LITTLE ROCK — Kick Up Your Heels, a new bronze sculpture by John Deering, was unveiled during a July 11 ceremony on the east side of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.
The event was hosted by Ginger and Gov. Mike Beebe, along with the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Commission and Association. Among those in attendance were Barbara and former Gov. David Pryor and former first lady Gay White.
The three-piece sculpture - which depicts a pioneer fiddle player with a pioneerwoman and boy dancing to the music - is part of the Family Garden, just outside the Grand Hall. Kick Up Your Heels was designed as a symbol of the state’s hospitality.
The program began with remarks by Wayne Cranford, chairman of the Mansion Commission; Gary Davis, president of the Mansion Association; and Beebe. Deering - accompanied by wife Kathy and sons Will and Matthew, who helped with the sculpture project - thanked the first lady and theMansion Association for the opportunity given him. The covered fiddler sculpture was then revealed by Deering and Beebe, while Ginger Beebe oversaw the unveiling of the other two pieces.
Deering is an artist and political cartoonist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette as well as a syndicated cartoonist. He designed several sculptures that grace the grounds of the state Capitol, including those of the Little Rock Nine. Money for Kick Up Your Heels was raised through private donations tothe Mansion Association.
High Profile, Pages 39 on 07/22/2012