Laumeier Sculpture Park and Webster University Collaborate to Enhance the University's Public Art Initiative

ST. LOUIS, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Laumeier Sculpture Park is helping Webster University kick off its public art initiative in a grand way.

On Wednesday, March 28, as part of a grand opening celebration of the East Academic Building on the Webster Groves campus, the Laumeier-Webster collaboration will come to life, when one of Laumeier's 60 sculptures goes on loan to Webster University.  The 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture, Window 1/3, by well-known American artist Jene Highstein has been installed on the campus near the new East Academic Building, an impressive 94,323-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, designed by internationally known architect Robert A. M. Stern, dean of the Yale School of Architecture.

The Laumeier-Webster collaboration follows a history and tradition of significant collaborations and donations of art to Webster University. It joins a collection of more than 1,000 works of art in the Webster collection, several of which will find their home in the East Academic Building.  This new collaboration signifies an important first accomplishment of the newly formed Webster University Art Council launched by Webster University President Beth Stroble.

"This collaboration is the result of a similar vision between the two organizations," Stroble said. "Laumeier Sculpture Park promotes the exploration and understanding of how art relates to the environment, while Webster University promotes an environment that stimulates and respectfully provokes intellectual dialogue among globally diverse audiences. The East Academic Building will be a focal point for learning and reflection for the university and larger communities, and we are grateful for the generous loan from Laumeier."

"We were thrilled when members from Webster's newly formed Art Council asked us to advise them on the best way to begin integrating sculptural art into their overall mission of creating global citizens," said Marilu Knode, Laumeier Sculpture Park's executive director.  "This wonderful collaboration helps us advance Laumeier's leadership in bringing sculpture to regional audiences. We can't wait to see how it enhances the University's relationships with its students, constituents and neighbors."

The strength of Webster's programs in the Department of Art is based on a solid foundation in creative strategies, and fluency in both traditional and contemporary media. Students pursue art studies working toward a professional practice based on a rich curriculum that provides a thorough knowledge of topics and issues in art and design. Working directly with artists and scholars, students may pursue majors in Art History and Criticism or in a rich variety of studio specializations, including Alternative Media, Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Studio Art.

Laumeier has loaned several of its sculptures to organizations around St. Louis.  Knode adds, "As one of the largest dedicated sculpture parks in the United States, it's imperative that we share our expertise and resources with the community. It not only makes good business sense, it's a wonderful way to introduce art to new audiences."

About Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier is a living laboratory where artists and audiences explore the relationships between contemporary art and the natural environment. It is the largest arts organization in St. Louis County, showcasing more than 60 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture in a 105-acre park available to the public year-round. Laumeier serves 300,000 patrons annually through exhibitions, educational programs, camps and public events for all ages held throughout the park and in its indoor galleries.  In 2011, Laumeier was named one of the top ten places to see work that enhances nature by USA Today, & celebrating 35 years of artistic experimentation and excellence!

About Webster University
With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based University providing a network of international residential campuses.  Founded in 1915, Webster University's campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe and North America. The University is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

SOURCE Webster University