Aspire - Central Park - Chesterfield, MO - Abstract Public Sculptures on Waymarking.com

County of art: St. Louis County
Location of art: Lydia Hill Dr & Veterans Place Dr., near lake, Central Park, Chesterfield
Artist: Rod Callies
Date Created: 2013

Plaque Text:

"The "Aspire," created by sculptor Rod Callies, was fabricated from 5,800 pounds of steel pipe cut at angles and consists of four steel spires, ranging in height from 10 to 17 feet. This interactive piece of public art is intended to reflect the importance of art in the community and its ability to convey value, stimulate questions and evoke wonder and mystery.

"The sculpture is located along the Stream Walk at Chesterfield’s Centre." ~ The City of Chesterfield

Letter to the Editor: Remembering artist Rod Callies

"When I learned of the passing of sculptor Rod Callies on March 9 due to ALS one word came to mind – Aspire. Rod was the winner of Chesterfield Arts’ University Sculpture Competition hosted by the organization in 2013. It was then that I got a chance to learn about Rod and his aspirations. The sculpture competition was the opportunity to bring all of his interests, talents and vision together in a way for his art to come to life on a grand scale and become an iconic representation to share with the community.

"His tall, white sculptural spires sit quietly nestled in a grove of trees along the pathway overlooking the Chesterfield Amphitheater. Its purpose was intentional; an interactive symbol to communicate Rod’s view of how the community was evolving, aspiring to achieve more, and coming together through the arts. While this sculpture is one of my favorites, the process we went through during its creation shed light on much more than the art. The story of Rod became the piece that brought us together in ways we did not anticipate. Learning about his career as an architect, his family, inspirations – his story – became part of a new story he would leave to others, all because of his art.

"Aspire is Rod’s legacy – a visual reminder of his life. He always aspired to do more and, as a result, left his mark in many positive ways. We are fortunate to have known Rod. His work of art is a gift and something that we can all visit, enjoy and appreciate for many years to come." ~ Stacey Morse, in West Magazine, April 29, 2019

To help give a different perspective and to better the waymark for future visitors please tell us about your visit and upload a favorite photograph you took of the waymark.