LAUMEIER SCULPTURE PARK ANNOUNCES OVERVIEW OF 2023 INITIATIVES, INCLUDING EXHIBITIONS, IN RESIDENCE PROGRAMS, AND EVENTS

Laumeier Sculpture Park is proud to present a full-slate of exhibitions, educational offerings, public programs, and events in 2023. These initiatives will support the Park’s mission of engaging the community through art and nature as well as their commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space for creative self-expression, life-long learning, and social gathering.

2023 Exhibitions

In 2023, Laumeier will present temporary exhibitions that showcase the Park’s dedication to working with local, national, and international artists who represent a range of cultural backgrounds and ages.

The year will launch with Yayoi Kusama’s (b. 1929) Narcissus Garden, on view February 11 – May 14 in the Aronson Fine Arts Center’s Whitaker Foundation Gallery. This fully immersive exhibition and sculptural installation will invite visitors to traverse the pathways of nearly 1,000 mirrored spheres placed throughout the gallery. The noteworthy and historically important work is a prime example of Kusama’s signature motifs of repetition and mirroring to create a sense of infinite space. As the title suggests, the installation presents itself as a human made garden, embracing the inherent narcissism in the viewer’s desire to see themselves reflected within it. A reserved timed entry will be required to view Narcissus Garden throughout its run; reservation details will be announced soon.

Laumeier’s fall exhibition features St. Louis-based artist Vaughn Davis Jr. (b. 1995) in his first solo museum exhibition, on view August 26 – December 17. Davis’ work involves ripping, tearing, and draping pigmented canvases to transcend traditional notions of painting and push them into the realm of shape-shifting objects. Davis will also create two new flags for Laumeier’s Northern Grove flagpole. With these site- responsive flags, Davis will enter into a collaboration with nature, as his initial manipulation of the materials will be further subjected to the unpredictability of the weather and the forces of the wind.

2023 In Residence Programs

Laumeier’s Visiting Artist In Residence program creates an opportunity for accomplished artists from outside the region to conduct research, meet St. Louis community members, and explore issues of importance to this region. Each year, the Visiting Artist In Residence program showcases foreign-born artists based in the United States, which allows Laumeier to present a globally-inflected program and highlight the many cultural contributions of immigrant artists.

This year’s Visiting Artists In Residence are Pittsburgh-based Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis. Clayton and Lewis will be debuting a new outdoor sculpture titled Permanent Flying Kite, a soaring diamond kite affixed to a hill in Laumeier’s outdoor galleries that will appear to be in perpetual flight (on view August 26 – December 17). During their residency, Clayton and Lewis will develop several programs inspired by their installation, including a collaborative kite fly open to all Park visitors.

Since 2012, Laumeier has also designated an annual Cultural Thinker In Residence to develop programs that encourage interdisciplinary learning. Laumeier’s 2023 Cultural Thinker In Residence is AK Brown – The Fashion Connector. Brown is a St. Louis-based fashion innovator who uses her platform to educate audiences through services, insight, and connection. As a nine-year industry professional, Brown has grown her following around her expertise in blogging, styling, product development, public relations, business, and brand development. She will work with Laumeier throughout the year to create digital content and programs that will help connect Laumeier’s 2023 exhibitions and initiatives to a wider-range of St. Louis residents.

In February, Laumeier will select its two Community Artists In Residence for 2023. This program provides opportunities for local artists to expand their practice and engage with the community through workshops, events, and discussions. Each Community Artist In Residence will design and facilitate activities and programs. The application deadline for the Community Artist program is February 3, 2023. Interested artists can learn more and apply at www.laumeier.org/community-artist.

2023 Events + Programs

Laumeier presents a variety of public programs and events throughout the year, and many are free or low-cost for visitors.

The 36th Annual Art Fair / May 12 – 14, 2023
The Laumeier Annual Art Fair is a three-day, outdoor art fair held over Mother’s Day weekend. It features up to 150 juried artists from across the country, local food and beverage vendors, hands-on activities for kids, and live music all weekend long. Learn more at www.laumeier.org/ artfair.

Discover Laumeier / August 26, 2023
Discover Laumeier is an annual, free community event featuring a wide variety of activities for all ages, from scavenger hunts along the trails to art-making projects. It gives visitors an opportunity to explore the Park and discover new connections between art and the natural environment.

The Big Dinner / September 23, 2023
The Big Dinner is Laumeier’s elegant and intimate annual fundraiser held under the stars. Highlights include an auction of specially-curated culinary experiences that are called “Little Dinners.” All proceeds from The Big Dinner support Laumeier’s dedication to creativity, community connections, and the restorative benefits of art and nature.

Laumeier After Dark / November 4, 2023
Laumeier After Dark is a one-night event that gives the public a unique opportunity to explore the Park and experience the trails at night. It features temporary art and light installations from local artists and illuminations of many of Laumeier’s most iconic sculptures. Laumeier After Dark also includes a night market with local makers, food and beverage vendors, and live music.

Laumeier Holiday Pop-Up Shop / December 9, 2023
The Laumeier Holiday Pop-Up Shop is an annual, one-day-only shopping event that features a variety of local makers, artists, and businesses selling their unique products. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage vendors as well as fire pits.

Additional programs and details will be released as they are finalized. Please visit www.laumeier.org for the most up-to-date information.

About Laumeier Sculpture Park

Founded in 1976, Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the first and largest sculpture parks in the country. Laumeier presents more than 70 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture throughout its 105-acre campus. It serves 300,000 visitors of all ages each year, with a world-class art collection, indoor and outdoor temporary exhibitions, education programs and public events. Laumeier is an internationally recognized museum, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operates in partnership with St. Louis County Parks.

Laumeier Sculpture Park’s ongoing operations and programs are generously supported by St. Louis County Parks; Regional Arts Commission; Missouri Arts Council, a state agency; among other corporations, foundations, individual donors and members.

2023 Exhibitions are supported by Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, Joan and Mitchell Markow and Two Sisters Foundation, Emily Rauh Pulitzer. Vaughn Davis Jr. is Laumeier’s 2023 Kranzberg Artist. This fund, generously provided by Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, supports the presentation of new work by one or more St. Louis area artists per year.