Erin Callier Colin Miller/Stauss Peyton

Related Articles

• One of a Kind
• Fine Design
• Wired for Thought
• The Big Picture
• Capturing Character

Art is not an expression of the artist’s life, but of society,” believes sculptor and philanthropist Don F. Wiegand. In his work, Wiegand has ardently embodied that sentiment, and in his artful journey through life he has not only defied the stereotype of “struggling artist” but cast his own mold as a truly accomplished artist with a compassionate agenda.

Wiegand, whose family started the Smoke House Market and Annie Gunn’s, dates his career as an artist back to childhood. “As a kid I was constantly sketching and building models,” recalls Wiegand. “In early grade school I sold my pencil sketches over the counter at the Smoke House . . . working in the store, I met people of all different cultures, races and creeds – I’ve been motivated by others all my life. I’ve always liked people and capturing the spirit of an individual.” As a junior in high school, Wiegand’s need to create outgrew his childhood sketches, and he asked his dad if he could turn the old slaughterhouse into his studio.

 Over 30 years later, having weathered a fire and a flood, the old slaughterhouse remains his studio, but Wiegand’s work has come a long way since his over-the-counter commissions. Meeting, conversing and being motivated by a variety of people in his youth certainly laid the pathway for his work today. Many St. Louisans know Wiegand as “the Lindbergh sculptor” – a title that makes him chuckle. His Lindbergh sculptures, and the inspiration he derives from the man who “touched the whole world,” were certainly stepping-stones to his success. In the early 1980s, he read an article about Lambert Airport’s plan to commission a Minnesota sculptor to honor Charles Lindbergh and his contribution to society. Wiegand felt this commission not only paid homage to Lindbergh and his grand achievements, but was a “tribute to St. Louis for backing a man who accomplished a great thing.” So, he contacted a friend on the board of directors and conveyed the importance of using a hometown artist. He then sculpted his limited edition Lindbergh pieces simply for inspiration’s sake. When the Board at Lambert saw Wiegand’s work, they forgot their plan to commission an out-of-towner and the rest is history – history cast in bronze, that is.

Since his early success, Wiegand has gained momentum as a renowned sculptor. His work has stood in some of the most prestigious venues in the world – and out of this world. His sculptures have not only graced the halls of museums in Europe, The White House, The Vatican and more, but his bas-reliefs of the Spirit of St. Louis and Charles Lindbergh took flight into outer space during the testimonial launch of the X-Prize in 2004.

Among other incredible accomplishments, Wiegand collaborated with the Pentagon and the Bob Hope family in designing the medallion for “The Spirit of Hope Awards.” This award appears to be a match made in artist heaven, because it honors those who live their lives giving to others, something that is very important to Wiegand. “I like to see society thanking people for being good to one another.” Nothing captures that sentiment more acutely than Wiegand’s current commission of a large bas-relief for the Donor Memorial at Mid-America Transplant Services. The sculpture is currently in its clay-mold stage, but even in its incomplete form, one can sense the warmth and inspiration Wiegand feels for his art. Working 12 hours a day, seven days a week, Wiegand acknowledges that the work of a sculptor is “very challenging.” But he emphasizes, “When the piece has a higher purpose, it is extremely gratifying.”

Wiegand seems to be living his dream – a dream measured not by any scale of fame or success, but by his ability to connect with society and history. While a great deal of Wiegand’s work is for non-for-profit organizations, he does accept private commissions from individuals. The best method of procuring a Wiegand sculpture is to purchase one of his limited edition sculptures. There is something endlessly gratifying in owning a work of art with a true heart. “It’s such a pleasure to see how your work affects people,” says Wiegand. “It regenerates the soul.”