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Design For Sculpture Honoring Suffragettes Unveiled

Lexington city leaders introduced the artist chosen to sculpt the “Breaking the Bronze Ceiling” monument Wednesday. 

The event also provided an opportunity to unveil a replica of the statue which will recognize contributions of women throughout Lexington history.

Five silhouettes images of suffragettes standing some 20 feet tall are planned for the corner of Vine and Mill on the Lexington Financial Center Plaza.  Tucson artist Barbara Grygutis was selected from a group which submitted 127 proposals. 

“I do think that the passage of the right for women to vote is universally good for men, women, children.  It’s good for everybody.  It’s a very positive advancement for a society.  So I’m honored to have the opportunity to express this in a public monument,” said Grygutis.

Breaking the Bronze Ceiling Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Mossotti said Kentucky played a prominent role in the effort to give women the right to vote.  “Women who were heads of households and taxpayers won the right to vote on tax and education issues in rural areas of Kentucky in 1838, ten years before the Seneca Falls Convention.  That made Kentucky the first place anywhere in the country where women could participate in the electoral process,” noted Mossotti.

Breaking the Bronze Ceiling Committee Co-Chair Kathy Plomin said $350,000 has been raised so far.  She's optimistic the $500,000 goal can be reached with the help of a matching gift from two donors.  

Plans call for the monument to be placed downtown next August in celebration of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote.

Artist Barbara Grygutis spoke with WEKU's Stu Johnson following the unveiling:

4BARBARA.mp3

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