Southern Artist Showcase: Reelfoot Critters by David Dunn

Each year, Discovery Park spotlights the work of a unique artist in its Southern Artist Showcase. From February 28 to September 7, 2025, the gallery will feature the work of metal sculptor Dave Dunn, based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Art in this exhibit, titled Reelfoot Critters, is inspired by his childhood summer visits with family in the nearby river port town of Hickman, Kentucky, with days spent on the Mississippi River and at Reelfoot Lake. In 1811 and 1812, a series of earthquakes occurred along the New Madrid Seismic Zone. During the largest quake, land on the east side of the Mississippi River sank, creating a depression that water from the Mississippi River rushed in to fill, causing the river to appear as if it were flowing backward for many miles. This seismic event created Reelfoot Lake, providing habitat for its rich diversity of aquatic and wildlife species today. Discovery Park attractions include a simulation of that seismic event for visitors to experience. Dunn creates his “Reelfoot Critters” with movement and whimsy by welding found, repurposed and new metal objects into his artwork. His work is displayed in collections around the US and in Europe.