Louis Hills neighbors Terri Bearden and Ann Layton, in cooperation with the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association, commissioned a sculpture for Francis Park. The sculpture, created by artist Robin Murez, depicted a mermaid, a perfect fit for her home at the center of the lily pond in the heart of the park. A few years later, the neighbors raised additional funds for the park’s second art instal
lation, the mosaic dragon thrones and spheres also positioned in and around the pond. Each sculpture was approved by the St. Louis Preservation Board and by SLHNA and funded through community and private donations. Fueled by a passion for their neighborhood and a love of art, Layton and fellow neighbors Jamie Lenze and Tami Reding committed to the development an art fair Francis Park could call its own. The event would bring neighbors together, introduce St. Louisans to the beauty of the park and raise funds for additional artwork. The first Art in the Park took place in 2005. Layton, Lenze and Reding successfully chaired the event for more than a decade before passing the baton. Current chairperson, Janice Starbuck, has been with the event 14 of its 15 years. Over the years the planning committee has had members from St. Louis Hills, Southampton, Lindenwood Park, North Hampton and Princeton Heights neighborhoods. Over the past decade, Art in the Park has commissioned and placed numerous art installations for visitors to enjoy as they walk, run, play and relax in beautiful Francis Park. Support from visitors and volunteers make the event’s success possible year after year.
