The City of Alexandria is using art to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through its Time and Place 2026 initiative.

The City invited, Sandy Williams IV, a Richmond-based interdisciplinary artist, filmmaker and professor to create temporary public art that reflects the founding document's 250th anniversary.

Cut in stone, their artwork represents the 600 seconds or 10 minutes it takes to read the Declaration of Independence. Williams says, "Representing the time that it takes to read the Declaration of Independence is a way to consider the magnitude of this text's importance, its influence, and its invisible presence in our everyday interactions and environments."

The sculpture is accompanied by a recording of 13 women re-performing the words of the document.

The artwork will be on display from April to November 2026 in the courtyard of the City of Alexandria's Circuit Court (520 King Street, Alexandria 22314.)