Fifty years ago was the unveiling of the sculpture that Pablo Picasso gifted to Chicago. Today, the City hosted a rededication event in the year of Public Art.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and leaders of the Chicago arts and culture community presented and entertained the large gathering at the Chicago Civic Center where this sculpture resides.

The presenters included Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Jacqueline Terrassa, Chair of Learning and Public Engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago, Carlos Tortolero, president of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Lisa Yun Lee, Executive director of the National Public Housing Museum, Nora Brooks Blakely, daughter of Gwendolyn Brooks who was at the original unveiling and Edna Soto, artist.  

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Nora Brooks Blakely

Jacqueline Terrassa

Carlos Tortolero

Other artists  who participated in the event included poet, songwriter Avery R. Young, the Chicago Children's Choir, fresh from their tour in Italy and musicians Tatsu Aoki and Orbert Davis.

Artist Edna Soto designed the salmon colored fans which "veiled' the eyes before being lowered - symbolic of the unveiling of the iconic sculpture.

A line-up of media covered this cultural event.

Nora Brooks Blakely, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Edna Soto enjoying the rededication.

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