News Summary
Acclaimed artist Karon Davis unveiled her latest sculpture, ‘Curtain Call,’ at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The artwork, which captures the emotions of performers during a curtain call, celebrates the artistry and dedication of dancers, particularly Black ballerinas. Standing 6 1/2 feet tall, it features a ballerina in a deep bow, highlighting the collective experiences of dancers. The sculpture will be on display at the center for one year.
Costa Mesa, California – Acclaimed artist Karon Davis unveiled her latest sculpture, titled “Curtain Call,” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on October 2, 2025. The unveiling coincided with the Southern California premiere of the San Francisco Ballet’s “Frankenstein” and marks the start of the center’s 2025–26 dance season.
“Curtain Call” is designed to capture the myriad emotions performers experience during a curtain call, including feelings of relief, exhaustion, accomplishment, and triumph. Davis expressed that the sculpture honors the artistic journey and acknowledges the talents and dedication of performers on stage.
The sculpture stands nearly 6 1/2 feet tall and depicts a ballerina in a deep bow, adorned with a bouquet of red roses and a tiara. It aims to represent not only individual dancers but also the collective experiences of all dancers. The ballerina modeled is Jasmine Perry, a dancer with the Miami City Ballet, while the work, part of Davis’ series “Beauty Must Suffer,” highlights the experiences of Black dancers specifically in the ballet sector.
Prior to its display at the Segerstrom Center, “Curtain Call” was featured at the High Line Park in New York City from December 2023 to November 2024. Following its installation in Costa Mesa, the sculpture will remain on loan for the next year.
Davis utilized advanced techniques, such as plaster casting and 3-D scanning technology, to create the bronze sculpture, which is intricately painted and dressed in handmade clothing. The meticulous nature of the sculpture’s creation allowed Davis to tell a story that resonates with both its aesthetic beauty and the emotional depth of the artistry it represents.
Limor Tomer, the vice president of programming and production at Segerstrom, indicated that the sculpture aligns with the center’s mission of celebrating both visual and performing arts, while also honoring the legacy of Henry Segerstrom in making art accessible to the Orange County community. In celebrating the hard work of dancers, “Curtain Call” enhances the appreciation of their craft in an environment dedicated to performance art.
Davis highlighted the significance of having “Curtain Call” displayed in a venue that celebrates live performance, noting that it reflects the commitment dancers show towards their work. The installation is designed to engage a wider audience, featuring a description plaque with braille as well as an audio experience that complements the sculpture, aiming to create an inclusive experience for all visitors.
Karon Davis expressed fulfillment in placing her work in such a pertinent setting, where it can interact and connect with real ballerinas regularly. The presence of “Curtain Call” at the Segerstrom Center contributes not only to the celebration of the performing arts but also emphasizes the narrative of dedication and artistry woven within the dance community.
This unveiling represents a significant moment in the celebration of dance and the visual arts, encapsulating the enduring spirit of performance that resonates within the community.
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HERE Resources
Segerstrom Center Unveils New Sculpture ‘Curtain Call’
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Segerstrom Gives Curtain Call Sculpture Its Flowers
- LA Dance Chronicle: Segerstrom Center Unveils New Art Installation for 2025-26 Season
- Newport Beach Independent: Segerstrom Center for the Arts Unveils 2025-26 Broadway Season
- Google Search: Segerstrom Center Curtain Call
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sculpture
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
