Sojourner Truth: A Tale of Two Statues

As part of Black History Month Kingston, the Kingston Midtown Arts District (MAD) is excited to announce a special artists’ talk, which will bring to our community two world-renowned artists, Meredith Bergmann and Vinnie Bagwell, who have been commissioned to create larger-than-life sculptures of Sojourner Truth. On February 22nd, 4:00-5:00 P.M. at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, both artists will give a slide presentation and talk about their research into Sojourner Truth’s life, their monumental artworks, and the power of art to tell our stories. MAD is partnering with Harambee and MyKingstonKids to host this important program. Sojourner Truth: A Tale of Two Statues, is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served following the artists’ talk.

This event will take place after the 2nd Annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk, which highlights parts of the legendary abolitionist’s life including her escape route to freedom. The Sojourner Truth Life Walk begins in Port Ewen, includes brief informational stops along the way, and ends at Kingston’s Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St., Kingston,  with a live reenactment of her famous “Ain’t I A Woman” speech by Deborah Zull prior to the artists’ presentation. 

Once complete, Bergmann’s statue will be installed in Central Park and Bagwell’s statue will be at the entrance to Walkway Over the Hudson in Highland. 

MAD is excited to welcome these two important artists to Kingston. We hope you will participate in all or part of this dynamic day honoring the life of Sojourner Truth. Thanks to Black History Month Kingston, the Kingston community will have the opportunity to learn more about Sojourner Truth and celebrate her life.

A festive reception will follow at 5pm courtesy of the Kingston Midtown Arts District.

Sojourner Truth Life Walk
Saturday, February 22
11am–4pm
Assemble at Dietz Stadium
170 North Front St., Kingston

(A trolley will take you from Dietz Stadium to Port Ewen where the walk begins. The walk, which is approximately 4 miles, concludes at Old Dutch Church in Kingston, a few blocks from Dietz Stadium.)

Artists’ Talk
4–5pm
Old Dutch Church
272 Wall St, Kingston
(845) 282-0182

.blackhistorymonthkingston.org

For more information, please contact Rick Whelan at rick@madkingston.org or (914) 523-5341.