‘Quittin’ Time’ - Corsicana, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 32° 05.559 W 096° 27.791
14S E 739409 N 3553522
Two years and $32,000 later, a bronze sculpture of an oil field worker has been set on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Beaton Street in downtown Corsicana.
Waymark Code: WMXKNE
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/25/2018
Views: 2
Corsicana Daily Sun
“It’s just art in public places and acknowledging the history. We’ve got to build on the history of this town. It’s unique,” said Joe Brooks, who helped drive the effort to get statue made.
Ultimately, promoting the arts encourages future entrepreneurs to use their imaginations, Brooks said.
The 300-pound bronze was created by artist Lisa Perry and cast by Bryant Fine Arts foundry in Azle. It’s modeled not on an actual oilfield worker, but on E.M. “Buck” Sheppard, co-founder of the E.M. Sheppard Foundation, which paid for much of the project.
Having the statue on one of Corsicana’s primary thoroughfares is meant to attract attention, and beautify the area, said Sharla Allen, parks and recreation director for Corsicana.
“It’s an arts district, that’s the point,” Allen said. “We think this is wonderful.”
Ultimately, the city would like to add statues of a baker, to honor the Collin Street Bakery, and another to honor the maker of Wolf Brand Chili, said Stephen Dieterichs, Main Street director.
Although the foundry workers set the statue on Thursday afternoon, an official unveiling will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday, followed by an invitation-only reception.
The Sheppard Foundation also supports the Warehouse Living Arts Center, the Palace Theatre and gives away college scholarships.
Board members of the foundation include Brooks, Clifford Williams, Ronald Brown, Velma Ballew, Myra Lee McLain and Sharon Mahony.