Scarecrow Statue

Ever wonder what a seven-foot-tall scarecrow looks like? Here in Oz Park stands the Scarecrow Statue, a tribute to L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The Scarecrow Statue isn’t just any scarecrow. This one is cast in bronze, standing tall and proud. It’s a favorite spot for photos and a reminder of the magic of Oz, right here in Chicago. The Oz Park Advisory Council worked tirelessly to bring this character to life. They raised a substantial $40,000 to commission this sculpture, one of four in the park depicting the beloved characters from the book. Sculptor John Kearny, born in 1924, dedicated months to creating this masterpiece. He cast the Scarecrow Statue in twenty-two individual pieces at his foundry in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Then, he shipped these pieces to Chicago and painstakingly assembled them here in Oz Park. The details of the Scarecrow Statue are truly impressive. Kearney meticulously added straw-like texture to the gloves and rope, giving the sculpture a realistic touch. He then carefully painted the surface and applied a protective coating. This process, called patination, gives the bronze a unique and lasting finish. The Scarecrow Statue finally found its home in Oz Park’s Emerald City Garden in 2005. Oz Park itself has a fascinating history. The area was once in disrepair. In the 1960s, the Lincoln Park Conservation Association pushed for improvements, leading to the area’s designation as the Lincoln Park Urban Renewal Area. The Chicago Park District acquired the land for Oz Park in 1975. The park’s name is a tribute to L. Frank Baum, author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” who lived in Chicago in the 1890s. The park is a whimsical space, complete with Dorothy’s Playlot and the Emerald City Garden. The Scarecrow Statue is a testament to the enduring power of imagination and community effort. So, next time you’re in Chicago, take a stroll through Oz Park and pay a visit to the Scarecrow. He’s waiting to welcome you to his magical world.