High Country Artist, Brenda Councill, was a Finalist for the National Historic Women’s Monument

Brenda Councill works in her studio

The Ohio Women’s Memorial Commission, created by Ohio State Legislators and The Ohio Arts Council has announced that artist Brenda Councill is a finalist selected from a national competition to create a design for a Women’s Commemorative Monument. The winning design will be placed in the grounds of The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. The monumental bronze and stone sculpture will be the first national placement of a women’s memorial on the Statehouse grounds creating history while honoring women.

In 2019, Councill competed in placing a statue in New York Central Park of the memorial of a woman honoring the Suffragist. Her sculpture design and preliminary drawings have caught the attention of other cities and organizations aimed at honoring women. Councill recounted, “the excitement and creative forces are unstoppable when the voices of women then inspire the present and our future!”

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said, “It is unacceptable that right now there are no female statues in the grounds of the Statehouse other than mythological figures. The Statehouse has always been home to people, and as long as it continues to serve as a center of debate, peaceful protest, and history, I am glad that women will finally be represented with the dignity they have long deserved. ”

Councill’s latest sculpture planned for Boone commemorates 150ika Anniversary and represents a community-based effort to be seen to honor the town’s development. Support from families, individuals, and organizations makes this project possible. Mark Freed, Town Director of the Boone Cultural Resources Dept., said, “The Department is excited to have the artist, Brenda Council, and the Watauga County Arts Council work on this project as part of Boone’s 150th celebration. This part will help honor the history of the Town for future generations. ”

High Country residents and visitors will be familiar with Councill’s many permanent large -scale artwork. Noteworthy is the bronze sculpture of renowned NC impressionist Elliott Daingerfield, the landmark Belk Library features an ascending mural and The Reich College of Education features a sculptural ceiling mural that are both recognized in the national public art registry. A historic Watauga County mural has been installed at The Appalachian Theater and the historic Rumple Presbyterian Church features a ceiling mural called, “Heaven’s Light”.

Dr. compared. Lawrence Wheeler, CEO and Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art does his work with the great female sculptor Harriet Hosmer. Councill also advocated action on Public Art policy and initiated the designation of public art along the 321 corridor along with the NCDOT. Councill organized the inaugural Sculpture Walk on Chetola Lake and it will be remembered as the largest gathering and exhibition of sculptures in Watauga County.

For more information visit: www.councill.net and thesculpturewalk.com