A Monument to Unity, Heritage, and Wisdom in Auburn Gresham
Join us for a powerful celebration of culture, community, and creativity as we unveil the GAGDC
Adinkra Tower Sculpture, an 8-ft monument representing unity, wisdom, and heritage at the Auburn
Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub, located on 839 W. 79th St, on Friday February 28th, from 3:00PM –
5:30PM. This artwork represents the collective spirit of our journey, the work we do and the pride we
have in the Auburn Gresham community, honoring the Adinkra symbols and their deep meaning
reflected throughout our lives.
This remarkable piece was created by St. Louis-based artist Thomas Sleet, whose work bridges the
intersection of the natural world and the man-made. Drawing inspiration from nature and its intricate
design processes, Sleet repurposes salvaged materials to give them new life as organic sculptures. His
art challenges us to see the synergy between structure and nature, the individual and the collective.
Sleet has a deep connection to community-driven public art. To develop his vision for this piece, he
visited the Auburn Gresham community and collaborated with the Greater Auburn Gresham
Development Corporation (GAGDC) to create the Auburn Gresham Tower, a powerful artistic
statement that reflects the neighborhood’s resilience and cultural identity. The original Adinkra Tower
was commissioned by Arts in Transit and stands in St. Louis, showcasing Sleet’s signature
exploration of form, space, and material.
The Adinkra Tower Sculpture embodies Sleet’s artistic philosophy, which melds form, space, and
material with the collective narrative of resilience and transformation of the great work happening in
the community. We invite you, our valued partners, supporters, and community members, to witness
this occasion, connect with fellow changemakers, and be a part of the legacy we are building together.
Come for the art. Stay for the inspiration. Leave with a renewed sense of purpose.
We look forward to celebrating with you!