Rayo De Esperanza- A Beacon of Hope: Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Sculpture, Community Kiosk, Benches

Rayo De Esperanza- A Beacon of Hope: Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Sculpture, Community Kiosk, Benches

Sculpture

 Terrazas Branch Library, Austin, TX, 78702

Cesar Chavez believed his greatest accomplishment was the formation of the United Farm Workers Union. His non-violent actions of marches, boycotts, and fasts brought social justice and civil rights to the poor and disenfranchised in our society. His life was an inspiration to millions of people. The form of the sculpture and the lighting programs are conceptually linked to his sacrifice and hard won accomplishments. The sculpture is a literal and symbolic beacon that not only depicts Cesar Chavez but also illustrates his spirit, ideas, and philosophy. The sculpture is 25 ft tall and announces the entrance into East Austin on Cesar Chavez Street and brings attention to the Terrazas Library as the repository for the largest collection of writing on Cesar Chavez in Austin. The sculpture is lit at night, making it highly visible during the day and at night. His words have power and the lower part of the sculpture holds the phrase – The answer lies with you and me. It is with all men and women who share the suffering and yearn with us for a better world. Two pieces of metal are rolled to form a cone and this phrase is cut out of the cone and layered with perforated metal. Inside the cone, near the top stands the figure of Cesar Chavez holding a book. He was a strong proponent of education and he died holding a book in his hand.