Sculpture Commemorating Two Centennials
LWVLC president Jean McMenimen providing introducing the sculpture to the region, October 20, 2020
Sculpture Commemorating Two Centennials
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
By: Dawn Jones
The newest addition of art stands tall for the public to view next to the south side of the Cedar Rapids Museum Art. Recognizing and representing the past, present and future, the piece is a 17-foot steel abstract figure symbolizing a strong woman reaching for unlimited opportunities. The sculpture commemorates two centennials: the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution held on August 26, 2020, providing the right to vote to women and the celebration of the League of Women Voters 100th Birthday, held on February 14, 2020.
Dale Merrill of Liberty Ironworks, located in Mt Vernon, Iowa, was commissioned by The League of Women Voters of Linn County to create a sculptural art piece as a gift to the City of Cedar Rapids. A unanimous vote by The League of Women Voters of Linn County Board of Directors was passed to commission the artwork with the plan to be given to the city. Procedures were followed to commission such a project. The process consisted of a request for quote (RFQ), the League sent out to Linn County artists in August 2019. In October 2019 the RFP was communicated and next, in December, the choice made was artist Dale Merrill. Between December and January, Merrill worked to create several different designs and his proposal in January 2020 consisted of a presentation to the committee of six designs, descriptions of the project, and concept renderings. In addition to the League, the design was approved by the Visual Arts Commission. Merrill began studio work in February 2020.
"Forge-Stands-Rises", is the title Jean McMenimen, the League of Women Voters of Linn County, current President, proposed and was agreed upon by the committee. “The title acknowledges the League's past, present, and future,” Jean McMenimen, President of LWV Linn County, explains to the crowd at the ribbon ceremony in October, “The League FORGED through Indomitable Barriers, STANDS strong today, and RISES into the future.”
The 17-foot abstract sculpture is a free-standing installation that consists of three-dimensional forms created from Corten steel on the lower portion and stainless steel upper portions. The piece is a very fluid sculpture suggesting the sway of a skirt, uplifted arms, and the movement of hair.
The League was to have a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on August 26th, when in 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified; currently, that date is celebrated as Women’s Equality Day. However, due to the derecho, the event was held on October 22nd, 2020. The public was invited to attend the outdoor event, masks and social distancing were required.
