“Scrollathon” Artwork Gets Extended Stay with Lambert Installation

In collaboration with the Saint Louis Art Museum, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport has installed an artwork of colorful fabric scrolls designed by St. Louisans Steven and William Ladd.

Crème de la Crème Because It’s the Best of theBest (2016) is now on display through September 8on the lower level of Terminal 1 at the entrance to the A Concourse. The temporary exhibition is the latest installation on behalf of the Lambert Art and Culture Program.

Steven and William Ladd, now based in New York, served a residency at the Saint Louis Art Museum in early 2016. They hosted a “scrollathon” involving more than 500 students and community members. Participants each created two scrolls of tightly wound strips of fabric, one to keep and one to contribute to the final artwork. The “scrollathon” allowed the students to work with the nationally recognized artists who shared their history of St. Louis and explored the use of recycled materials.

“The Ladd brothers are known for their unique, craft-based approach to their work, and for their commitment to sharing their values and artistic process with others,” said Brent B. Benjamin, the Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum. “The museum was pleased to host the Ladds as artists in residence and grateful for the opportunity to welcome more than 500 collaborators who contributed to this compelling work.”

The artwork (fiber, archival board, pins and metal trinkets) was created in conjunction with the Ladd’s exhibitionScouts vs. Sports?at the Saint Louis Art Museum. The artwork is on display courtesy of the Saint Louis Art Museum, Steven and William Ladd and Cristina Grajales Gallery.  

The Saint Louis Art Museum “Scrollathon” was made possible through the generous support of The Trio Foundation of St. Louis.

“Scrollathon” schools and organizations

• Berkeley Middle School
• Brittany Woods Middle School
• Carr Lane Visual and Performing
• Arts Middle School
• Central Visual and Performing Arts High School
• City Academy
• Ferguson Middle School
• Hagemann Elementary School
• Lyon Academy at Blow
• Our Lady of Guadalupe School
• Vocational Skills Program, Special
• School District of St. Louis County
• University City High School
• Living Arts (VSA Missouri)
• Walnut Grove Elementary School
• Woerner Elementary School

About the Lambert Art and Culture Program

The mission of the Lambert Art and Culture Program is to create a visually outstanding impression of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, generate community pride, and ensure that art at Lambert continues to complement and build upon its rich visual legacy. Through both visual and performing arts, the program aims to highlight the unique art and culture in the St. Louis region, as well as works from national and international scenes.