Gateway Sculpture – Titusville, Pennsylvania

In 2024, Adam Stempka was awarded the commission to design and construct the Gateway Sculpture for Titusville, Pennsylvania—home of the world’s first oil well—after competing against applicants from across the country.

Completed in early 2025, the sculpture was crafted from a combination of corten steel and standard steel, carefully treated to develop a natural patina. The design incorporates silhouette cutouts depicting local activities, wildlife, and native flora, reflecting the spirit of the region. A prominent feature of the piece is the imagery of an oil derrick, paying tribute to Titusville’s historic role in shaping the oil industry.

Standing 15 feet tall, 15 feet long, and 4 feet wide, the Gateway Sculpture was installed in June 2025, serving as a bold and enduring landmark that celebrates the community’s heritage and natural beauty.