Don Gummer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Gummer
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Gummer in 2011
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Donald James Gummer
December 12, 1946 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
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Donald James Gummer (born December 12, 1946) is an American sculptor. A sculptor is an artist who makes three-dimensional artworks. Don Gummer's early works were smaller, like sculptures for tables or walls.
In the mid-1980s, he started making large, free-standing sculptures. Many of these were made from bronze. Later, in the 1990s, he began using other materials. These included stainless steel, aluminum, and even stained glass. He became very interested in creating large artworks for public spaces. Don Gummer is married to the famous actress Meryl Streep, though they have been separated since 2017.
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Early Life and Education
Don Gummer was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 12, 1946. He grew up in the state of Indiana.
He studied art at several schools. From 1964 to 1966, he attended the Herron School of Art. Then, from 1966 to 1970, he studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He finished his art education at the Yale School of Art. There, he earned both his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.
Career as a Sculptor
Don Gummer had his very first solo art show in 1973. Since then, his sculptures have been shown in many solo exhibitions. These shows have taken place at museums and galleries. They are mostly located on the East Coast and in the Midwest of the United States. His work has also been part of many group art shows.
He has created several important sculptures for public places. One of these is Primary Compass (2000). This is a large outdoor sculpture located at the Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio. He also made a sculpture and fountain for Historic New Harmony in Indiana.
Another well-known piece is "The Optimist." This sculpture was placed at the entrance of the Preston Arts Center in Kentucky in 2001. It is made of stainless steel and has a bronze base. It stands about 7 feet tall and weighs a lot! Don Gummer once said about this sculpture, "Fear and hate are no match for love and optimism."
In 2004, the city of Indianapolis asked him to create a sculpture. This artwork, called Southern Circle, is made of stainless steel and stained glass. It stands 25 feet tall and weighs around 20,000 pounds. Another permanent artwork, "Primary Separation," was finished in 2006. It is located at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
Personal Life
Don Gummer married Peggy Jenel Lucas in 1967, but they later divorced. He married actress Meryl Streep on September 30, 1978. They have four children together. Their children are musician Henry Wolfe, and actresses Mamie, Grace, and Louisa. It was shared in 2023 that Don Gummer and Meryl Streep had been separated for more than six years.
Don Gummer and Meryl Streep are known for their generous support of charities. They often donate to arts organizations and schools. Some of these include Vassar College and the Opus School in Harlem.
Where You Can See His Art
Don Gummer's sculptures are part of many public art collections. This means you can find his work in museums and other public places. Here are some of them:
- The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, US
- Chase Manhattan Bank, New York, US
- Chemical Bank, New York, US
- Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science, Evansville, Indiana, US
- Preston Arts Center, Henderson, Kentucky, US
- The Equitable, New York, US
- Hiroshima Lying-in Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
- International Creative Management, New York, US
- House of Music (1993) - Kitakyushu International Center, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Louisiana Museum, Humlebaek, Denmark
- McCrory Corporation, New York, US
- Joseph E. Seagram Company, New York, US
- Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, US
- Cyberinfrastructure Building, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, US
- Open Eyes and The South Tower, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, US
Images for kids
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A robot drawing, often used to show things for kids.
See also
In Spanish: Don Gummer para niños
