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Ap ril 22, 2014
Richard Pryor Sculpture Project
Contact: Howard Johnson
(309) 264-4570
[email protected]
Downtown Peoria location announced for Richard Pryor sculpture;
Date announced for first “Recognize Richard” Fundraiser
On April 22, 2014, the City of Peoria, in conjunction with Peoria’s African American Hall of Fame Museum
and the Richard Pryor Sculpture Project, announced the official downtown Peoria location for a 7-1/2 foot
bronze sculpture to commemorate legendary Peoria-born comedian, actor and performer, Richard Pryor.
The sculpture, designed by award-winning visual artist, Preston Jackson, will be placed in the Warehouse
District at the northeast corner of Washington and State Streets, next to the Peoria Historical Society, in the
“pocket park” that is currently being constructed as part of the Washington Street improvements. The
location is significant in that Pryor filmed scenes from his 1986 autobiographical movie, “Jo Jo Dancer, Your
Life is Calling”, across the street from the location, where the Lee Hotel once stood.
This pocket park was specifically designed to incorporate public art in the generously sized, specially paved
area on the corner. Attractive landscaping and benches are all part of the work on this corner, to be
completed by summer 2014. The group’s goal is to install the piece prior to December 1, 2014, which would
have been Richard Pryor’s 74th birthday.
The Sculpture’s Backstory
Prior to his death in 2005, Pryor and his wife Jennifer personally selected Preston Jackson to create a larger
than-life bronze sculpture of Richard to be located in a prominent public space in downtown Peoria. In 2006,
Peoria’s African American Hall of Fame Museum took ownership of the project and started the fundraising
for the sculpture. Jennifer and the family are very much involved with the efforts to complete the statue.
The sculpture, including its base, plaque and lighting, is being funded through the efforts of the African
American Hall of Fame Museum and the Richard Pryor Sculpture Project. At this point, the clay model has
been completed and molds have been made. The group is now working to raise $100,000 to cast the
bronze sculpture, develop an appropriate base structure and add informational plaques.
Richard Pryor
Sculpture Project
c/o Johnson
3511 N. California,
Peoria, IL 61603
RecognizeRichard.com
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The First “Recognize Richard” Fundraiser
To kick-off fundraising, on May 24, the first “Recognize Richard” fundraiser will be held at the
Contemporary Art Center, 305 Water St., in Peoria, from 7-10 p.m. The event will be hosted by
comedian Ed Parker and will feature:
•
Richard Pryor Jr., who will sing and perform,
•
Writer/musician David Henry, author of “Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and the World that Made
Him,” who will be signing copies of his book with all proceeds going towards the sculpture;
•
Musical performances by Pryor Jr., Speakeasy featuring Judy Page, and Dexter O’Neil;
•
A public showing of the 7-1/2 foot clay model created by Preston Jackson;
•
The premiere of Jackson’s latest painting, “The Comedian,” with signed prints for sale; and
•
The return of Jackson’s Bronzeville to Harlem installation, a large-scale sculpture inspired by the
cultural life of the Bronzeville area of Chicago and the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, 1930s
and 1940s. This will be the first time the sculpture has been displayed in Peoria since 2002.
The ticket price for the event is $50, which will also have a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres.
Before the fundraiser, a VIP Reception/Press Event will be held from 6-7 p.m. and will feature:
•
A roundtable discussion (with press Q&A) on Pryor’s life and legacy with Richard Pryor Jr.,
David Henry and The Peorian writer, Kevin Kizer;
•
An opportunity to meet Richard Pryor Jr. and David Henry;
•
A private tour of the Bronzeville to Harlem installation with Preston Jackson; and
•
An open bar with complimentary catering.
Cost for the VIP Reception is $100, which includes a reserved seat at the “Recognize Richard” event that
follows.
Richard Pryor
Sculpture Project
c/o Johnson
3511 N. California,
Peoria, IL 61603
RecognizeRichard.com
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The Website Where You Can Support the Cause
A website has been created – www.RecognizeRichard.com – where tax-deductible donations can be
made to the project. Check or money orders can also be sent to the Community Foundation of Central
Illinois in care of the Richard Pryor Sculpture Project, 331 Fulton St., Suite 310, Peoria, IL, 61602.
To Read the Whole Story
The Peorian writer Kevin Kizer wrote a six-part series on the efforts to raise money for the sculpture as
well as the group’s next goal: to create an annual three-day comedy festival in Pryor’s memory in Peoria.
http://www.peorian.com/news/news/local/1577-a-furious-rant-fueled-by-a-furious-cool-book
For more information, contact Howard Johnson at (309) 264-4570 or at
[email protected].
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CAPTIONS FOR ATTACHED IMAGES:
Preston Jackson with the clay model for the Richard Pryor sculpture. When completed, the 7-1/2 foot
bronze sculpture will be located in Peoria’s Warehouse District at the northeast corner of Washington
and State Street.
This layout plan of the northeast corner of Washington and State Street shows the approved location
for the Richard Pryor sculpture.
The new fundraising brochure promoting “Recognize Richard”, which folds out into a commemorative
poster. The brochure design was donated by Simantel and printing was donated by OSP.
Richard Pryor
Sculpture Project
c/o Johnson
3511 N. California,
Peoria, IL 61603
RecognizeRichard.com