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The Clark Collection is rooted in a lifelong appreciation for art, architecture, and the act of building. That same spirit informed the founding of Clayco, grounded in the belief that construction is both an art and a science, and that what we create should extend beyond individual projects to strengthen communities.
From the beginning, the focus has been on building more than structures. The work has always been connected to community building and economic development, with the understanding that thoughtful investment can create lasting impact. That philosophy carries directly into the collection.
At its core is a commitment to artists who are emerging and moving forward with purpose. The collection prioritizes voices that bring new energy, perspective, and a willingness to challenge convention. Supporting these artists is not only about acquisition, but also about advocacy by creating space for their work, their ideas, and their continued growth.
Equally important is the belief that art should be experienced. The collection is designed so that works are visible, engaged with, and part of lived environments rather than stored away. In doing so, the creative process is honored, and the work is able to reach and resonate with a broader public.
The Clark Collection is an ongoing effort to connect people, ideas, and places through art, with the hope that it contributes meaningfully to the communities it touches and helps expand the cultural conversation.
The Clark Collection was founded by Bob Clark, Executive Chairman & Founder of Clayco, and has been shaped over time by those closest to him. It reflects the influence of the Clayco enterprise and LJC architecture teams, the Clark family, the late Ellen S. Clark, whose perspective and passion left a lasting imprint, and Jane Clark, who continues to play an active role in guiding and shaping the collection today.
For Bob, collecting has never been separated from his life’s work. It is grounded in the same principle that has guided his career, that what we build should contribute to stronger communities and create opportunities for others. The collection extends this philosophy into the cultural sphere.
This vision is reflected in a sustained focus on emerging artists whose work carries a sense of momentum, originality, and forward-looking perspective. The intention is not only to collect, but to recognize and support artists who are actively shaping the future of contemporary art.
Over time, this commitment has expanded to include support for institutions and initiatives that share these values, including The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, The Art Institute of Chicago, and others. These partnerships are part of a broader effort to strengthen the arts ecosystem and increase access to meaningful cultural experiences.
At its core, the Clark Collection is meant to be shared. Envisioned as a public facing resource, it seeks to connect audiences with artists and ideas, encouraging engagement, fostering dialogue, and contributing in a lasting way to the communities it serves.
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Stavroula Coulianidis is a New York-based curator who has dedicated her practice to exhibiting and advocating for emerging and rediscovered international artists. As Curator of The Clark Collection, Stavroula is responsible for elevating the collection’s global profile and expanding its visibility, the acquisition of new artworks, organizing exhibitions within the collection’s headquarters and developing opportunities for living artists. She is also the founder of STAV, a curatorial organization dedicated to supporting contemporary underrepresented artists.
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