January 18, 2021 – A new sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr. has been installed in front of the new Baby TALK and The Empowerment Opportunity Center thanks to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
The bronze statue, which depicts the civil rights leader next to two children, stands at 8ft 8in tall and weighs over 900 pounds. The sculpture was commissioned from Littleton Alston; an Omaha, Nebraska-based artist and Creighton University associate professor of sculpture. Known for creating works of art that focus on the essence of the human figure and spirit, Mr. Alston is the first African American to create a work displayed in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The piece was installed over the weekend in front of the shared building at 355 E. Marietta Street in Decatur.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and for this beautiful sculpture which is a visual representation of the strength and courage we witness every day as we come alongside the families enrolled in our programs,” said Cindy Bardeleben, Executive Director of Baby TALK.
“Sculpture is the vehicle through which I believe I can best express the joys and sorrows of the human condition. I have always had an affinity for working in metal, and have developed experience and expertise with various mediums, ranging from fabricated stainless steel to cast bronze.” said Alston (Modern Arts Midtown 2012) “Whether creating an abstract work in steel or a representational figurative sculpture in bronze, it is my hope that the beauty and power of sculpted forms which I find so compelling is conveyed to those who view my work.”
“We are grateful to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation for this gift to our community, which will stand as a daily reminder to strive for equal opportunity for all,” said Tara Murray, Executive Director of Empowerment Opportunity Center.
Check out the video and photos of it’s installment below.
