Bust of York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bust of York |
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The bust in February 2021
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| Artist | Todd McGrain |
| Year | 2021 |
| Medium | Wood and urethane sculpture |
| Subject | York |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| 45°30′41.7″N 122°35′32.6″W / 45.511583°N 122.592389°W | |
The Bust of York was a special sculpture. It honored York, an important African American explorer. He was the only African American on the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition.
This wooden bust was about 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. It was placed in Portland, Oregon's Mount Tabor Park. The bust was there from February to July 2021.
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About the Bust
The Bust of York was a temporary artwork. It appeared in the park on February 20, 2021. It took the place of another statue that had been removed. The artist, Todd McGrain, wanted the bust to be a temporary display. He did not ask the city for permission to put it there.
McGrain was a student of Darrell Millner. Millner is a professor at Portland State University. He teaches history and Black Studies.
Why It Was Removed
The city of Portland announced on June 11 that the bust would be removed. This was because it had been placed without official permission.
Vandalism and Damage
Before the city could remove it, the bust was damaged. On July 28, 2021, vandals tore down the sculpture. They caused serious damage to it.
Portland Parks and Recreation then took the damaged bust away. The Portland City Council spoke out against the vandalism. They said it was a bad act.
No one has said they were responsible for the attack. However, a group called Patriot Front is suspected. This group is known for damaging monuments that honor African Americans. Just three days before, a symbol linked to Patriot Front was found on the bust's base. Also, a mural in Portland honoring George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery had been damaged with their name.
Community Support
After the bust was damaged, people showed their support. Signs and other tributes appeared at the site. This showed that many people cared about the bust and what it represented.
Future of the Bust
The artist, Todd McGrain, has made an offer. He wants to create a new bust of York. This new one would be made of bronze. McGrain offered to do the work for free. However, the cost of casting the bronze would need to be paid. As of September 2021, no decision had been made about this offer.
Images for kids
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The bust in February 2021
