Northern Colorado artists restore Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas
- A statue of Jackie Robinson was vandalized in Wichita, Kansas, when thieves attempted to sell it for scrap metal.
- The original artist's friends and family were heartbroken over the loss, as it was one of his most beloved works.
- A team of Northern Colorado artists successfully recreated the statue, which was rededicated in Wichita, honoring Robinson's legacy.
A team of artists from Northern Colorado collaborated to recreate a statue of Jackie Robinson after the original was vandalized in Wichita, Kansas. The original statue was destroyed when vandals attempted to sell the bronze for scrap metal, cutting it off its base. This act left the artist John Parsons' friends and family devastated, as the statue was one of his most cherished works, created with input from Robinson's family to ensure accuracy. The incident sparked outrage among the local community, with many questioning the motives behind such vandalism. Carol Parsons, the artist's widow, expressed disbelief at the actions of the vandals, noting that scrap metal companies would easily recognize the stolen art piece. The word about the missing statue spread quickly, leading to attempts by the vandals to melt it down, which proved unsuccessful. In response to the loss, Art Castings of Colorado, led by Tony Workman, took on the task of recreating the statue. The team worked diligently to replicate Parsons' original design, even including his signature on the new base. Nate Ford, one of the artists involved, expressed his personal connection to the project, emphasizing the significance of the statue. The newly created statue was eventually transported back to Wichita by Carol Parsons, where it was rededicated to League 42. This act of restoration not only honored Robinson's legacy but also served as a testament to the community's resilience and commitment to preserving art and history.