Traveling sculpture makes inaugural Texas stop in Bastrop

BASTROP – A powerful, traveling sculpture of an American hero will be making its inaugural stop in Texas this month, coming to Bastrop just in time for Juneteenth celebrations.

“Harriet Tubman: The Journey to Freedom” by Wofford Sculpture Studio of North Carolina is arriving at the Kerr Community Center June 15.

The nine-foot-tall monument celebrates Tubman’s heroic journey to rescue enslaved people in the 1800s and has traveled the country since 2020. The piece has been exhibited in many prominent locations, but has yet to land in Texas.

The intention behind the touring sculpture is to resemble Tubman’s travels to free hundreds of enslaved people, according to the artists.

A debut for the beautiful piece of American history is set for June 15 at 5 p.m., during Bastrop’s Juneteenth festivities, sponsored by Jamie and Clint Howard of Found Fine Art and Pyrology Foundry & Studio in Bastrop.

The Kerr Community Center is located at 1308 Walnut St. and will house the statue through Aug. 31, with a special dedication ceremony June 19, beginning at noon. Bastrop’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration kicks off June 15 at 10 a.m. with a parade touring down Main Street. Entertainment will follow at Fisherman’s Park throughout the afternoon and culminate in a Street Dance at 7 p.m. Special musical guests, vendors, food trucks, activities and competitions will accommodate for the whole family.