Designed to celebrate Erie Insurance’s 100th anniversary and pay tribute to the individuals, values, architecture, and legacy that have contributed to the company’s lasting presence in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The sculpture combines stainless steel, copper, brass, and reclaimed materials from the renovation of the H.O. Hirt Building, forming a tangible link between ERIE’s past and future. At its core is a sculptural representation of the iconic H.O. Hirt Building cupola, a well-known symbol of the company’s identity and heritage. Surrounding it is a large C-shaped structure, referencing the Roman numeral for 100, emphasizing the importance of the centennial milestone.

Four ascending pillars encircle the central structure, each symbolizing a quarter-century of ERIE’s history as well as the four core pillars of the company. Their increasing heights signify progress, resilience, and forward momentum. A sweeping band of 100 individual metal segments, representing each year of the company’s first century, moves through the structure. The combination of polished, patterned, and warm-toned metal surfaces allows the sculpture to change with the light, unveiling new details from every perspective.

Located near the entrance of the Thomas B. Hagen Building, Centennial Reflection serves as both a corporate landmark and a piece of public fine art. It embodies ERIE’s foundational commitment to service while celebrating the craftsmanship, ambition, and material sensitivity central to Stempka’s work. Built on a monumental scale and rich with layered symbolism, the sculpture stands as a lasting tribute to a century of growth—and to the legacy that continues to evolve.