More than 50 years ago, and more than 6,000 miles from Fort Worth, three young Girl Scouts-Libby, Hiroko and Audrea-posed for a bronze statue that signified the friendship between U.S. and Japanese Girl Scouts. The statue was erected March 18, 1962, in Yamashita Park in the City of Yokohama, Japan.
It depicts a Japanese and an American Girl Scout shaking hands and saluting in what was then the official Girl Scout handshake. Standing on a lower step is an American Brownie Scout, also saluting and holding a small bird in her other hand.
On Oct. 9, 2016, those same Girl Scouts, Libby Watson, retired assistant city manager of Fort Worth; Audrea Cox Labney; and Hiroko Tanaka joined dignitaries and other Girl Scouts at the Fort Worth Central Library for a dedication ceremony and the unveiling of two contemporary paintings, titled Girl Scout Nichibei Yuko-no Kizuna (The Friendship Bond of U.S.-Japan Girl Scouts).
The paintings, rendered in acrylic paint, oil paint, gold leaf and silver leaf, were previously exhibited at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park. The artist is Tanaka. Her inspiration was the bronze statue in Japan.
"The statue has been an endearing and caring symbol of U.S. and Japan friendship," Tanaka said. "From the bottom of my heart, I am simply touched that we three, the models for the statue, reunited in Fort Worth."
In 2014 another Girl Scout, Satoko Kajima-Best, a resident of Washington, D.C., but still a troop leader in Kanagawa, Japan, helped reunite Watson and Tanaka for a rededication of the original statue. At the time, the Brownie Girl Scout model, Labney, could not be located.
It was at that rededication when Tanaka said she wished the paintings to be in Fort Worth.
"Just as Girl Scouts in Japan visit the statue to celebrate the international friendship that scouting builds, Hiroko wanted the paintings to be displayed in Fort Worth, where Girl Scouts and others would be free to visit them and consider the importance of international friendship to our world," said Becky Burton, CEO, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains.
The bronze statue is the work of Japanese sculptor Kensei Kato. Both U.S. and Japanese Girl Scouts helped collect funds to establish the Friendship statue, with U.S. Scouts making money by selling marigold seeds, and baking and selling cookies; while Japanese Girl Scouts made and sold postcards. The statue was unveiled in a ceremony with 500 U.S. and Japanese Girl Scouts in attendance. Girl Scouts planted yellow roses, marigolds and pansies in a trefoil-shaped garden located in front of the statue.
In September 2015, upon the recommendation of the Fort Worth Art Commission's Gift and Loans Committee, the Fort Worth City Council voted to accept the donation of Tanaka's artwork, as well as appropriate public art funds to cover transportation and installation of the paintings. "These original works of art support the Fort Worth Public Art Master Plan, which strives to make public art inclusive of all cultures and histories," said Jennifer Casler Price, vice chair of the Fort Worth Art Commission.
The Fort Worth Central Library was selected as the permanent location for the paintings, as it offers access to the public seven days a week. The paintings will be located on the north wall of the library rotunda, allowing full visibility from the entrance and through the Grand Hall/Lobby. Space is ideal for programming school assignments, Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities and events, and other collaborative community opportunities. The addition of the two paintings strengthens the Library's role as a destination and reinforces the City of Fort Worth's commitment to international friendship as embodied in its Fort Worth Sister Cities International program.
At the ceremony, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said to Tanaka: "Your gift to the City of Fort Worth is poetic and profound. The paintings bring a remarkable story that spans the globe, and your presence attests to the international bond between Girl Scouts.
"Your artwork not only speaks to the joy of childhood friendships, but also speaks to the importance of friendship between nations and peoples of the world. Your paintings will set a wonderful example for our youth about the enduring nature of true friendship, as well as the importance of seeking peace and understanding with all cultures."
As to the significance of the art for the City of Fort Worth, Tanaka said: "Culture, religion and poverty have created conflict among us in today's world. Although Japan and the U.S. once fought as enemies, we overcame our differences and now enjoy a strong relationship. The Friendship statue is a symbolic figure that shows people of the world holding hands. It is my hope that these paintings can also act as a bridge to world peace for future generations of boys and girls."
Price presented Tanaka with a gift from the City of Fort Worth, a replica of a Frederick Remington sculpture titled The Bronco Buster. "This is to remind you of Fort Worth - the City of Cowboys and Culture," Price said.