Artist, location selected for Miles Davis statue in Alton

According to a story published in yesterday's Alton Telegraph, artist and sculptor Preston Jackson has been selected to create a statue of Miles Davis for display in the town where the legendary trumpeter was born.

Jackson, who grew up in Decatur and now lives in Peoria, has taught at the Art Institute of Chicago and created numerous works of public art in Illinois and elsewhere. His statue of Davis will be placed in front of the Lauschke Building at 117 W. Third St. in downtown Alton. (Davis was born in Alton in 1926; the family moved to East St. Louis the following year.)

The Miles Davis Memorial Project plans to share Jackson's renderings of the sculpture at the annual "Alton Block Party" on July 20, with the artist on hand to answer questions. Committee members have said they hope the statue will be completed in time for unveiling on May 26, 2014, in celebration of Davis' birthday.

Fund-raising efforts to pay for the work are ongoing. Donations can be made to the Miles Davis Memorial Project c/o Pride Inc., Alden Hall, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL 62035.