YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Butler Institute of American Art has purchased a 300-pound bronze sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The three dimensional portrait was created by sculptor John Wilson in 1982 as a maquette (prototype) for an eight-foot bronze sculpture of the same subject installed in October 1983, in Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Buffalo, N.Y.

The sculpture will be dedicated Feb. 1, the start of Black History Month, as the Butler calls attention to its collection of works by African American artists. The announcement of its acquisition coincides with today's commemoration of Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday.

The newly acquired bronze maquette is now on permanent view at the Butler. It is the fourth of 12 sculptures by Wilsonnof the civil rights leader. Accompanying the sculpture are drawings of King by Wilson on loan from the Martha Richardson Gallery, Boston.

“What a thrill for the Butler to have this magnificent sculpture of Dr. King by such an important American sculptor,” says Louis Zona, director of the Butler. “The only way to describe this work is that it is breathtaking and inspiring.”

Wilson is best known for his portraits of African American men. The sculpture on view at the Butler is one of many works that Wilson created of King, one of the most revered leaders of the twentieth century.

Wilson’s interest in figurative art stems from the life drawing classed he attended as a child at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. In 1939, the artist was accepted into that same school on a full scholarship. He furthered his art studies in Germany, and in 1943 Wilson created a series of works titled "Deliver Us From Evil," which combined images of Nazi oppression of the Jews with depictions of social injustices suffered by blacks in America.

Wilson helped to develop the art department of Boston University where he served as a professor until 1986. Since his retirement, Wilson has explored printmaking with James Stroud in Boston, and has created several prints based on his monumental sculptures of King.

The dedication event Feb. 1 begins at 2:30 in the Butler’s Beecher Court. It is free and open to the public.

Zona will speak about the acquisition, WFMJ broadcaster Madonna Chism Pinkard will present King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Rev. William King of Price Memorial AME Zion Church will deliver remarks and his church choir will perform under the director of Hugh Frost.

Butler docents will be present throughout the afternoon to direct attendees to view some of the Butler’s permanent collection works by African Americans.

SOURCE: Butler Institute of American Art.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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