Mason Library, Great Barrington | The W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project will hold a press conference and public reception on April 19, from 6-8:30 p.m. to introduce the three sculptors who have been selected as finalists for the creation of a monument to W.E.B. Du Bois. The event will be held in the main reading room of the Mason Public Library, located on Main Street (Rt. 7) in Great Barrington.

Selecting from seventeen artist applications, the judges chose three nationally recognized artists experienced in creating public art:

VINNIE BAGWELL uses traditional bas-relief techniques as visual narratives to expand her storytelling. Her statue of Ella Fitzgerald, “The First Lady of Jazz,” was commissioned by the city of Yonkers. Her sculptures also sit in New York City’s Central Park and the city of Memphis, TN.

RICHARD BLAKE’S sculpture projects commemorate those who have fought for social justice. Blake is the 2023 Recipient of The Medal of Honor presented by The National Sculpture Society. His statue of Rosa Parks sits in the U.S. Capitol.

DANA KING’s public monuments capture the resilience, tenacity, and courage of famous and everyday Black Americans. Her sculpture of the women of the Montgomery Bus Boycott is featured at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, AL.

More information at webduboissculpture.org