The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County’s Women’s History Trail Project has raised funds to complete the production of the sculpture “Sowing the Seeds of the Future.”
The sculpture, originally conceived by Barbara McRae, shows three women – Rebecca Morris (Cherokee), Salley (African American), and Timoxena Siler (White) – whose lives and cultures intersected in the early days of Macon County. The Folk Heritage Association contracted with nationally renowned figurative sculptor Wesley Wofford to produce the sculpture.
“Now that we have secured $400,000 of the funding associated with the sculpture to complete and install the 7-foot bronze sculpture, we will focus on raising funds for landscaping, lighting, and interpretive signage,” said Marty Greeble, co-leader of the project. “Our preliminary goal for that portion of the project is an additional $50,000 beyond the funds we have on hand; however, we’ll be working with other parties to produce a full plan for landscaping and lighting and will release a final goal at a later date.”
An exact location has not yet been selected for the sculpture’s location but the River Gateway district has been proposed as a possible home. There are current discussions ongoing with parties who would be involved in that site.
“We worked closely with Wesley Wofford and a number of knowledgeable individuals to incorporate appropriate details, including Cherokee symbols, into this work of art,” said Mary Polanski, project co-leader. “We are grateful for all the donors who collectively enabled us to bring Barbara’s vision to reality, and we look forward to installing this significant sculpture in the town of Franklin.”
Wesley Wofford, who lives near Cashiers, most recently completed a 9-foot-tall sculpture of Harriet Tubman.
A duplicate of that sculpture is on a nationwide tour and is on display at Bridge Park in Sylva until mid-December.
To learn more about the project, including how to make a donation, visit folkheritageassociation.org