It’s a soup-er patriotic showcase at SLCO facilities

Towering rockets, patriotic birthday cakes and even a replica of the Liberty Bell made entirely from canned food are now on display across Salt Lake County as part of a countywide effort to fight hunger while celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

The eight sculptures, created through the national CANstruction program, were unveiled May 15 and will remain on display through the end of July at public facilities throughout the valley. The installations were created in partnership with Salt Lake County, Utah Food Bank, AIA Utah and CANstruction Salt Lake City. 

Together, the displays contain more than 25,000 cans of food, all of which will ultimately be donated to Utah Food Bank after the exhibition concludes. County leaders say the larger initiative aims to generate the equivalent of 250,000 meals for Utah families experiencing food insecurity. 

Among the most eye-catching installations is a massive Artemis II-themed moon landing scene featuring a rocket ship and lunar display. The sculpture was designed by teams from Layton Construction, Architectural Nexus and Dunn Associates.

The Liberty Bell greets visitors at the Holladay Lions Recreation Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)

“Houston, we have a food insecurity problem,” wrote Landon Sherwood, director of business development for Layton Construction, in a social media post promoting the event.

Sherwood said the team’s design was inspired by both the America250 theme and NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is expected to become the first crewed lunar mission since 1972. The installation used approximately 5,900 cans, making it the largest sculpture in this year’s event.

“But the best part?” Sherwood added. “Every can used in the competition gets donated to a local food bank for families in need.” 

Other sculptures include a USS Constitution battleship, a patriotic hot air balloon, a city skyline and multiple oversized birthday cake displays designed around red, white and blue themes.

The installations are spread throughout county facilities, including the Salt Lake County Government Center North Building, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, JL Sorenson Recreation Center and Viridian Event Center in West Jordan.

According to organizers, CANstruction events are held in roughly 100 cities annually and combine architectural design competitions with charitable food drives. Teams are typically composed of architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators and other design professionals who have only eight hours to assemble their structures. Awards are given in categories such as structural ingenuity, best original design and people’s choice. 

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said the sculptures represent both creativity and community service.

“These 25,000 cans are a symbol of what Salt Lake County does best: coming together to take care of one another,” Wilson said in a statement released by the county. “Come see the sculptures, cast your vote, and donate if you can.” 

Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton emphasized the public nature of the exhibit, encouraging residents to visit all eight locations during the summer.

“It was fun to watch these food sculptures take shape, and we hope residents visit all eight locations around the county,” Winder Newton said. “Who knew that canned food could provide such great nutritional and artistic enrichment.” 

Donation bins have been placed near each sculpture, allowing visitors to contribute canned goods while touring the displays. Residents may also donate online through Salt Lake County’s America250 fundraising campaign. 

The displays are part of broader America250 celebrations taking place throughout Utah ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The statewide initiative includes community events, historical commemorations and service projects intended to encourage civic participation and volunteerism. 

Salt Lake County’s canned-food sculpture initiative is part of the broader America250 celebration, a nationwide effort commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Utah’s America250 campaign emphasizes the themes of education, unity and service, encouraging residents to celebrate what brings communities together. Salt Lake County’s partnership with Utah Food Bank and CANstruction aligns with that mission by combining public art with charitable giving, transforming thousands of cans of food into sculptures that will ultimately help families facing food insecurity. 

Locations of all canned-food sculptures can be found at www.saltlakecounty.gov.

The USS CANstellation at the Draper Senior Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)