The Lee Road Library was filled with family, friends and fans of American Splendor creator Harvey Pekar Sunday afternoon during a celebration of his life and work.
The main event was the unveiling of a statue created in his honor. The monument includes a bronze likeness of the late Pekar, who lived in Cleveland Heights and frequented the main branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, a desk stocked with art supplies, a few of Pekar's favorite books and a chalkboard where people can leave messages and draw.
The ceremony included a biography by Carole Wallencheck, Pekar’s friend and adult services librarian, comments from Joyce Brabner, Pekar’s wife and author, and a presentation from JT Waldman, who collaborated with Pekar on his posthumously published graphic novel, Not the Israel My Parents Promised Me. Marissa DeSantis, who was an extra in the movie about his life, American Splendor, performed a song she wrote about Pekar.
Play the video above for highlights from the event, and click here for more information about the statue.
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