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Artists Chosen for National Statuary Hall Statues
Sculptures of Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash to be Commissioned

(June 14, 2021) Little Rock, Ark – The selection review committee for the National Statuary Hall statues of Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash met today at 1:00 p.m. to review and evaluate final scores of the finalists for each sculpture. Based on these scores, the selection review committee has recommended to Secretary of State John Thurston that Benjamin Victor of Boise, Idaho be selected to design and create the statue of Daisy Bates. The selection review committee also recommended to Secretary Thurston that Kevin Kresse of Little Rock, Arkansas be selected to design and create the statue of Johnny Cash. Secretary Thurston has reviewed and accepted the committee’s recommendations and will begin contractual negotiations with the selected respondents.

Photo 1: Secretary of State John Thurston with artist Benjamin Victor
Photo 2: Secretary of State John Thurston with artist Kevin Kresse

(March 30, 2021) Little Rock, Ark -- Video of Press Conference on H.R.1 and Election Integrity with Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Congressman French Hill, Senator John Boozman, and Senator Tom Cotton.

Additional coverage:
Elections bill criticized by officials from state (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)