City of Peoria to Host Program for Sculpture Rededication on Wednesday, August 14
Preston Jackson’s Work to Be Rededicated to Honor Local Resident
Monday, August 12, 2024 (PEORIA, IL) Members of the media and public are invited to attend a sculpture rededication program on the riverfront on Wednesday, August 14 at 2:30 p.m. The sculpture is in Liberty Park, adjacent to the MEL parking lot, 300 block of SW Water Street, and the River Station building.
The painted steel and cast bronze sculpture, titled “Flight of the Cakewalkers” was created by Preston Jackson in 2001 and first exhibited at Navy Pier in Chicago. Following that, it was installed on the riverfront. Peoria resident Joy Kessler sponsored the restoration of the piece in honor of the work of her husband, Steve Shostrom. Mr. Shostrom is well known in Peoria for opening Running Central, establishing the Illinois Valley Striders, and is the founder and first director of the Steamboat Classic. A champion of developing Peoria’s riverfront, he is equally respected for his work with the Peoria Park District, as a member of the Peoria Park District Recreation Committee.
Speakers at the event will include Mayor Rita Ali, Emily Cahill, Executive Director of Peoria Park District, and Joy Kessler.
Details of the Event:
Date: Wednesday, August 14
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Where: Liberty Park, 300 Block of SW Adams Street