between disciplines, she works in painting, portraiture, illustration, sculpture, metalwork, jewelry, puppetry, and mixed media. Known for her hands-on craftsmanship and experimental approach, she embraces both traditional and unconventional materials. Her visual language blends realism, fantasy, and the macabre, often exploring themes of resilience, transformation, and the emotional complexities of the human experience. Her most recognized public work is the eight-foot-tall steel replica of the Joliet Steelman, a 700-pound sculpture she cut and welded by hand that now stands along historic Route 66.
Angelica is also the founder of Waywards Art Haus, an independent art studio and creative playhouse where she hosts workshops, music gatherings, and community events that encourage artistic discovery and collaboration.
“Sueños Over 66”
Dodge Pickup Bench
Samantha Gonzalez
To capture the vibrant essence of Route 66, local artist Samantha Gonzalez presents “Sueños Over 66,” a Route 66 bench portraying iconic symbols like the Rialto Square Theatre and the Old Joliet Prison. The illustrated monarch butterflies represent the thriving Latino community and businesses contributing to Route 66’s growth, making it important to display the bench at La Joliet with the help of the Latino Economic Development Association.
Samantha is a versatile studio artist with over a decade of experience across a wide range of fine art and digital mediums. Her practice is defined by a deep technical curiosity, spanning from traditional oils, ceramics, and charcoal to filmmaking and graphic design. Profoundly shaped by her Mexican heritage, Samantha strives to incorporate cultural elements that celebrate and showcase its inherent beauty. Today, she balances her studio work with large-scale public art and other commissions, specializing in realistic portraiture and custom designs.
The NEW Rialto Square
379 E Cass Street
Joliet, IL
- Route 66 Landmark
- In the grassy park
- Parking nearby
