Vera Katz (sculpture)
| Vera Katz | |
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,_Portland,_Oregon,_2015.jpg)
The statue in 2015
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 Vera Katz
Location in Portland, Oregon
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| Artist | Bill Bane |
| Year | 2006 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Subject | Vera Katz |
| Dimensions | 130 cm × 46 cm × 46 cm (53 in × 18 in × 18 in) |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| 45°30′50″N 122°40′06″W / 45.513939°N 122.668202°WCoordinates: 45°30′50″N 122°40′06″W / 45.513939°N 122.668202°W | |
| Owner | Regional Arts & Culture Council |
Vera Katz, also known as Mayor, Vera Katz, is an outdoor bronze sculpture depicting Vera Katz created by American artist Bill Bane. Unveiled in 2006, it is located along the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland, Oregon. Katz, a former mayor of the city between 1993 and 2005, supported arts and culture during her tenure and established Oregon's Percent for Art program. She was also instrumental in developing the Eastbank Esplanade, which is named after her. The sculpture has received a mostly positive reception and has inspired people to adorn it with clothing, flowers and makeup.
The statue was financed by a "group of generous Portlanders", and its commission was managed by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) with assistance from members of Katz's former staff. It was unveiled on June 2, 2006, on the plaza at the south end of the Esplanade, just north of the Hawthorne Bridge and Main Street marker. It measures 53 inches (130 cm) x 18 inches (46 cm) x 18 inches (46 cm) and rests on an orange triangular base.Portland State University's Daily Vanguard described Katz as: "leaning close to a small body with legs crossed and hands in, squeezed together in her lap as if she's cold, too. The teeth are also bared and unusually straight, creating the impression that Katz might snap at passers-by. But overall, the face is open and the hair is particularly lifelike." She is depicted wearing a Portland rose on her lapel. According to The Oregonian, the sculpture provides a lap on which children can pose and sometimes frightens passersby at night. It is part of the collection of the Regional Arts & Culture Council. The organization has said: "it seems fitting that [Katz's] political leadership and love for the arts should come together in a public tribute to her".
Katz attended the statue's surprise unveiling during an event organized by the Regional Arts & Culture Council and funded by friends. Also in attendance were Mayor Tom Potter, three city commissioners, Bill Bane, friends, and former staff members. Wearing a lei brought by her son, Katz said the statue looked "far more beautiful than [her]" and encouraged city officials to continue expanding the Eastbank Esplanade south.
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Wikipedia