New Neon Work Coming to Laumeier

Laumeier Sculpture Park Hosts David Hutson’s Neon Art Exhibit

Newly created works to hang alongside historic St. Louis Neon Signs, September 27- January 13

Beginning September 27, Laumeier Sculpture Park’s 2018 Kranzberg Exhibition Series will present Memory & Desire: A Personal Exploration of Neon Art, Past and Present, by St. Louis artist David Hutson. The exhibition features newly created, original works by the artist, alongside 14 neon signs resurrected and renovated from such iconic local businesses as Big Boy’s Restaurant, Bang’s Ice Cream, Saratoga Bowl in Maplewood, Curlee Clothing downtown, and Klund’s Bakery. It will be on view in Laumeier’s Aronson Fine Arts Center from September 27, 2018 to January 13, 2019.

Laumeier has also commissioned a new large-scale neon sculpture by Hutson, When I Rise, 2018 to be sited on a towering tree in Laumeier’s Way Field, casting a cool glow across the Park’s landscape. The text-based work wraps around the tree trunk, cascading a quote by celebrated American novelist Wendell Berry. “Using the power and inspiration of nature, Hutson’s piece is a delightful addition to our light-based sculpture collection. His work highlights our past and represents a possible future, simultaneously,” noted Laumeier Curator Dana Turkovic.

”It is a rich visual representation of our history, the things we once valued and the things we still hold dear,“ said Hutson. The exhibition opens on Thursday, September 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It is free and open to all ages. A special opportunity to meet the artist and curator Dana Turkovic and tour the exhibition takes place prior to the Grand Opening at 6:00 p.m. The event — COCKTAILS + CONVERSATION — is free and open to anyone ages 21 and up.

Future COFFEE + CONVERSATION opportunities to meet the artist will take place on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. (featuring David Hutson and in conversation with local artist Bill Christman), and Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. (featuring Hutson lecturing on the history of neon in St. Louis).

David Hutson is a neon artist with a specialization in theater production. He has exhibited his artwork nationally and is a consultant for internationally renowned theatrical productions. Hutson lectures extensively about his collection of restored vintage neon signs and serves on numerous historic preservation commissions with a focus on the care and maintenance of objects related to Historic Route 66. Hutson lives in St. Louis and owns Neon Time in St. Charles, where he creates his own work and restores neon signs.

Adam Aronson Fine Arts Center. Photo By Sam Fentress.

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The Hutson Exhibition is located in the Park’s Aronson Fine Arts Center. Hutson’s newly commissioned artwork is also on display in Laumeier’s outdoor Way Field. Founded in 1977, Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the first and largest sculpture parks in the country. Laumeier is an internationally recognized, nonprofit arts organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and operates in partnership with St. Louis County Parks. Laumeier presents 70 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture throughout its 105 acres and serves 300,000 visitors of all ages each year, through sculpture conservation, education programs, temporary exhibitions, and public events.

Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Road, St. Louis, MO 63127.