Statue of Vera Katz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vera Katz |
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The statue in 2015
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| Artist | Bill Bane |
| Year | 2006 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Subject | Vera Katz |
| Dimensions | 130 cm × 46 cm × 46 cm (53 in × 18 in × 18 in) |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| 45°30′50″N 122°40′06″W / 45.513939°N 122.668202°W | |
| Owner | Regional Arts & Culture Council |
The Vera Katz statue, also known as Mayor, Vera Katz, is an outdoor bronze sculpture. It shows Vera Katz, who was a mayor of Portland, Oregon. American artist Bill Bane created this artwork.
The statue was first shown to the public in 2006. You can find it along the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland, Oregon. Vera Katz was the mayor of Portland from 1993 to 2005. She was a big supporter of arts and culture during her time as mayor. She also helped start Oregon's Percent for Art program. Mayor Katz was very important in creating the Eastbank Esplanade, which is now named after her. Most people like the sculpture, and sometimes people even dress it up or add flowers.
What the Vera Katz Statue Looks Like
The statue is about 53 inches (135 cm) tall, 18 inches (46 cm) wide, and 18 inches (46 cm) deep. It stands on a bright orange base shaped like a triangle. The sculpture shows Vera Katz wearing a Portland rose on her jacket.
One newspaper, the Daily Vanguard, said that the statue looks like Katz is leaning forward. Her legs are crossed, and her hands are together in her lap, as if she's a bit cold. The statue's face looks open, and the hair looks very real. Another newspaper, The Oregonian, mentioned that children can sit on the statue's lap for photos. Sometimes, at night, the statue can surprise people walking by.
The statue is owned by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC). This group said it makes sense that Katz's leadership and love for art are honored with this public statue.
The Story Behind the Vera Katz Statue
A group of people from Portland helped pay for the statue. The RACC managed the project, with help from people who used to work for Mayor Katz. The statue was officially shown on June 2, 2006. It is located at the south end of the Esplanade, near the Hawthorne Bridge.
Vera Katz herself was at the surprise event where the statue was unveiled. Friends of Katz paid for the event. The mayor at the time, Tom Potter, and other city officials were also there. Vera Katz wore a flower necklace that her son brought. She said the statue looked "far more beautiful than [her]". She also encouraged city leaders to make the Eastbank Esplanade even longer.
In October 2013, the statue was gone for a short time. People wondered what happened, and the mayor at the time, Sam Adams, even tweeted about it. It turned out the RACC and Portland Parks had just taken it away for repairs.
On September 21, 2016, the statue was marked with graffiti. There was writing on the wall next to it that said "Vera wants affordable housing." In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, someone put a face mask on the statue, just like on other artworks in the city.
See also
In Spanish: Estatua de Vera Katz para niños
