MM&R sponsors High School Sculpture in the City Program for 13th consecutive year

MM&R continues to show enduring support for the arts

Art on the Square’s High School Sculpture in the City Program, sponsored by Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., is collaborating with globally acclaimed sculptor Ancizar Marin from Pembroke, Fla., to create a unique sculpture piece for this year’s Art on the Square, in partnership with the art students at Belleville West High School.

This program has been supported by Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., since its inception in 2011, as it allows local high school students to work alongside a professional artist with the goal of creating a one-of-a-kind sculpture to help beautify our city.

MM&R shareholders Pat Mathis and Laura Schrick visited the Belleville West art students and Ancizar last week to gain insights into this year’s sculpture and learn more about Ancizar’s creative process. Ancizar shared his inspiring story to include how his passion for art evolved early in his childhood. “Art is an expression of passion and that passion is burned in the heart” shared Ancizar as he explained to the students how art changed the course of his life. Present day, Ancizar’s artwork is displayed in more than 37 countries, including his most extensive installation, “The Divers,” at The Dubai Mall.

The sculpture for this year’s program is titled “Journey,” and it is an installation piece, which is different from previous years’ modeled, casted, or carved sculptures. Ancizar believes that using an installation model will encourage students to participate, and more importantly, make them a vital part in the process. This approach will allow the students to fully engage in the planning, design, construction, assembly and execution of the entire project.

The sculpture is set to be unveiled at the opening night of the annual Art on the Square Festival on May 19 in front of the St. Clair County Courthouse building. MM&R will attend the event. After the festival, the sculpture will be displayed at Belleville West High School for students, faculty, and the community to enjoy.

Established in 1984, Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. has emerged as one of the most trusted and respected law firms in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois areas. The firm has offices in Belleville and Edwardsville, Ill., as well as St. Louis and Perryville, Mo. MMR’s shareholders and associates possess knowledge and experience in practice areas that include business law, civil and commercial litigation, taxation, estate planning, banking law, and more. For more information, visit mmrltd.com.