A new statue called the 'Keeper of the Sound' was officially unveiled at Century II Concert Hall on Sunday, becoming the latest addition to the city's ongoing Keepers on Parade public art project. The statue serves as a tribute to both the iconic Keeper of the Plains monument and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, with a special dedication to the next generation of symphony musicians in the community.
The statue was designed and created by artist Lindsey Kernodle, who emphasized the importance of public art in building community identity. "This whole Keepers on Parade project is very important to the city. It creates a sense of community," Kernodle explained during the unveiling ceremony. She added a personal connection to the project, saying, "This one in particular was special to me. I'm an orchestra kid, back in the day, and believe in the power of music."
The timing of the unveiling was carefully coordinated with the Wichita Symphony's performance schedule. The ceremony took place just before the orchestra performed their 'What Music Is' concert, creating a meaningful connection between the artistic tribute and the living musical tradition it celebrates. This scheduling allowed attendees to experience both the visual art and the musical performances that inspired the statue.
The Keeper of the Sound represents a significant milestone for the Keepers on Parade series, which has become a defining cultural feature of the city. With this latest addition, the ongoing public art initiative now includes a total of 84 statues throughout the community. Each statue in the series draws inspiration from the original Keeper of the Plains while incorporating unique themes that reflect different aspects of local culture and community life.
The project continues to expand as a way to celebrate various facets of the city's identity, from its musical heritage to other cultural traditions. The statues serve as landmarks and gathering points while fostering civic pride and community engagement through accessible public art.
