Bending, (sculpture).

Bending, (sculpture).

Fanning, Mary Evelyn Meinz, d. 1995, sculptor.

Bending, (sculpture).

1982-1983. Relocated June 2011. Redicated July 4, 2011.

Digital Reference:

Red painted steel.

Sculpture: approx. 50 x 30 x 2 ft.; Base: approx. 1 x 30 x 4 ft. (17 tons).

An abstract representation of a standing figure bending over.

Outdoor Sculpture -- Illinois -- Ottawa

Administered by City of Ottawa, 301 West Madison Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350

Located Allen Park, Near footing of La Salle Street Bridge, Ottawa, Illinois

"In 1982 the sculptures Bending (78700001) and Reclining (78700002) were created by local artist Mary Fanning as a tribute to the citizens and history of Ottawa, Illinois. These 3 story tall sculptures were made from sections of the historical Hilliard Bridge following its demolition in 1982 to make way for the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The sculptures were a result of the collaboration of an entire community, bringing together not only art and history but city officials, construction crews, engineers and community volunteers." The sculptures were funded through donations from many local citizens and businesses, including Ottawa Silica, and 3,000 commemorative plaques, each with a piece of the Hilliard Bridge affixed, were sold for $10 each to raise funds.

In April 2011, the sculpture was cleaned and repainted in its original color, and in June 2011, the sculpture was moved from the west side of the park back to its original location close to the footing of the 1910 La Salle Street Bridge. The restoration was partially funded with $22,000 in private donations from family, friends, and the Ottawa community. Allied Trades District Council 30 apprentices donated their time and Sherwin-Williams donated a portion of the paint costs.

Gibbs, Kathryn Fanning, 2010, 2011.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

Control Number:

Horizon Information Portal 3.25_9382

Powered by SirsiDynix

About | © 2020 Smithsonian | Terms of Use | Privacy | Contact

SIRIS - Smithsonian Institution Research Information System