St. Francis, Kansas a look at the past
Germans from Russia Memorial
honoring the German-Russian immigrants
of Cheyenne County, Kansas
with a bronze statue
The Black Sear German-Russian immigrants who came to Cheyenne County, Kansas settled primarily in the far northwest corner of the county that became known as the "Russian settlement."
Unlike most other farmers new to the Great Plains, the German-Russian farmers were already experienced at prairie-style agriculture in Russia. A significant contribution by the German-Russian immigrants was the persistence with which they developed their land, constructed and maintained sturdy buildings, and overcame harsh and unpredictable weather.
THE PROJECT
The installation of a bronze statue of a German-Russian couple surveying the land and the sky as they settle on their new homestead in Northwest Kansas. (see samples below)
FUND-RAISING
The cost of the bronze sculpture will be $150,000. The City Council of St. Francis, Kansas has already given approval to place the statue in a prominent place in Sawhill Park.
Donations will be be solicited primarily from individuals and families with German-Russian heritage. Seed money of $40,000 has already been donated towards the project.
THE ARTIST
Katie Marin, an accomplished figural sculptor, is a native of St. Francis who received her BA in art at Benedictine College in 2012 and later studied in Florence, Italyat the Sacred Heart School. (www.katemarinart.com)
they had talent for hard work, devotion to their religion, determination to not give up and a hunger for land
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
To learn more, please email (insert the German-Russian Gmail address) or call: insert names
SKETCH OF PROPOSED STATUE
The artist's statement
Photos of German-Russian Families