Peoria Standard

The city of Peoria held a rededication event on the riverfront today for one of Preston Jackson’s sculptures in Liberty Park, located in the 300 block of SW Water Street. “Flight of the Cakewalkers,” a painted steel and cast bronze sculpture, now newly restored, was rededicated to Steve Shostrom, an advocate for Peoria and the riverfront, by his wife, Joy Kessler. Speakers at the event included Mayor Ali, Emily Cahill, Executive Director of Peoria Park District, and Kessler.

“Flight of the Cakewalkers” was created by internationally recognized artist Preston Jackson in 2001 and first exhibited at Navy Pier in Chicago. Following that, it was installed on the riverfront. From his studio, "Flight of the Cakewalkers represents the victories and struggles of all people throughout our history who have felt at one time they were excluded from the mainstream. Many symbols adorn this work. There is the representation of strong womanhood in the form of a single face, which represents people such as Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell. There is the sign of the two-headed poisonous snake, moving both North and South. There is the symbol of the family as the couple jumps over the wedding broom. And most of all, there is the large plantation house that represents the exploitation of the labor of those who had no control over their lives.” Jackson’s work has been exhibited throughout the United States, and he was named Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, receiving The Order Of Lincoln Medallion in 1998. His sculpture “Bronzeville to Harlem: An American Story” is on permanent display at The Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Peoria resident Joy Kessler sponsored restoration efforts for this piece in honor of her husband Steve Shostrom's contributions to Peoria's development initiatives. Shostrom is well known locally for his involvement with running events as a founding member of both The Peoria Area Sports Commission and Moonlight Basketball League; additionally praised for his work within The Peoria Park District where he serves on its Recreation Committee.

Reflecting upon today's ceremony Kessler remarked: “Although my husband Steve Shostrom is best known for being co-founder Of Illinois Valley Striders & Steamboat Classic races -he has always cherished advocating recreational use along our city's riverfront." She continued saying "He played pivotal roles establishing initial Riverfront Sculpture Walks beside Illinois River- continuously championing artistic endeavors here too! Hence why dedicating ‘Flight Of Cakewalkers’ under Steve's name feels apt given shared aspirations towards further enhancing Downtown-Peorias aesthetic vibrancy."

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