The library is pleased to announce the dedication of the public sculpture, “And Still I Rise” by Kris Perry, on Friday, October 19, 3:30-4:30pm. This public art sculpture has been recently installed on the grounds of the Galvan Armory; home to the library, the City of Hudson Senior Center and Perfect Ten After School. The sculptor, Hudson resident Kris Perry, who is known for his large-scale metal sculptures, has named this bronze piece “And Still I Rise” in honor of the work of Maya Angelou. The sculpture, whose theme is a powerful call to action for literacy and community, stands out prominently in front of the former armory building. It was purchased by the Galvan Foundation for the armory garden.
The dedication will feature a reading of Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” by a student from Perfect Ten, a Question & Answer with Kris Perry by Hudson City School District students facilitated by Bridget Smith, Literacy Specialist of MC Smith Elementary School and library Board Member, and Dan Kent, Vice President of Initiatives for the Galvan Foundation, as well as representatives from the library, the senior center and Perfect Ten who will be on hand to speak. The Hudson Area Library Tween Council will be hosting the event, which will end with a reception in the community room.
Kris Perry, born in Berkeley, Ca., studied under illustrator Charles Pyle, and attended California College of Art. A skilled craftsperson and metal fabricator, he has worked with David Best on large scale projects. His own creation, the much-heralded “Machines,” combines industrial sound sculptures with live performance, and has been exhibited in a number of galleries and venues. These collaborations have included Tommy Stinson, Elvis Perkins, Brian Dewan, and others. Large-scale kinetic sculptures have been commissioned and exhibited across the country. His workshop is in Hudson, NY.