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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Last Lockdown’ statue unveiled in Spokane, one of 10 in cities around the country

The Last Lockdown statue is displayed at the Shadle Library, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Spokane, Wash. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
From staff reports

A statue of a terrified, wide-eyed schoolgirl crouched beneath a desk – an image meant as a stark reminder of ongoing school gun violence – was unveiled at the Shadle/Spokane Public Library this morning.

The “Last Lockdown” statue, which is life-sized and was created using 3-D printing, was one of 10 to appear in cities around the country Saturday.

“It’s a chilling pop-up art installation,” said Lakeside High School senior Brooke Bennett, who hosted the Spokane unveiling.

The statue was designed, in part, by artist Manuel Oliver, who’s son Joaquin was among those killed in Parkland, Florida, in February. Oliver was approached by two Texas-based advertising professionals about the project earlier this year.

The project is supported by a number of gun safety and anti-gun violence organizations, including Giffords, an organization founded by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

In an news release, the Giffords organization said it had selected 10 congressional districts where elected officials have in the past opposed new gun control and gun safety legislation.

Bennett, who helped organize a walkout at her school as part of a nationwide action to protest school shootings this year, said the image the statue represents – one snapshot from a classroom under school lockdown – is something she never wants to see brought to life.

“I don’t want to have to practice stacking chairs up against a door,” she said.

Bennett said she does not know how long the statue – which, due to the nature of its printing and materials is relatively easy to move – will remain in Spokane, though she hopes it will remain in the city for a while.