Category Archives: Doris Miller Memorial
The National Endowment for the Arts recently awarded the Waco Cultural Arts Fest (aka Cultural Arts of Waco) a $15,000.00 grant to support the commissioning and installation of a public art sculpture of Doris Miller in Bledsoe-Miller Park in Waco.
The NEA reviews thousands of grant applications every year in all areas of art. A giant thank you goes to WCAF president Doreen Ravenscroft who spends hours researching and writing grant applications such as this NEA Grant that promotes art in Waco. About 50 visual arts grants have been awarded by NEA in 2012. WCAF is honored to have received one.
The Doris Miller Memorial sculpture will honor Waco resident and World War II serviceman Doris Miller (1919-43), the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross for heroism. The figurative bronze sculpture and historical reliefs will be created by sculptor Eddie Dixon (b. 1950) and the site design will be developed by architect Stan Carroll. The site overlooks the Brazos River across the river from Indian Spring Park where the annual Waco Cultural Arts Fest is held.
What is the NEA?
The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector.
Today is Veteran’s Day: 11-11-11. America is celebrating those who currently serve and have served previously in the United States Military.
In Waco, TX we especially honor our hometown hero, Doris Miller. On December 7, 1941 Doris Miller earned the Navy Cross with acts of bravery and heroism at Pearl Harbor. He was the nation’s first celebrated hero of World War II.
The Cultural Arts of Waco is preparing to build a lasting memorial commemorating Doris Miller on the east bank of the Brazos River in his home town of Waco, TX.
The Doris Miller Memorial project is a community effort. Contributions towards this project sponsored by the Cultural Arts of Waco are greatly appreciated.
We would like as many people as possible to take pride and ownership in the beautiful sculpture that will add to the beauty of Waco’s landscape on a two acre memorial site on the Brazos River. Your contribution will enable the construction of a monument of national significance and historical importance.
For credit card donations, please visit our website at www.wacoartsfest.org. On Dec. 7, 2011, all donors will be recognized in the Waco Tribune Herald.
Fund-raising Chairs Ambassador: Lyndon Olson and Kay Olsen
Memorial Committee Chair: Professor Gerald Powell
Cultural Arts of Waco Chair: Doreen Ravenscroft