On October 28, 1886, The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Ellis Island, and became an instant landmark and inspiration to people around the World. It was designed and built by French artists and engineers, and given as a gift from France to America.
People were given the opportunity to make donations to help with the expenses of building the massive base, which was an honor passed down through generations of families that gave a sense of pride and ownership in doing something of significance in America.
Statues, big or small, are sculptures that can be of abstract or realistic nature to represent animals, people or historical significance to a time of importance to the location. These statues fall into a category we now call Public Art because it is accessible to the public in outdoor and sometimes protected locations.
Art in public spaces increases property values; causes growth in cultural tourism and helps the town identify as an arts and culture destination, which Hot Springs is already known for globally.
The “Explorers in Arkansas” public art project is a statue that will be representative of Explorers that came to Arkansas in the 1500s and 1600s. Artist Xu Longhua, known for “Mother Nature” on Central Avenue by the Arlington, has designed the statue, pre-approved by the City of Hot Springs, for a location behind Spencer’s Corner, to be part of the Phase I “Broadway Entertainment District” of Bridge Street and Broadway.
The Hot Springs Development Foundation’s mission is to work with projects like this so anyone that would like to make a tax-deductible donation can send it to: HOT SPRINGS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (EXPLORER PULBIC ART PROJECT) P.O. Box 6090, Hot Springs, AR 71902.
Any donation of over $1,000 will have the contributors name listed, so like your ancestors over 132 years ago that contributed to the Statue of Liberty, you will be able to have a source of pride in participating in this project for Historic Downtown Hot Springs.
