‘Art’ finds a place to rest

HONESDALE, PA — A sleeping homeless figure depicted on a bench has found a place to rest in front of Honesdeli on Route 6. The “concept art” was created by Bill Kreighton for the Wayne County Arts Alliance’s fundraiser, “Bench Marks,” to raise awareness of rural homelessness, but was rejected at its first location after receiving negative feedback from the community.

Owner Steve Zurad’s wife, Pam, read of the plight of the “homeless bench” in The River Reporter and called her husband to discuss adopting the artwork. The couple, who lived in central Philadelphia 15 years ago, encountered homeless people daily. “I got to know some of them by name. I used to bring them food,” said the deli owner. The bench is already drawing responses from Zurad’s customers, most of whom have been supportive. “All day long I hear about it,” said Zurad. “One person objected, but most people are reminded of how lucky they are to have what they do.”

The 53 benches created for the project will be auctioned on August 16 at the Honesdale High School. Visit www.waynecountyartsalliance.org for more information.