One Woman Rising statue was created to commemorate “One Billion Rising,” a movement and a campaign to end violence against women and girls.
The 12-foot-tall statue is depicting a dancing female figure as if visualizing the One Billion Rising movement’s motto – “Strike, Dance, Rise!” It was sculptured by Phil Proctor, and painted by the body painters Scott Fray and Madelyn Greco. A metal railing around the statue is inviting the visitors to interact by writing their stories of empowerment and reasons to rise on the provided ribbons attaching them to the metal rail.
The statue was commissioned by the Chelko Foundation, which “seeks to empower women through art, education, and partnership.” The foundation was established in 2005 to commemorate and honor the life of Debbie Chelko.
The One Billion Rising is a campaign demanding to end violence against womxn. Every year on February 14th, people are gathering all over the world for this cause – “RISING: FROM A CAMPAIGN, TO A WAY OF LIFE.” The movement was founded by the activist and playwright Eve Ensler, who is also famous for her playwright “The Vagina Monologues.” In the official dedication ceremony on February 12th, 2015, Ensler was the guest of honor.
The statue is located in Freedom Park, a linear green park and an art park showcasing permanent and rotation exterior exhibitions. Not far from One Woman Rising statue is the artwork Journey to Freedom: Women of the Civil Rights, a set of two murals created by Lynn Linnemeier.
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