Heroes take up residence at Botanical Gardens

ST. LOUIS — An exhibition of 40 colorful and vibrant mosaic sculptures and paintings of French artist Niki de Saint Phalle have landed in St. Louis, making it the third U.S. city to ever display her work.

"She is the Andy Warhol of France," said Lynn Kerkemeyer, special exhibits manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where the work is being displayed.

Phalle's work centers on current popular figures and is widely known in France.

Some of her sculptures, which are displayed throughtout the garden, are aimed at creating heroes. Phalle's huge statues of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods were her response to an American culture she thought didn't embrace its black heritage, Kerkemeyer said. She also wanted to give her black grandchild someone to look up to.

The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights. Tickets are $8 for adults, and admission is free children younger than 12. On Thursday nights, admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children younger than 12. For more information, call 314-577-9400 or visit www.mobot.org/events/NIKI/niki_sculpture.asp.