Submitted
The replica of the Statue of Liberty sculpture in Oakdale Park will soon be removed for restoration. In collaboration, Salina Arts & Humanities and the Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Salina have selected local artist Rich Bergen to repair and restore the sculpture at his studio in Salina.
The statue will be removed in early October, and the restoration process is expected to take six to eight weeks. During this time, the identifying plaque will also be removed for cleaning and repair, and necessary concrete work on the base will be completed. Earlier this year, the limestone structure on which Liberty stands was cleaned in preparation for the restoration project.
A commitment to care and maintenance
Salina’s public art collection is subject to harsh weather conditions, which can degrade even the most durable materials over time. The Community Art & Design (CAD) Committee, a mayor-appointed advisory board, has committed to the stewardship of the city’s public art collection.
Members have been gathering evaluations of each public artwork to support the city departments that manage the collection. The Statue of Liberty was identified as a priority due to its age and significance, being one of the older pieces in the public collection. The statue was part of a nationwide project in the 1950s led by the Boy Scouts of America.
For more information about the public art collection, maps, or the CAD Committee, visit the Salina Arts & Humanities website. For additional questions, email [email protected] or call 785-309-5770.
Salina Arts & Humanities, a department of the City of Salina, has served as an arts advocate and resource partner since 1966. Its programs include the Smoky Hill River Festival, Horizons Grants Program, Smoky Hill Museum, Arts Infusion Program in schools, Community Art & Design, and Creative Connections. The department is located at 211 W. Iron Avenue in Salina.