We’ve appointed sculptor Lis Johnson to create a public artwork honouring the pioneering mechanic, entrepreneur and Kew icon Alice Anderson.
The permanent 110% life-size figurative bronze sculpture will stand in Petrie Square, Kew, just metres from the site of Anderson's groundbreaking motor garage, Australia's first female-owned and operated garage.
Following a highly competitive selection process, Lis Johnson was chosen for artistic excellence, extensive experience delivering bronze public artworks and the ability to bring historical stories to life through contemporary public art.
Artist Lis Johnson said she is honoured to be entrusted with telling Alice’s story through sculpture.
"Through my artwork, I want to capture Alice's spirit: her confidence, determination and trailblazing ambition. My hope is that everyone who passes through Petrie Square will feel her legacy and will be inspired by her story, just as I have been,” Ms Johnson said.
The $265,500 project is a partnership between Council and the Alice Anderson Memorial Project. For more information about the funding for this project, see Donors.
Artist biography
Lis Johnson is an Australian sculptor based in regional Victoria, renowned for her figurative bronze sculptures, portrait commissions and public artworks. Practising professionally since 1990, she has created works ranging from intimate small-scale pieces to monumental public statues. Johnson is honoured to sculpt portraits of significant Australians and is particularly pleased to have contributed to the growing representation of women in public art. Her work is distinguished by technical excellence, a strong sense of human character and a commitment to craftsmanship, with sculptures featured in significant public spaces across Australia, including Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle, Melbourne Park and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
For more information visit Lis Johnson's website.
Artwork location
The proposed location for the statue is Petrie Square, Kew.