Barbara Grygutis "Stand" Suffrage Monument in Lexington

_{Written by Daniel Mariotti}

BARBARA GRYGUTIS – 5 SUFFRAGETTES (LEXINGTON)

Through her work as an artist, Barbara Grygutis has created public spaces that enhance the built environment, enable civic interaction, and reveal unspoken relationships between nature and humanity. She engages the public through her works of art by identifying themes meaningful to each specific site and community.

Barbara Grygutis has created over 75 works of large-scale public art in locations across the United States and beyond. Most recently, her Imaginary Garden promenade in Cary, North Carolina’s Walnut Street Park received national awards from Hardscape North America and Brick Industry Association’s Brick in Architecture competition. In addition to her permanent public art installations, Grygutis’ work has been exhibited at The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC; The Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, New York; The Bronx Museum in New York City; and The Parker Collection for the Vice-President’s House and the White House, both in Washington, D.C.

A descriptive banne with the text "Did you know... Across the country there is a growing movement to recognize noteworthy women and their historical contributions through public monuments. Unfortunately, less than 7% of the 5193 monuments in the U.S. presently recognize women. In Lexington, KY, there are none. We are about to change that statistic with the "Breaking the Bronze Ceiling" initiative. The text is accompanied by a photo of Grygutis next to a small mock-of of the piece.

How Barbara Grygutis Started “Stand”

The “Stand” project came to light after Grygutis had been chosen out of 127 proposals that were submitted for the call. Lexington-Fayette Urban County councilwoman Jennifer Mossotti spearheaded the effort. Along with other local Lexington women, she created the “Breaking the Bronze Ceiling” initiative. A TIME magazine article stating: “fewer than 7% of the 5,193 monuments in the United States recognize women” inspired the drive to start the initiative.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gordon mimics the sentiment of concern over the lack of recognition of women, and says that the statue was long overdue. “It reminds all of us how far we have come and how far we have to go,” Gordon said. She is the third woman to be elected mayor of Kentucky’s second-largest city.

Translating Barbara Grygutis’ Vision for the Stand Monument in Lexington

Creating the Barbara Grygutis Stand monument in Lexington required both technical precision and artistic sensitivity. Our team collaborated closely with the artist to ensure that every cut, weld, and lighting choice honored the legacy of the suffragists.

Our process began when Barbara provided us with two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional digital models for the five fabricated aluminum sculptures for “Stand”. We refined the 3D models further to include the internal structural support, mounting plates, anchors, and footers for structural engineering.

A comparison of one figure from the Suffragettes - starting from the digital file outline of the figure, separated into parts. Then the digital file as a whole structure. Next, interior supports are shown in a digital rendering. Then, finally the finished piece is shown assembled and being hoisted.

We deconstructed the digital 3d models in Rhino 3D, a CAD application modelling software, into individual surfaces. These surfaces could be converted into vectors for water jet cutting. The vectors, which are points, lines, and curves that are based on mathematical formulas, provide the data needed for CNC waterjet cutting of the aluminum plate parts. We parted the vectors for cutting based on the available size of the plates, and the footprint size of the CNC waterjet cutting tool.

Waterjet cutting uses an extremely high-pressure jet of water and abrasives to cut a variety of materials. The CNC waterjet cut the intricate patterns and profiles for “Stand” from 3/8″ and 3/16″ 6061 aluminum plate. Our fabrication department recieved these flat plate-like sections, ready to assemble.

a 4-sectioned image with depictions of the waterjet cut figures, the figures being laid out and assembled with internal supports, and finally a finished figure being hoisted and inspected.

Fabricating a Vision

Our main goal is to translate and maintain Barbara’s original vision. During fabrication we work from the inside out, so plenty of forethought and planning is key for success.

First, we laid out the 17′ water jet cut facings, front and back, and matched the patterns with the internal armature. Working from the structural plans, digital renderings, and the water jet cut forms, we would map out our lengths, angles, and joints; measure twice, cut once. It’s very easy to weld yourself into a corner. Our biggest challenge? Matching the front and back of the sculpture to the cross-member infrastructures without interfering with the decorative cut patterns. Once we were confident that we’ve met the engineering requirements and maintained Barbara’s vision, we started assembly.

The return edges that give the sculpture depth were also very challenging. To follow and shape the unique contour of the scuklpture, we used a hydraulic press and handheld cylinders. This, along with a combination of preforming, annealing and hand-smithing was key for success. For this to be efficient, we had to custom make the hydraulic press specifically for the sculptures. First, we made a clamp to keep the two top halves aligned. This ensured that when the press was pushing the side panel into alignment, none of the components would shift.

A horizontal images with three sections: First are the panels of the cut-out figures being laid out, next shows a custom jig forming the side panels. Finally, a close up shot on a figure's side with panels formed, welded, and chased to a shiny finish.

The internal lighting and electrical needed to be placed before the final facing was attached. Working with Barbara, we small tacked welds first, to set the angles and attitude of the lighting. Several trials were necessary to capture the right atmosphere for the sculpture. Then, everything was permanently welded into place and finished to be wrapped up and shipped to the installation site.

Side-by-side comparison showing digital electrical mapping and actual installed electrical components for the "Suffragettes" sculpture by Barbara Grygutis, highlighting the precision of internal conduit and junction box placement beneath the base structure.

A Monument for Historical Heroes

**“This monumental artwork commemorates the women suffragists who fought for the passing of the 19th Amendment which afforded women the right to vote. Sited in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, the artwork will serve as the first public sculpture to honor historic women in the city. The five, 20-foot aluminum silhouetted sculptures will serve as a reminder of the historic significance of the women who pushed for suffrage, the achievement of the 19th Amendment, as well as the continuing fight for women’s rights, representation and equality. The silhouettes do not depict any specific woman as the movement for women’s suffrage was widespread. At night, the sculptures are illuminated from within to act as a community beacon around the clock.”

**Text taken from Barbara Grygutis website

Commissioned by Breaking the Bronze Ceiling, Lexington, Kentucky.

Final Suffragette Sculpture installed in Lexington, Kentucky

Barbary Grygutis' Stand Monument in Lexiington Completed and installed

“Stand” – Lexington, Kentucky, USA

20’ H x 30’ W x 5’ D

Aluminum, integrated lighting

Project Gallery:

Digital File of 5 Suffragette Figures — Digital File of 5 Figures

Digital File rendering of figures adn internal armature — Digital File of 5 Figures

Prior to collaborating on the “Stand” project, we worked with Barbara on “A Path for Water” (2019). Commissioned by the City of Phoenix. View it here.