Scaria is part of Laumeier’s outward looking thematic focus New Territories: BRICS, which follows the conclusion of our fiveyear exploration of Archaeology of Place. New Territories: BRICS honors Laumeier’s historical support of artists from around the globe, while engaging with artists from the global cultural zones that jostle the economic and political alignments that dominated four centuries of American history. This reaffirmed global outlook also nods to the fact that, in 1850, 50% of St. Louis residents were foreign-born; today, that number is 4%. Like many of our region’s institutions, Laumeier wants to break the blockade that has intentionally (or not) diminished the vibrant cross pollinization that gives global cities their diverse character. Scaria’s work holds within it the seeds of inequity and discontent that these cities represent.

Thanks go to Laumeier’s staff, Board and volunteers who have helped redefine Laumeier’s goals for the next five years. Dana Turkovic, Curator of Exhibitions, has worked closely with Scaria on his first solor exhibition and outdoor sculpture in the United States. Marty Linson, Laumeier’s Chief Preparator, and Laura Mullen, Assistant Preparator, were instrumental in translating Scaria’s carved foam core structure into a beautiful cast aluminum “totem” of urban life; their skills have helped bring Scaria’s vision to life. Thanks also to Erika Rogers, Collections Manager & Registrar, for her work in bringing Scaria and his work to St. Louis; Kelsey McGinnis, our Graduate Research Assistant from the Museum Studies Graduate Program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL); and Dr. Maris Gillette, member of UMSL’s Des Lee Collaborative Vision, for her ongoing support of Kelsey’s work at Laumeier.

Daily support staff includes Michelle Siegel, Development Officer; Melanie Baker, Membership & Museums Services Coordinator; Julia Norton, Administrative & Volunteer Coordinator; Rick Fouts, Controller; Jennifer Meyers and Abbey Hulcer, Museum Services; Lauren Kistner, Marketing & Communications Manager; Morgan Verble, Marketing Intern; Sara Matthew, Special Events Manager; Sarah Thomas, Special Events Coordinator; Elisabeth Murphy, Public Programs Manager; Karen Mullen, Curator of Education, Tara Morton, Recreation Facility Coordinator; Emma Roeder, Office Services Representative; Theresa Williams, Graphic Designer; and Joy Wright, Librarian, for all their work in bringing programs of excellence to our audiences.

Scaria’s show is our second project in the new Adam Aronson Fine Arts Center, and I want to thank our staff for helping to animate this jewel of a “barn.” Thanks to Nick Lang, St. Louis County Parks Operations Supervisor and his team including Yvette Luedde, Mike Clermont and Dave Miller, for their help in maintaining high standards for our work, as well as seasonal staff members Gary Hoegemeier and Frank Lauman. I also want to thank leadership at St. Louis County Parks, our primary partner, for their support: Gary Bess, Parks Director; Tom Ott, Parks Assistant Director, Gerry Biedenstein, Special Projects Manager; and Kyra Kaltenbronn, Manager, Park Program Services, recently retired—we will miss your cheer and good humor.

Finally, I want to thank Laumeier’s Board leadership for their dedication and hard work over the past six years in expanding our campus with the new Adam Aronson Fine Arts Center and the Kranzberg Education Lab. Nancy and Ken Kranzberg served as co-chairs for our Capital Campaign, and we are honored to have their long-time active leadership at the Park. I also thank the Aronson Family—Jonathan, Joshua and James—for fulfilling their mother Judy Aronson’s wish to name our new building after her husband, Adam, in honor of his role in cofounding the Park and in bringing generations of artists and donors to Laumeier. My thanks go to former Board Chair John Wuest, and Immediate Past Chair David Schlafly, for being partners in Laumeier’s growth.

Scaria’s show will be open when we begin our year-long celebration of 40 years of artistic experimentation, scholarship and stewardship. I want to thank in-coming Board Chair Ramsey Maune, and Vice Chair Alison Ferring, for leading us into the next decade, supporting artists who are defining our visual landscape. I know they will help Laumeier—and St. Louis—to find new relevance in our global world.