The Storyteller (sculpture) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Storyteller |
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The sculpture in 2015
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| Artist | Pete Helzer |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Subject | Ken Kesey |
| Location | Eugene, Oregon, United States |
| 44°02′59″N 123°05′33″W / 44.04980°N 123.09259°W | |
The Storyteller, also known as the Ken Kesey Memorial, is a large statue made of bronze that stands outside. It was created by the artist Pete Helzer. You can find it in Kesey Square in Eugene, Oregon, in the United States. The statue was first shown to the public in 2003.
The artwork shows a famous American writer named Ken Kesey. He is shown reading a book to his three grandchildren: Kate Smith, Caleb Kesey, and Jordan Smith. On the base of the statue, there are special plaques. These plaques have parts of stories from Kesey's well-known books. These books include One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (written in 1962) and Sometimes a Great Notion (written in 1964).
Contents
How the Statue Was Made
Funding the Ken Kesey Memorial
Making a large statue like The Storyteller costs a lot of money. This sculpture cost about $120,000 to create. Many different people and groups helped pay for it.
Some of the people who donated money were famous. These included Phil Knight, who helped start Nike, and actors like Paul Newman and Michael Douglas. Musicians like Phil Lesh and Bob Weir also contributed. Even magazines like Rolling Stone helped out.
Plans for Kesey Square
Kesey Square is a public space in downtown Eugene. Some people think it's a valuable open area. Others see it as a place that needs improvement.
In 2016, the city leaders of Eugene thought about selling the square. A group wanted to buy it and build apartments there. If this happened, The Storyteller statue would have to be moved.
Another idea came from a local business owner. He suggested making changes to the square but keeping the statue. His plan included removing some old brick walls. He also wanted to build a small brewery and a place for new food businesses.
People who wanted to keep the square as a public space started a group called "Save Kesey Square." They believed that public areas help people think about new ideas and what they can create together.
What Will Happen Next?
The city of Eugene is still deciding what to do with Kesey Square. They have a few choices. One choice is to sell or lease the land to a private company. This company might build a six-story apartment building with shops and restaurants on the first floor.
Another choice is for the city to improve the square themselves. The third choice is to leave the square exactly as it is now.
Images for kids
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The sculpture in 2015
