On November 29, 2012, the exhibition On Display in Orange County: Modern and Contemporary Sculpture opened to the public in a pop-up gallery on Level 3 in the South Coast Plaza Penthouse. Continuing through January 2, 2013, the exhibition examined the process of commissioning and creating 12 sculptural works that are permanently on display in Orange County in the South Coast Metro area, an important corridor for art between Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza.

Organized by independent curator Bonnie Rychlak, former curator at the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, and supported by Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom, South Coast Plaza, and Tiffany & Company, the exhibition explored how a number of these site-specific works were created—from conceptual sketches and blueprints to models and finished sculptures, as well as offering a context that amplified the experience of viewing the sculptures themselves. Located within easy walking distance from the pop-up gallery, this contextual presentation of iconic post-war-era sculptures was an opportunity to learn about the impressive works of art on display at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza.

Photographs, artist’s renderings, maquettes, videos, and archival materials illustrated the actual works that were created by a roster of sculptors that includes some of the most influential artists of the twentieth century: Jean Dubuffet, Joan Miró, Isamu Noguchi, Richard Serra, James Huntington, Charles O. Perry, Tony Smith, Henry Moore, George Rickey, Aiko Miyawaki, Richard Lippold, and Marion Sampler. During the exhibition, visitors were encouraged to join docent-led walking tours of the individual artworks.

Sculptures represented in the exhibition were purchased or commissioned by Henry T. Segerstrom, Managing Partner of C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, and the cultural philanthropist who for more than 30 years has been building the cultural landscape of Orange County. His intention continues to be that of making art publicly accessible to pedestrians visiting or working in Orange County. “I am delighted that so many people were able to learn about the creative process behind these wonderful works of art and then simply walk over to see the sculptures themselves,” stated Henry T. Segerstrom. “The exhibition reflects our ongoing and deep commitment to bringing top-tier art to enrich the lives of those living, working and visiting in Southern California.”

From Richard Serra’s scale model of his 65-foot high weathered steel sculpture, Connector, to the photographs of Joan Miro’s Oiseau, the exhibition revealed the engaging and often lengthy process through which artists create sculptures for public spaces.