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Don Gummer is an accomplished American sculptor known for his innovative large-scale works. He was born on December 12, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in Indiana. Gummer is one of six children born to Dorothy and William Adolph Gummer, and he grew up alongside his brothers Richard, Mark, William, Steven, and Jack.
He attended Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. From 1964 to 1966, Gummer studied at the Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, where he first became deeply engaged with the visual arts. He later enrolled at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Gummer continued his education at the Yale School of Art, earning both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). During his time at Yale, he studied under noted sculptors, including David von Schlegell.
Gummer gained national attention in 1973 with his first solo exhibition. Known for his versatile approach, he initially focused on wall-mounted and table-top sculptures before transitioning to larger, free-standing works in the 1990s. His modern art style is often described as contemporary and rooted in constructivism, a characterization supported by art critic Irving Sandler.
Over his career, Gummer has held 28 solo exhibitions across the United States, primarily in the Midwest and along the East Coast. His sculptural works have gained recognition for their bold and thought-provoking designs, often integrating architectural principles with abstract art.
Among Gummer’s most acclaimed public installations is Primary Compass (2000), a permanent outdoor sculpture displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. Another significant piece, Southern Circle, was commissioned by the city of Indianapolis in 2004. This impressive sculpture stands 7.6 meters (25 feet) tall and weighs approximately 20,000 pounds.
Gummer also created a notable fountain in Historic New Harmony, Indiana, as well as Primary Separation, which was permanently installed at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in 2006. Additional prominent international works include The Equitable in New York City, House of Music in Kitakyushu, Japan, and a piece housed in the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark.
Gummer was first married to Peggy Lucas in his early twenties, but the marriage ended after a few years. In 1978, he married acclaimed actress Meryl Streep. Together, they have four children: actresses Grace Gummer and Mamie Gummer, musician Henry Wolfe, and model Louisa Jacobson.
The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting the arts. They have contributed to organizations such as the Opus School in Harlem and Vassar College. Their generosity reflects a shared commitment to fostering creativity and education in the arts worldwide.
Don Gummer’s artistic talent has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. These include awards and grants from the American Academy in Rome as a Visiting Artist, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. His sculptures—ranging from intimate table-top pieces to monumental public installations—highlight his depth of creativity and technical skill.
With a career spanning decades and a body of work that continues to inspire, Gummer has established a lasting legacy in the world of modern sculpture. As of recent estimates, his net worth is approximately $10 million, reflecting the value and impact of his contribution to the art world.
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