MARSHALL - In the lobby of the old Marshall-Lyon County Library building stands a work in progress for passers-by to see and admire, a statue of Mrs. Mary Whitney, who named and helped found the city of Marshall.
The statue is the work of local artist Jim Dahl and was commissioned by Marshall Community Services and the Historical Society. The Marshall Area Fine Arts Council is also one of the sponsors for the statue, which shows Whitney pouring water on the ground to baptize the town of Marshall, named after a former governor of the state.
"I started the armature in April-May," Dahl said. "It's steel pipe, with steel mesh over it, and spray foam insulation. I put plasticene clay, a mixture of clay and petroleum jelly, over it."
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Dahl works on the statue in his spare time, about four to six hours a day. He spent two hours on Wednesday night working on the face. The statue's arms have flexible armatures so they can be adjusted as Dahl decides on the final form.
When complete in late August or early September, it will be sent to Stillwater to be cast in bronze.
"It's quite a ways from done, but coming along nicely," Dahl said.
When completed, the statue will stand near the intersection of 3rd Street and College Drive.
- Steve Browne