Judge Realty presents “Come Rain or Come Shine,” a public art installation by Savannah-based artist Ben Tollefson and Indiana-based artist Elmer Ramos. The piece is the fourth iteration of Judge Realty’s sponsorship of public art projects and was conceived through the collaborative joining of two distinct art practices. Members of the public are invited to a free block party to celebrate the opening of the installation on Friday, April 6 from 4-7 p.m., which includes games, drinks and refreshments.

The artwork is a whimsical interpretation of local weather patterns such as short bursts of afternoon rain, common in the summer months in Savannah. “Come Rain or Come Shine” borrows its name from the title of a song by Savannah native Johnny Mercer.
 
“Come Rain or Come Shine” is comprised of numerous low-relief sculptures of elements of weather; clouds and raindrops figure prominently, while a massive rainbow hovers at the top of the composition. The artists combined elements of each of their respective artistic practices in the conception of the project.

Ramos, a trained printmaker, employs techniques of the printmaking craft to new and surprising ends. He is known for his blends of vibrant color, which he isolates through the cutting and collaging of bold, abstracted shapes. This use of color and shape informs the simple, but radiant elements in the project. Tollefson, an oil painter, creates images of imagined environments. These environments frequently include clouds and rainbows as sculptures that exist only in the paintings. Like Ramos, Tollefson embraces a saturated color palette.

The sculptures are mounted on thin rods off the façade of the Judge Realty building, creating depth and dramatic shadows in the sunny spring weather, and providing a joyous backdrop for visitors. The project is a bold, vibrant, and playful setting, a bright contrast to the subdued color and dappled sunlight that characterizes downtown historic Savannah.