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Historical Public Art Sculpture Unveiled at Monticello Public Library
A special dedication ceremony was held on Saturday, October 5, 2007
Click on any image below to enlarge view:
Public Art Sculpture Unveiled at Monticello Library
Written by Teri Willenbring, Monticello Times Newspaper -
October 11, 2007
After almost two years in the making, the Monticello Public Library unveiled the new sculpture titled “Come Read With Me” Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007.
More than 50 people showed up to help celebrate with a ribbon cutting and refreshments.
Designed by local Monticello artist Parker McDonald, the sculpture is that of a girl, made of stainless steel, sitting on a bench reading a book. The bench contains stone pieces of Monticello’s first library building, named Braise Library, which was located in the former Oakwood School.
“The sculpture is significant for the library and the city because the elements link the past, present and future of literacy in Monticello,” Jacque Gordon, president of the Friends of the Monticello Library, said.
McDonald submitted a drawing of his proposed sculpture to the library board in early 2006, as the library was going through renovations. That June, the board brought it up to the Monticello City Council for its approval.
Gordon, also involved the Monticello Arts Council when she approached executive board member Lynne Dahl-Fleming to see if they wanted to join the Friends in raising funds for the project. |
The two organizations helped secure the funds for the sculpture. They received aid along the way with a grant of $2,000 from the Central Minnesota Arts Board as well as contributions from individuals, businesses and service organizations in the Monticello area. The cost of the project was approximately $9,000. Donors contributing more than $500 have their names placed permanently on a plaque, which is located near the sculpture base.
“This public art piece will preserve Monticello’s historical past and will include community art that can be enjoyed for a hundred years or more,” Dahl-Fleming said. “I would like to see the City of Monticello consider doing more public art pieces and sculptures for community enjoyment and can envision several great places along the city pathways and in park areas where public art could be placed.”
Braise Library, Monticello’s original library, was founded when Worth Braise donated funds to establish the community’s first such building at Oakwood School. The stone containing the words “Library” from the historic building adorns the top of the bench, with other stones creating the base of the sculpture. |
[Downloadable PDF files]
• Monticello Library Art Sculpture Project
• Informational Flyer • Donation Form
Special thanks to the following businesses and individuals who made
donations towards this art public project:
$2000: Central Minnesota Arts Board
$1500: Monticello VFW Post #8731
$500: Monticello American Legion Post #260, Monticello Lions Club, Friends of the Monticello Library, Monticello Rotary Club, Monticello Arts Council, Loch Jewelers, Inc., Schlenner Wenner & Co., Noreen Doerr – The Hairdresser, Land of Lakes Choirboys, Swan River Montessori Charter School, Crostini Grille, Dean and Elizabeth Calpas – Monticello Dental Center, Cub Foods |
$250: Sunnyfresh Foods – Cargill Kitchens
$100: Ralph & Kathy Olsen, Charles & Elizabeth Leitch-Sell, Dave & Vera Hanson, Jacquelin Gordon
In addition: funds were raised with contributions from school children who donated pennies for the project and various donation received at the public library donation jar. Everyone who contributed to this project deserves thanks! |
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