Elfsted skater Aukje (Eegracht in IJlst)

Aukje is part of a series of eleven sculptures donated by the artist to the eleven cities, as a tribute to the female participants in the tour. All sculptures are on the official Elfstedentocht skating route: where the road crosses the water. Van Hemert made the sculpture 'The Reedrydster' in 2002 as part of his Famkes route in Kolderwolde. The reason for this statue dates from the last Elfstedentocht in 1997: the people from Kolderwolde were asked to assist the first skaters. This included our lovely Aukje who stood on the ice in nightgown and toffels. It was the occasion for the 11 cities Aukjes.