First Look at George T. Downing Statue Planned for Newport at April 11 Event

A preview of a planned public statue honoring civil rights leader George T. Downing will be unveiled April 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Newport Art Museum, as part of a fundraising and educational event aimed at bringing the project to completion.

The evening will feature Charles Roberts, director of the Newport Slave Medallions project for the Rhode Island Slave History Museum; Robb Dimmick of Stages of Freedom; and renowned public art sculptor Vinnie Bagwell. Attendees will get a first look at a model of the proposed statue, offering insight into the vision for what will become an 8-foot bronze monument in Newport.

The event begins with a reception in the Drury Gallery featuring a local oyster bar and cash bar, followed by presentations in the Wright Gallery and Library and continuing in the Ilgenfritz Gallery.

Dimmick will speak about the life and legacy of George T. Downing, a prominent entrepreneur and civil rights advocate, and the importance of recognizing his role in combating racism. Bagwell will discuss her artistic process in creating the statue model, while Roberts will highlight the historical significance behind the clothing design—reflecting “dandyism,” a style symbolizing wealth, dignity, and public standing.

The completed statue is planned for installation in a park facing Bellevue Avenue, near the site of Downing’s Sea Girt Hotel and supper club.

This event is part of a $250,000 campaign to fund the creation and installation of what organizers say will be the first statue honoring a person of color in Newport.

Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Onsite parking is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. For more information, contact Margaret Baker at 401-339-2209 or visit RISHM.org.

Roberts recently addressed the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations during Women’s History Month, where he spoke about intergenerational inclusion and highlighted the legacy of his aunt, Eleanor, who broke barriers as the first woman of color hired as a designer at the Newport Naval Torpedo Station in 1943.