Woman Learning - Nauvoo, IL - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

While the Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center has visiting hours, the Monument to Women Memorial Garden is always open - and free. There are thirteen life-size sculptures in the Memorial Garden.

"In an age of heightened interest in the role of women, the Nauvoo garden of sculptures is dedicated to women of the past, present, and future. The statues, which were dedicated in 1978, identify some of the significant dimensions of a woman’s life.

The memorial consists of a heroic central sculpture of a woman, enhanced by twelve life-sized figures expressing the widely varied nature of women’s vital roles in society. The display may well be the largest commissioned display of sculpture in the world dedicated to women." (visit link)

This sculpture depicts a young woman, sitting on a marble block. She has a book opened on her lap, holding it there with here left hand. Her right hand lays on the edge of the block. She is looking out and slightly to the right, as if pondering something she has just read. She is wearing a floor-length skirt, with a long sleeve, button up, collared blouse. Her long hair is parted and extends beyond her shoulders. The plaque at the base of the statue reads:

Woman Learning
“…Yea, seek ye out of the best books
words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study
and also by faith.”
D & C 88:118
Dennis Smith, Sculptor

"Dennis Smith is as much a philosopher as he is an artist. His work is a window into who he is and his views on life. His impressionistic style captures his exuberance for life and embodies his passion for transcendence - expressed through the spontaneity of children, reflections of the past, and hopes for the future.

At the heart of Dennis' work is the spirit of the human soul. We often see this represented through the innocence of childhood. To Dennis, the child is a metaphor for life. Children's lives, as they explore the world around them, parallel our lives as adults as we discover our identity in this universe. Each piece by Dennis Smith captures this spirit, still virbrant and alive, frozen in the moment of discovery." (visit link)

Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Woman Learning Figure Type: Human Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Dennis Smith Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1/1/1978 Materials used: Bronze Location: Historic Nauvoo Visitors’ Center, Monument to Women Memorial Garden

Visit Instructions:
Please upload at least one photo you have personally taken of the sculpture and tell us a little about your impressions of the piece. Additional photos are always appreciated.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   04/24/2012 Chasing Blue Sky visited it 03/09/2012 BruceS visited it

View all visits/logs