Striking New Public Artwork Creates Dialogue in the Delmar Maker District

Soon you will notice striking new public artwork in the Delmar Maker District. The streetscape installation will be turning heads and creating dialogue on Delmar Boulevard now and into the future.

“The Rift” features two sculptures by German artist Dietrich Klinge.

The Gateway Foundation was set to unveil the artwork on May 16, but the weather had other plans when the tornado struck that day. “The Rift,” featuring sculptures by Dietrich KlingeIt now sits in front of the Craft Alliance at 5080 Delmar Blvd, with a former dedication planned at future date.

Part of “The Rift” sculpture by Dietrich KlingeIt.

Part of a broader beautification initiative in the Delmar Maker’s District, this project brings together two bold sculptures from the Foundation’s collection into a new, unified context, offering visitors an experience that is at once artistic, architectural, and thought-provoking.

“The Rift” features two sculptures by German artist Dietrich Klinge, relocated from elsewhere on Delmar Boulevard to a new home in front of Craft Alliance. The works (Polyante and Grosser PfuBrub) are positioned facing each other in conversation across shifted earth, creating a unique dynamic from the tension between expansive movement and inner stillness.

“The Rift” sculptures by German artist Dietrich Klinge being relocated from elsewhere on Delmar Boulevard to a new home in front of Craft Alliance.

The Rift installation is a deliberate intervention in the urban landscape, using public art to bridge space and spark reflection. The project was fully funded by the Gateway Foundation, which also commissioned the design and renderings, and utilized excess materials from the original construction of Citygarden, ensuring harmony across its public art collection and linking this installation to the downtown site.

“This new installation exemplifies the Gateway Foundation’s mission: to make art accessible, durable, and impactful in public life,” said Dr. Heather Sweeney, Executive Director of the Gateway Foundation. “By relocating these works to Craft Alliance, we’re not only adding beauty to the streetscape, but encouraging conversation in a district already brimming with creativity.”

“We are thrilled to have The Rift installation at Craft Alliance to create a public community space for visitors in the Delmar Makers District and residents of nearby neighborhoods,” added Bryan W. Knicely, Executive Director, Craft Alliance. “As we build community through craft, this will create a space around which the community can develop with us.”

The unveiling kicked off the regularly scheduled Third Friday event in the Delmar Makers District (DMD). On the third Friday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the organizations in the DMD host special experiences and demonstrations for the community, and district restaurants are open for a variety of food and drink options. The events are free to attend.

Learn more about the Gateway Foundation at gateway-foundation.org and Craft Alliance at craftalliance.org

About Gateway Foundation

Founded in 1986, the Gateway Foundation seeks to enrich life and culture in the St. Louis area by supporting efforts to acquire, create, or improve tangible and durable art and urban design. In 2009, the Foundation’s largest project, a two-block sculpture park called Citygarden, opened in downtown St. Louis in the Gateway Mall. Notable sculpture installations can be seen by visiting Citygarden, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Washington University, the Central Library, The Science Center, Shaw Park, and The Sheldon Concert Hall, to name just a few, with more than 70 installations throughout the region.

Additionally, the Foundation has designed, installed, and funded the lighting of the Gateway Arch, St. Louis City Hall, the Old Courthouse, the Civil Courts Building, the City’s three landmark Water Towers, and other historically important and/or architecturally significant structures, and has funded the building of several City playgrounds and parks. More information is available at gateway-foundation.org and citygardenstl.org.

About Craft Alliance

Craft Alliance has been empowering people of all backgrounds to make, share, and love craft since 1964. As the premier craft organization in the region, Craft Alliance helps unleash creativity and nurtures a vibrant craft community through expert programs and resources centered in Saint Louis. Its hands-on classes provide guidance from professional artist faculty and a community of peers to grow with, in state-of-the art blacksmithing, ceramics, fibers, glass, metals, print & paper, and woodcraft studios. Our engaging exhibitions, events, and community programs foster creativity at every level, making craft accessible to all.

About the Artist

Renowned sculptor Dietrich Klinge.

Dietrich Klinge is a renowned sculptor known for large-scale bronze and wood forms that evoke ancient totems, human figures, and archetypal symbols. His works carry a raw, textured energy that references both nature and mythology. Though rooted in classical technique, Klinge’s sculptures possess a contemporary edge, with thoughtful and bold forms that invite contemplation in public spaces.