There is one woman at Ravinia Festival who is always ready to hear a wonderful musical performance. She enjoys all genres of music and watching all the picnickers and music lovers alike, although she comes alone, she does not picnic by herself.

Whether it is a pop concert, or the Gala Benefit evening, she wears the same outfit: a hat, heels, skirt, and nice polka dot blouse. She stands above the crowd with her purse in one hand and gloves in another. Ever since taking her place at the end of the “sculpture walk” on the north lawn, she has never missed a concert. Thousands have taken a picture with her or meet their friends by her.

Of course I’m referring to Woman/Standing Womanby Fernando Botero; generously donated in 2004 by two art lovers, Avrum and Joyce Gray, in memory of his parents.

Photograph by Patrick Gipson

Fernando Botero is one of the most recognizable artists of the 20^th century, known for his robust figures. After traveling throughout Europe and studying infamous artists, he moved to Mexico City and began to experiment with size, volume, and proportion making common objects or scenes from life seem totally new. Describing his art, Botero said, “Art is an ever different vision of the same.”His trademark paintings are almost cartoon-ish using bright colors, little texture, and round outlined forms. Continuing to develop his own style, later in his career he honed his skills as a sculptor using molds out of clay pieces to make massive bronze statues like the Woman/Standing Woman.

Ravinia is certainly blessed to have a art from such talented artists. Make sure to check out all 25sculptures around the park on your next visit including Woman/Standing Woman--located by the East Gate and The Carousel!

Germaine Maschoff
Communications Intern