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Bastrop Unveils Tubman Sculpture Saturday

A bold sculpture depicting anti-slavery icon Harriet Tubman debuts Saturday at the Bastrop Kerr Community Center.

Published June 14, 2024 at 6:03am by

A stunning 9-foot-tall bronze sculpture, "Harriet Tubman — the Journey to Freedom," by artist Wesley Wofford will be unveiled at Bastrop's Kerr Community Center on Saturday as part of Juneteenth celebrations. The sculpture depicts the famed abolitionist and former slave guiding a young girl to freedom.

“[The sculpture] is a treasure trove of symbolism, including themes of leaving behind the shackles of slavery.” – Clint Howard

Cast at Bastrop’s Pyrology Foundry and Studio, owned by Jamie and Clint Howard, the sculpture has been on display across the US since 2020. The original was commissioned for a private site in Dallas and received high praise, leading to a second casting for a traveling exhibition.

“[The original sculpture] received such strong praise that Wofford was granted special permission [...] to produce a second bronze casting for show but not for sale, and to host a traveling exhibition of the work.” – Jamie Howard

The Kerr Center has a deep connection to local African American history and culture, making it the perfect location for the exhibition, which includes quilt exhibits, dance performances, lectures, and more over the next three months.

“[The center] is a focal point of local African American history and culture in Bastrop. So many African Americans migrated to this area and established freedom colonies [and Tubman] is remembered today because of the bravery she displayed [...]” – Dock Jackson

The formal dedication of the sculpture will take place on the official date of Juneteenth, noon on Wednesday, with a praise dance performance and music.

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