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UA dedicates Muirs life-size Newsboy
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CopyThe life-size sculpture "The Newsboy," with a newspaper bearing the headline "Truth," by James N. Muir was dedicated at the University of Arizona's Library on March 16, marking the unique celebration of the Freedom of Information and Journalism in Sunshine Week.
Sunshine Week began in 2005 with' the intention of raising awareness of the importance of open government to everyone in the community, not just journalists.
This gift to the university was made possible by the generous donation of UA Alumni David and Linda Turner.
Many of Muir's thought-provoking sculptures speak of people's courageous quest for truth and freedom. Muir was honored when Loretta and Robert Larson commissioned him to create "The Newsboy," which was completed and installed at the Sedona Red Rock News in 1994. Grandson Kyle Larson, a graduate of the University of Arizona, was the then-12-year-old model for this piece, which represents a little David armed with the pebble of truth going up against the Goliath of falsehood. The slingshot in his back pocket bears Kyle's initials, "K.L."
Next to "The Newsboy" at the Sedona Red Rock News are Muir's two life-size sculptures, "Let Freedom Ring & Lil' Liberty," erected Sept. 25, 2009, which were modeled by the Larsons' other two grandchil-dren Kevin and Kristina. These two pieces depict an 1886 newsboy, ringing the bell of freedom with the newspaper's headline announcing the arrival of the Statue of Liberty to this country and wearing the hat of newspapers made by his grandmother from the first newsboy's paper of "Truth." Wanting to take part in the celebration, his little sister, "playing dress-up" as Lady Liberty, holds aloft the candle of light and hope. She stands on the books of "Truth," "Justice" and "Liberty."
Muir, a resident whose career began in Sedona in 1980, greatly appreciates the opportunities afforded him here in expressing some of the greater attributes of humankind, according to a press release.
Copyright 2010 Sedona Red Rock News, Sedona, Arizona. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2010 Sedona Red Rock News Sedona, Arizona. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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