Ad Astra - Topeka, KS - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Taken from the historical website, "The title of the statue, Ad Astra, is taken from the state motto, Ad astra per aspera, which translates "to the stars through difficulties." The selection committee cited several reasons for choosing Ad Astra, principally the statue honored the state's American Indian heritage, created a unique and distinct profile, and conveyed the ideas of aspiration and inspiration."

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This sculpture is located at the top of the dome of the Kansas State Capitol building in Topeka. It features a Kanza Indian (one of the original settlers of Kansas) shooting a bow into the sky. The reason for the name comes from the State's motto. The first part means to the sky in Latin, so it was appropriate when this statue was installed in 2002 to name it Ad Astra. It has become susceptible to weathering as it has since turned green, similar to the Statue of Liberty.

TITLE: Ad Astra ARTIST(S): Bergen, Richard, 1925- , sculptor. DATE: Commissioned 1988. Installed Oct. 2002. Dedicated Nov. 4, 2002. MEDIUM: Unkown CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 71500641 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: Kansas State Capitol Building Dome DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: No differences noted.

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