Alan LeQuire, a renowned sculptor, is returning to the Parthenon in Nashville for his new exhibition titled “Monumental Figures.” The exhibit, which runs from June 13 to September 21, features a collection of sculptures honoring regular people who have inspired LeQuire throughout his career. LeQuire’s assistants Kat Jay, Henry Fox, Olivia Blanchard, and studio manager Amber Lelli contributed to the collection. The sculptures were crafted by hand without the use of computers, emphasizing the importance of working from life.
“The natural world has become more and more important to me over the years, but I don’t feel compelled to represent it realistically,” LeQuire noted. Teaching has also become a significant part of his practice, linking him to his students and other teaching artists. The exhibit includes a diverse cast of characters that LeQuire felt an emotional connection to, such as civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.
“Some of our most significant heroes are being forgotten, and I want to bring them back to our attention,” he said. One of the figures featured in the exhibit is Dr.
LeQuire highlights influential female figures
Mildred Stahlman, a pioneer in the treatment of lung disease in premature infants at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). LeQuire, who knew Stahlman as a close family friend, created a 6-foot-tall clay statue of her that will be displayed on a pedestal, reaching an overall height of about 9 feet. Stahlman established the nation’s first newborn intensive care unit using monitored respiratory therapy for babies born with damaged lungs at VUMC.
She also helped organize regional newborn intensive care services in Tennessee and trained generations of physician-scientists from around the world. LeQuire chose mostly women for his “Monumental Figures” exhibit, reflecting the Parthenon as a space honoring women. The exhibit coincides with another new exhibit of LeQuire’s work downstairs — “Goddess in Progress,” commemorating the 35th anniversary of the unveiling of his full-scale replica of the Athena statue.
A free opening reception will be held at the Parthenon on June 12, followed by an Artist Talk with LeQuire on June 24. For more information, visit the Parthenon’s website.
