Johnny Cash Sculptor Kevin Kresse to visit Campus and Historic Dyess Colony 

JONESBORO – A sculptor who has been responsible for recreating one of Arkansas’ own great American singer-songwriters will visit Arkansas State University and the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4.

UPDATE: Due to the winter storm, all events have been moved to Feb. 10-11. Other than the dates, all other details remain the same.

Kevin Kresse is sculpting Johnny Cash for the National Statuary Hall collection in the United States Capitol building.

“This is the biggest day in my art career,” Kresse said in a 2021 Facebook post. “I’m truly honored to have been chosen to sculpt Johnny Cash for the U.S. Capitol in [Washington] D.C. Proud to be a native son, representing an Arkansas icon and personal hero in this project.”

Kresse will begin on Friday, Feb. 3, at the Reng Student Union with a 10 a.m. presentation for high school students. That afternoon, he will hold a demonstration at the Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts starting at 2 p.m.
  
“We are thrilled to have artist Kevin Kresse visit the A-State campus and Dyess Colony. He has put so much time, effort and research into the sculpting of Johnny Cash,” said Penny Toombs, director of the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and Southern Tenant Farmers Museum.

A meet-and-greet will be held at the Fowler Center, Grand Hall (previously announced: Bradbury Art Museum) on Friday, Feb. 3, from 5:30-7 p.m. At this event, Kresse will have his original bust of Johnny Cash for people to see. This event is free and open to the public.

“Every piece of the sculpture has a thought-out meaning behind it. I cannot wait for others to hear him explain his process and see the bust of Johnny Cash that he is bringing with him,” said Toombs.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10-11 a.m. a private event will be held for Dyess Colony Circle members. Kresse will showcase his original bust of Johnny Cash as well as several pieces of his artwork. These pieces will be available for public viewing from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

For additional information on this event or to learn more about a Dyess Colony Circle membership, one may contact Penny Toombs at ptoombs@AState.edu.

The Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home is an Arkansas State University Heritage Site. Tours are offered on the hour from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can also visit them online at DyessCash.AState.edu. 

Marker outside of the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home