New Haven commuters and visitors can now pause beneath a striking patriotic display at Union Station. The installation, created by local artist and former USO volunteer Andy Rubenoff, features thirteen massive striped banners—each five feet wide—hung above the concourse. The banners, alternating red and white, form the backdrop for a dark‑blue double‑sided banner bearing a circle of thirteen white stars, echoing the historic Betsy Ross flag.
Local Collaboration Brings the Display to Life
The project was launched in partnership with the city’s Mascola Group, the New Haven Parking Authority, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation. It is scheduled to remain in place through at least September, giving travelers a chance to reflect on the nation’s founding as they board or disembark trains.
Rubenoff, 70, said the installation was inspired by his time touring with the United Service Organizations during college, where he developed a deep appreciation for the U.S. armed forces. He later attended Yale and frequently used Union Station while completing graduate studies and freelance work in New York.
Design Simplicity Highlights Historical Roots
“When you’re dealing with scale, you have to be clean. It has to be a strong statement,” Rubenoff explained, recalling a lesson from his Yale days. The design’s simplicity—large, clean lines and soft, red‑white‑blue lighting—creates a warm glow that draws the eye upward, encouraging passengers to notice the historic symbolism.
Visitors who ride the escalator up to the platforms see the banners framing the station’s clock, while those descending encounter the full effect of the striped banners and star banner together. The installation’s lighting, described as soft yet bright, adds a welcoming ambience to the bustling transit hub.
Community Response and Future Performances
Rubenoff noted the positive reactions from travelers, saying, “I see the looks on people’s faces when they walk into the space and they realize what it is. It makes me very happy to do that.” In addition to his visual art, Rubenoff is also a pianist who performs at local events, including the New Haven Taste of China on September 3.
The display serves as a reminder of the nation’s origins for both residents and visitors passing through New Haven, reinforcing the city’s commitment to celebrating American heritage while supporting local artists and public spaces.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
