Senate Art Committee Begins Public Search for Influential Woman to Honor with Chamber Bust

Committee calls for nominations from all Massachusetts residents  

BOSTON (3/4/2024)—Today, the Massachusetts Senate Art Committee released a submission form requesting nominations for the name of a woman to be honored with a bust in the Senate Chamber. Nominations should reflect women who have made historic contributions to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; women with national influence will also be considered if they have ties to the state. 

Any Massachusetts resident will have until 11:59 PM on April 30, 2024, to submit a nomination and a brief explanation of why the woman should be honored by the Senate. It is the latest step in Senate President Spilka’s effort to expand representation in the State House.  

“For far too long decisions such as these have been made by a select few. I’m excited to hear from our residents across the Commonwealth about women they want to see honored by the Senate. Massachusetts is home to residents from a variety of backgrounds, and everyone should be able to see themselves reflected in the art of the State House,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) “I’m excited to see the submissions and learn more about the women who inspired the residents of Massachusetts.”

The Senate Art Committee, which was established in 1972 but has been inactive for several years, will be led by Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). More details regarding the status of the committee and additional members will be forthcoming.

“Today marks the start of the Senate Art Committee’s endeavor to solicit submissions for a sculpture of a trailblazing woman to join the all-male busts in the Senate Chamber. I am honored to lead the revived committee, and I’m excited to see what remarkable names the residents of the Commonwealth recommend," said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro) “This undertaking will further realize Senate President Karen Spilka’s vision of a Senate that embodies a more complete story of Massachusetts in our imagery and art. We need your input to ensure the halls of our capitol better reflect this Commonwealth.”

Upon the Committee’s review, an honoree will be chosen in the months following the closing of submissions. The woman selected will be honored with a commissioned bust that will fill the eighth and final alcove in the Senate chamber, adjacent to the newly installed bust of Frederick Douglass.

This announcement comes on the heels of the Senate President Spilka’s unveiling of a portrait of Abigail Adams in the Senate Lobby, and the addition of Frederick Douglass’ bust to the Senate Chamber.

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