RIC LARSON, "MOTHER GOOSE," 2003

steel, 44" x 26"

Located: Lawn of Galesburg Public Library, East Simmons and South Cherry Sts., Galesburg.

The Friends of the Library dedicated this sculpture with this quote inscribed on the base: "In celebration of imagination given flight by written and spoken word."

In this whimsical sculpture, a bonneted Mother Goose shelters a seated boy and girl under her wings. They sit on either side of her and hold a large open book. Mother Goose raises her neck high above the pair and book.

Though Mother Goose has universally been depicted in hundreds of forms and styles, this particular model with bonnet, was adapted from an old storybook illustration.

The outdoor sculpture marks the space where children gather for stories when weather permits.