A Surprise for Stephen

Friends of Commonwealth Bar,

You're invited to contribute to a truly special surprise for Stephen Peloquin in honor of Ray: an original mosaic of Commonwealth Bar at night, complete with a detail of Ray smiling from the window.

Pledge a contribution now >

In 2024, artist Kay Sirianni gifted the bar a small mosaic that quickly became a beloved fixture on the wall. (You may have noticed it!) But its modest scale left her unsatisfied with how much of Commonwealth's spirit—and Ray's presence—she could capture.

After Ray's passing, Kay began work on a larger piece, pouring her heart into every tile. The resulting mosaic, Brooklyn Bar at Night, debuted this past March at Gallery 198 on 24th Street as part of an all-women exhibition. It's rich with detail: from the warm glow of interior lamps (and their reflections in the glass) to the signage so many of us know by heart—and yes, Ray, aglow in the window.

We're now raising funds to purchase the piece and present it to Stephen as a surprise gift-to be presented at the bar's grand reopening on May 3, 2025. All contributions go directly toward acquiring the artwork and sharing this tribute to Ray with someone who meant the world to him—and to all of us.

Our initial goal has been reached. All additional funds will go to the artist! Pledged funds will be invoiced by email at the close of the fundraising campaign. Thank you for being part of this.