Worcesters Abby Kelley Foster to be honored with lighted lectern sculpture created by two artists – MassLive.com

Two artists have been selected to honor Worcester icon Abby Kelley Foster and are creating a lighted lectern sculpture that will be placed downtown, Worcester city officials said.

Ann Hirsch and Jeremy Angier have been selected by the Public Art Working Group to complete the citys Abby Kelley Foster Artistic Node Project, officials said in a statement issued Tuesday.

Kelley Foster was a Worcester resident who served as a prominent leader in the abolitionist and womens rights movement in the 19th century, defending free speech and advocating for equality and the abolishment of slavery.

She fought abuse to exercise the right to use her voice in order to bring about revolutionary cultural change, said Hirsch. Kelley Foster teaches us that the struggle for equal rights far outweighs personal costs, and her fearlessness and dedication should inspire us all, whichever cause we hold closest to our hearts.

The sculpture will feature a perforated lectern in metal, illuminated from below and engraved with text taken from Kelley Fosters records that highlights using ones voice for social change amidst adversity. It will be at the corner of Main and Walnut streets and is planned for public activation in October, the statement said.

Hirsch said the sculpture will serve as a potent symbol of Kelley Fosters story, and will bring us closer to the woman who, in Lucy Stones words, earned for us all the right of free speech.

Last year, the city issued a call to artists for the Abby Kelley Foster Artistic Node Project, looking for an art installation recognizing Kelley Foster, the Womens Rights Movement, or Revolution as potential themes. The location of the installation area was the site of the first National Womens Rights Convention in 1850.

Between its location and its long history with activism, Worcester was the site of the first two National Womens Rights Conventions in 1850 and 1851, and Worcester County was home to many suffragists, said Erin Williams, the citys cultural development officer. Abby Kelley Foster was one of these suffragists and abolitionists. Completion of this project will honor her and the courageous women who led the way for social justice, and encourage those who see it to learn more about the woman, the womens rights movement, and Worcesters history.

The project is part of the Main Street Reimagined Initiative, which aims to improve the existing streetscapes and activate public spaces through art installations.

By tapping into the creativity and passion of artists, we are able to celebrate, honor, and share our history in ways outside textbooks and museums publicly, free of charge, and accessible to all who will pass by the area, said Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. Im looking forward to seeing the Abby Kelley Foster project once it is completed, and to similar upcoming initiatives.