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NEW AMELIA EARHART SCULPTURE COMING TO BROWNSVILLE
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, March 2024 — The Dean Porter Park Renovation Inc. (DPPR) committee will soon proudly unveil another impressive work of art at Dean Porter Park. This 52” high bronze sculpture, created by Gary Lee Price in 2018, depicts legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart seated on a park bench. Engraved on the bench is a quote from Earhart, which reads, “Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?” These words capture the adventurous spirit and courage for which Earhart is known.
The DPPR committee is hoping to raise awareness about Amelia’s ties to Brownsville, including the fact that she received her commercial transport pilot’s license at what is now known as the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. The installation will be accompanied by a plaque with a brief account of Earhart’s local connection. Sponsors of this project include the Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation and the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.
The Advocates for Ameliacampaign will serve to educate children and adults alike and will include community involvement from various local entities such as schools, museums, libraries and many others, over the course of the year. Advocates for Amelia will host events, offer activities, participate in classroom study, and help spread the word about Earhart’s accomplishments. The committee members are working on developing a schedule of events to be published soon.
The unveiling of the new masterpiece at Dean Porter Park is set for April 9th. Another press release will be issued closer to the date of the unveiling with more specific details. As information becomes available, it can also be found on the developing website, www.AmeliaBTX.com.