ST. PAUL – The dinosaur sculptures at the St. Paul and District Art Foundation’s latest paleontology-themed art exhibit were created by a 10-year-old child – Leo Spoeth.
The exhibit, which ran from May 19 to 29, was a collaboration between Leo and amateur paleontologist Deanna Graham.
Graham brought some of her personal fossil collection, while Leo brought his art, and over 100 members of the community had the opportunity to appreciate the pieces by stopping by the exhibit.
“[The exhibit] is where ancient fossils meet art,” Graham explained.
Eric Spoeth, Leo’s father and artist-in-residence at the Foundation, spoke on behalf of his son, and said Leo has been sculpting since he was five years old.
“But he never wanted to show anybody his work.”
Graham found out about Leo’s work and was impressed by what the Leo could do. She proposed the idea of showcasing his work in a dinosaur exhibit she had been hoping to do for the last two years.
Leo agreed, which led to him being featured at the exhibit.
Eric said his son has about 40 art pieces in total.
“They vary from his baby series of miniatures,” which are sculptures of juvenile dinosaurs after they've hatched, “to little dioramas, which are scenes of periods in the ancient world,” said Eric.
Wires, tin foil, clay, marbles, newspapers, and paint were all that Leo needed to craft his creations.
According to Eric, like many other kids across many generations, Leo has always been fascinated with dinosaurs and the ancient world.
“These are creatures that no longer exist, or they do not exist in their current form. I think that ignites the imagination of kids,” Eric surmised.
Showcasing local artists
Other types of artwork were also present, like a collection of paintings by local artists, mostly by youth, where they painted their own interpretations of what Graham’s fossils may have looked like before they became fossils.
Eric said the artists were encouraged to use their understanding of biology and modern animals to make their own creative interpretations of the past.
He added the exhibit was also meant to inspire amateurs or non-artists “to show what happens when you have a passion and you’re given tools.”
“That’s why a lot of Leo’s work is unfinished or remains in various stages of completion,” he said. It’s to demonstrate to people, particularly the youth, the process of creating art. For them to think, “I could do that too.”
Graham expressed her pride for all participating artists.
“There’s a lot of hidden talent in this community,” she said.
Graham hopes to do the exhibit again next year on a larger scale and open it to the public to submit art pieces.
