The bronze Roger Ebert Sculpture was delivered and unveiled on April 24 during Ebertfest to an appreciative audience of about 200 who gathered outside the theater which will be its permanent home. Scott and Donna Anderson who conceived of the sculpture and drove the effort to raise the $115,000 to fund the project emceed the event. Chaz Ebert spoke to the crowd and praised artist Rick Harney for creating a work of art that would please Roger very much.
The project included cooperation from the Public Art League, the Champaign Park District and the City of Champaign. The Community Foundation served as fiscal agent and cheerleader for the project. See more photos in Community Impact.