News Summary
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts has introduced a new bronze sculpture titled ‘Curtain Call,’ created by artist Karon Davis. The artwork represents a ballerina taking her final bow, combining visual art with deep cultural significance. It will be displayed during a year-long exhibition, enhancing the venue’s artistic focus on ballet and its collaboration with the American Ballet Theatre. Davis’s work aims to celebrate the contributions of Black dancers within the performance arts, reflecting a broader commitment to cultural engagement and artistic innovation.
Costa Mesa – On October 2, 2025, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts unveiled a new sculpture called “Curtain Call,” created by renowned New York-based artist Karon Davis. This stunning piece symbolizes a ballerina taking her final bow while holding a bouquet of red roses. Standing nearly six and a half feet tall and crafted from bronze, the sculpture is expected to capture the attention of visitors and enhance the cultural environment at the Segerstrom Center.
The installation of “Curtain Call” in Costa Mesa is part of a year-long exhibition at the Segerstrom Center, thanks in large part to Limor Tomer, the center’s vice president of programming and production, who joined the organization in January 2025. Tomer highlighted that the sculpture aligns perfectly with the venue’s focus on ballet and its partnership with the American Ballet Theatre.
Prior to its installation in Costa Mesa, Davis’s sculpture was exhibited on New York City’s High Line from December 2023 until November 2024. The display at Segerstrom provides a new opportunity for audiences to engage with this artwork that originated from Davis’ 2023 exhibition titled “Beauty Must Suffer,” which brought attention to the lives and labor of Black dancers in the performance arts.
Karon Davis’s artistic journey includes training in both dance and visual arts, influenced by her late husband, painter Noah Davis. The inspiration for “Curtain Call” came from observed performances, specifically from Jasmine Perry, a dancer at the Miami City Ballet and the only Black ballerina at the Los Angeles Ballet during that period.
In addition to its striking visual qualities, “Curtain Call” is situated on the second floor of Segerstrom Hall and features a plaque that includes braille along with an audio experience, enhancing accessibility for all visitors. Tomer emphasized the importance of sustaining cultural ties between various forms of artistic expression, positing that the ballerina serves as a centerpiece in unifying these art forms.
After the year-long installation period concludes, Tomer has plans to collaborate with the nearby museum to create future projects, rather than simply replacing the sculpture with another. This reflects the center’s commitment to ongoing artistic engagement in the community and encourages visitors to return for new experiences.
The unveiling of “Curtain Call” occurred alongside the Southern California premiere of Liam Scarlett’s “Frankenstein,” performed by the San Francisco Ballet, providing a dual opportunity to celebrate both visual and performing arts on the same evening. The simultaneous events underscore the Segerstrom Center’s role as a significant hub for the arts, fostering creative endeavors that highlight diverse narratives and artistic expressions.
Davis expressed her emotions about the sculpture finding a home in a performing arts venue, affirming that the ballerina is indeed where she belongs. As “Curtain Call” takes center stage, it invites audiences to reflect on the beauty and complexity of performance art while placing a spotlight on the contributions of Black dancers within the cultural landscape.
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Additional Resources
- LA Dance Chronicle: Segerstrom Center Unveils New Art Installation
- Wikipedia: Ballet
- LA Times: South Coast Repertory Director Preps for Final Curtain Call
- Google Search: Performing Arts
- OC Register: Acclaimed Young Ballerina in Costa Mesa Nutcracker
- Google Scholar: Karon Davis
- Newport Beach Indy: Segerstrom Center Unveils 2024-2025 Broadway Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Visual Art
- Fox 59: Like Water for Chocolate Brings Food, Magic, Spice, and Lust
- Google News: Art Installations
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.
