Paul N. Venker
Member, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC
Chair, Freedom Suits Memorial Steering Committee
Originally published in the October 2021 issue of the St. Louis Lawyer magazine. Download PDF.
It has been my honor and pleasure to get to know a great American artist craftsman, Preston Jackson, during the prior six years in my role as chair of the Freedom Suits Memorial Steering Committee. His avocations and career have been steeped in artistic expression in music, painting sculpture, and more. The story inside will provide you more details about his fascinating life, which started in Decatur, Ill., and has carried him to being a Professor Emeritus of Sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago.
My first encounter with Preston was his 2015 submission in response to the request for proposals sent to artists for what would be the Freedom Suits Memorial. His sketches and the overall composition of the piece showed he knew so much not only about the freedom suits and their plaintiffs, but also the world around them at the time. For me, it was one of those — I didn't know what I didn't know — moments, which caused me to really think and reflect. Since then, I have continually tried to open my eyes as to events involving Blacks in American history and to see them in a new way, with a fuller understanding. I have learned so much, but my education continues.
In the years between that first meeting and now, I have conversed with Preston and his long-time friend and agent, Joy Kessler, many times about the sculpture and its progress. My wife Diane and I visited Preston and Joy on a hot day in May of this year. There is no air conditioning in that studio, but that did not hold back either Preston or Joy in their relentless pursuit of excellence in rendering this powerful sculpture.
After you read the article here, you should consider spending a few minutes on Preston's website. You will learn more about him and his prolific artistic accomplishments. You can also go to the internet to find some recent video interviews of Preston.
I know I speak for the entire Steering Committee for the Freedom Suits Memorial when I say we realize how blessed and very fortunate that Preston Jackson was interested in this project and that he presented a rendering that was head and shoulders above the field. He made our unanimous selection of his proposed sculpture almost undeniable.
In sum, Preston is one of the most authentic people I know: extremely talented but balanced by humility; grounded, but also confident enough to tell it like it is. His Freedom Suits Memorial sculpture with its rich, artistic content and eye-opening educational potential has certainly impacted the way I see and interpret events in American society, both past and present.
I owe him much for that. Even in his 70s, Preston has the energy of at least two people and continues to use it every day to the fullest with his countless, inspiring projects. I certainly hope he continues to share his energy and vision with us for many years to come.
Learn more about the Freedom Suits Memorial.
.png)
member center
