William Coleman Memorial Fountain facts for kids
The William Coleman Memorial Fountain is a beautiful stone fountain. It was made by the artist Ralph Stackpole. You can find it in Cesar Chavez Plaza in Sacramento, California.
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About the Fountain
This special fountain was created to remember William Coleman. His wife, Florence Coleman, left $30,000 to the city of Sacramento. She wanted a fountain built in his honor.
How the Fountain Was Made
Florence Coleman first chose an artist named Amanda Austin in 1916. But Amanda Austin passed away just one year later. It took another ten years for the fountain to be finished. Ralph Stackpole was chosen to create the fountain in 1924. It was officially shown to the public on February 26, 1927.
What the Fountain Shows
The fountain has carvings called bas-reliefs. These are sculptures that stick out from a flat surface. On the fountain, you can see three female figures. They represent the three main rivers in the area. These rivers are the Sacramento, the American, and the Feather.
The Artist's Inspiration
Ralph Stackpole was inspired by other famous artists. He admired the work of Mexican artists. Some of these artists include Jose Orozco, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo. Their styles helped shape how Stackpole designed the fountain.
