Preston Jackson Park dedicated

Preston Jackson Park at 337 N. Water St. was dedicated earlier today.   Mr. Jackson is a renowned artist and Decatur native whose sculptures can be found in public places throughout the state.  He was selected as the 1998 Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois (the highest state honor individuals can receive) and is a Professor Emeritus at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  For over a decade, the formerly unnamed park contained a sculpture by Mr. Jackson dedicated on August 1, 2009 “in honor of the thousands of African-American soldiers who fought in the Civil War in defense of equal rights for all.”  A park named after Mr. Jackson is a fitting tribute to an individual who has brought beauty and inspiration to so many, and a park in his honor will serve as a focal point for outdoor art activities in the city.