A traveling art exhibit celebrating books and women is being unveiled in Anderson this week.  As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, the local artist is using a medium that supports what she’s supporting with her work.

Christina Pfeffer is putting the finishing touches on her newest addition to the A Town Center artist co-op in Anderson.

“She is a version of me if I lived in the 1800s because she was late in life,” said Pfeffer.

The exhibit features a life-sized model of English author Beatrix Potter. She’s readying to board a train with the first copy of her book Peter Rabbit.  And, she’s made almost entirely out of pages taken from books and newspapers.

Pfeffer estimates she used nearly 700 pages to sculpt the figure of the famous author. Various parts of the model showcase newspaper pages and headlines that the artist purposely highlighted, like the 2023 Women of Influence front page located on the sculpture’s bustle.

Pfeffer says that, on the surface, the piece is about raising awareness for the importance of libraries.  But those who take a deeper look may find a different meaning.

“Well, it’s all about bringing awareness to the libraries and also probably has something to do with women and their role in the community. I mean we are moms and teachers for sure but there’s way more depth to us and we have way more to share”

Potter was a self-made author who went against the social norms of the 19^th century.

“She published her book, Peter Rabbit, and nobody would publish it. So she made the little book herself and offered it for sale, which is basically what I did with all of my books as well,” she said.

The sculpture stands at just under six feet tall.

The exhibit will make its debut on Friday at the A Town Center. Starting in September, the piece will be showcased at different libraries.  The first stop is the main branch of the Anderson Public Library.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu