Monkey Island

Providence, Ri

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DATE: 2022
CUSTOMER: Roger Williams Park Conservancy
ARTISTS: Marly Rogers, Emma Powers, Amy Ramos
LOCATION: Providence, RI

In honor of Roger Williams Park’s 150th anniversary celebration, Public Projects contributed an artistic installation called Monkey Island, which represents the sooty mangabey monkeys that once roamed an island located near Monument Lake. The installation tells the story of the famous escape of one of the monkeys, Jocko in 1928. Jocko enjoyed two weeks of freedom, roaming across the state, before he was captured and returned to the park. The Steel Yard worked with designer Marly Rogers to create ten larger-than-life monkey sculptures, nine of which are displayed on Flower Island, while one (Jocko) remains on the shore. Park visitors can view Monkey Island best from the Botanical Center, the Boathouse, and the Marconi Memorial.