Philanthropist and Paylocity founder Steve Sarowitz donates bust of Rosa Parks, created by renowned Chicago painter and sculptor Marla Friedman, to honor Parks and recognize Manchester Bidwell Corporation CEO Bill Strickland's continued fight for civil rights and a better world.
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate the December 1st 60th anniversary of Rosa Parks' momentous contribution to the Civil Rights Movement, Manchester Bidwell Corporation has installed the life sized bronze portrait sculpture, Rosa Parks, "My Soul was Rested," by acclaimed Chicago portraitist Marla Friedman. Steve Sarowitz, founder and chairman of Paylocity, and his wife Jessica have donated the bronze bust to Manchester Bidwell Corporation (MBC).
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"MBC's vision of creating hope for the underserved grew out of the turmoil surrounding the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Without the courage of African American civil rights leaders like Rosa Parks, this organization would never have been founded. The thousands of lives impacted by MBC would have remained unchanged and in hopeless situations. We are honored and humbled to have Marla Friedman's soulful interpretation of "The First Lady of Civil Rights" and that it will be permanently installed as a reminder of how far we have come as a society and the miles we have to go before we rest," says William E. "Bill" Strickland Jr., President and CEO of MBC.
Marla Friedman shares her thoughts on creating the portrait sculpture of Rosa Parks. "I tried to 'listen' and then impart in clay the resolute and spiritual quality of Rosa Parks and her brave pivotal moment in history. In Rosa Parks' words, when she made the decision not to give up her seat, her 'Soul was rested.' I hope the gesture of the sculpture reflects that sense of inner peace and the tranquility of a graceful, momentous life so well lived."
To view the sculpture, visit Manchester Bidwell Corporation, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
About Manchester Bidwell Corporation and its divisions
At Manchester Bidwell Corporation, we have a simple philosophy: environment shapes people's lives. By constructing an atmosphere of art, light, music, and supportive staff, we help our students to become productive society members.
About Marla Friedman
Marla Friedman has developed her art in painting and sculpture with a reverence for the principles founded in the Beaux Arts and the Realist tradition. Ms. Friedman's portraiture is represented exclusively by Hollis Taggart Galleries in New York City.
www.hollistaggart.com
[email protected]
www.marlafriedman.com
SOURCE Manchester Bidwell Corporation
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