Planners behind the drive to erect a sculpture of Marian Anderson in her hometown are casting about for potential artists and, for the first time, have outlined a detailed timeline for completion of the project.
“It’s full steam ahead,” said Fred Stein, one of the project’s organizers. “We are so optimistic about public input, and our artistic research, to assure that every facet of our community is not only participating but also ultimately thrilled with the outcome.” ”It obviously needs to be someone quite experienced already in the field of figurative sculpture, and it needs to be a beautiful likeness of Marian Anderson,” said Theresa Rose, the Philadelphia art consultant working with the project.
Anderson, who died in 1993 at age 96, is perhaps best known for a 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial organized afterfrom Constitution Hall because of her race. She was widely adored as a song recitalist and was the first Black artist in a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera. The winning commission will be chosen by a jury that is still being assembled. A separate advisory committee will also contribute expertise and opinions.