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GPAC to install memorial granite park benches in Central Park

The Galesburg Public Art Commission is offering three personalized granite benches in downtown’s Central Park for donations of $3,000 each.

The commission wanted to raise $250,000 to install a statue of Carl Sandburg in Central Park, along with a pedestrian walkway and other park enhancements.

Sandburg was a Galesburg native who was a poet, writer and author. He won three Pulitzer Prizes.

The fourth bench, and the first to be bought, is dedicated to Donald Verene, who donated the money to the Galesburg Public Art Commission.

Verene is a Galesburg native who teaches philosophy at Emory College in Atlanta.

Heather Norman of the public art commission, says the benches can be engraved with quotes, names and pictures. She says the benches match the look of the sculpture and contribute to the atmosphere.

“A lot of people come through and look at the sculpture, they read the quotes, some people just like to sit out there,” Norman says. “So, this will give them more of a space to sit and enjoy the space. They can spend the time to enjoy the artistic setting.”

The sculpture to honor Sandburg was dedicated in April. Norman says the art commission has a strategic plan to do more art projects.

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