Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Ryden Statue) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
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|---|---|
| Artist | Kenneth G. Ryden |
| Year | 1988 |
| Type | Bronze Memorial Statue |
| Location | Martin Luther King Jr. Park W. 22nd St. and Madison Ave. Anderson, Indiana, USA |
| 40°05′39″N 85°41′30″W / 40.094233°N 85.691745°W | |
| Owner | City of Anderson, Indiana |
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue is a cool bronze sculpture found in Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Anderson, Indiana. It was created by an American artist named Kenneth G. Ryden. This statue helps us remember the amazing work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a famous leader in the fight for civil rights.
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What Does the Statue Look Like?
This statue is made of bronze and stands 8 feet tall. It shows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. walking forward, as if he's on a mission. The statue stands on a shiny 6-foot-tall gray granite base. Benches and plants surround the statue, making it a peaceful spot to visit.
Why Was This Statue Made?
This sculpture of Dr. King is special because it's the only full-size bronze statue of him in the entire state of Indiana. A group called The Anderson Area Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission Inc. helped raise $100,000 to create it. This group was made up of ministers and other community members.
A local businessman named Will J. Carter donated the land for the statue. The city of Anderson also helped create a park-like setting around it. The statue and the park are a memorial to honor Dr. King and his important work in the civil rights movement.
How the Statue Was Created
The artist, Kenneth G. Ryden, designed and made the statue. Another person, Elder Willie Alfred “Mac” McGhee, helped Ryden figure out the best way to show Dr. King's body posture. The statue was cast (meaning it was shaped from melted metal) at the Anderson University Art Foundry. It was officially dedicated on October 22, 1988. Dr. King's son, Martin Luther King, III, even attended the dedication ceremony!
The Memorial Commission's Vision
Rev. James T. Menifee, who led the Memorial Commission, spoke about the statue. He said it was a way to recognize Dr. King's achievements. He also hoped it would remind everyone to keep working towards Dr. King's dream of "the brotherhood of all mankind." He thanked everyone who helped make the memorial possible, including Mayor Tom McMahan.
About the Artist: Kenneth G. Ryden
Kenneth G. Ryden is the artist who created this statue. He was asked to make a sculpture honoring Dr. King in 1987. Ryden was born in Chicago and is known as one of the best sculptors in the Midwest. He mostly works with bronze, creating both detailed and abstract art.
Ryden studied art in college and also in Europe. He has made many other sculptures, including:
- A bust (head and shoulders statue) of Frank O’Bannon in the Indiana Statehouse.
- A statue of Carl Erskine at St. John’s Hospital in Anderson, Indiana.
- A statue called Far-Reaching Goals of Jumping Johnny Wilson at Anderson High School.
Other famous works by Ryden in Anderson include Crucible of Peace, The Beloved, and The Graces. Today, Ryden is a self-employed artist and also teaches at Anderson University.
The Artist's Inspiration
When talking about his Dr. King sculpture, Ryden explained his choice. He said he saw Dr. King as someone who didn't just talk about rights, but also took action. Ryden wanted the statue to show this active side of Dr. King. That's why he chose a pose where Dr. King is "striding forward," showing him taking action.
