Three Sculptures by Internationally Acclaimed Artist Ernest Trova Now on Display at GenAmerica Financial Headquarters in Downtown St. Louis

Outdoor Exhibition at Busy Intersection Makes Art More Accessible

St. Louis, MO, April 25 -- Three sculptures created by internationally acclaimed artist Ernest Trova have been installed for public exhibition outside GenAmerica Financial Corporation national headquarters at 8th and Market streets near Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis.

The three, striking Trova sculptures are from the artists famed Abstract Variations" series produced in 1976 and are composed of multiple geometric elements cut from steel, welded together and painted black. The largest of the three is 15 feet, five inches long; the smallest 13 feet, five inches long. The sculptures were relocated last Friday from Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum in St. Louis County.

GenAmericas Foundation in January announced that it is donating $100,000 to Laumeier Sculpture Park over four years to support the Mark Twain Laumeier Endowment Fund. Mr. Trova, a St. Louis native who earned an international reputation for his powerful interpretations of mans condition in the age of technology, is a co-founder of Laumeier, a 98-acre park with a collection of more than 85 outdoor sculptures and 440 different objects.

The three sculptures on display at GenAmerica Plaza are Trovas Abstract Variation Number 2," Number 4" and Number 6." They weigh a total of about 14 tons.

Dick Miller, GenAmerica Financial executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said, This exhibition makes art more accessible to many people and reflects GenAmericas commitment to 'Celebrating Art for All."

St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay in a proclamation lauded GenAmerica as a productive corporate citizen and noted, This display adds to appreciation of downtown St. Louis as a destination for inspired people and creative activities."

Glen P. Gentele, director of Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum, added, This initiative is especially inspiring because of its potential impact on so many people."

Born in 1927, Ernest Tino Trova began his career as a figurative painter influenced by the work of artist William De Kooning, but soon moved to three-dimensional constructions and, ultimately, the medium of sculpture. Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum opened in 1976 and is considered one of the worlds finest concentrations of site works in a natural environment. For more information, call 314. 821.1209 or visit the website www.laumeier.org.

The GenAmerica Foundation, established in 1978, supports organizations in arts, education and human services. GenAmerica Financial Corp. is a leader in the development and distribution of financial services through independent advisory, brokerage and producer group channels. Based in St. Louis, GenAmerica Financial is an affiliate of MetLife, Inc. For more information, please see the website www.genamerica.com.

MetLife, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), is a leading provider of insurance and other financial services to individual and institutional customers. The MetLife companies serve approximately 10 million individual households in the U.S. and companies and institutions with 33 million employees and members. MetLife also has international insurance operations in 13 countries. For more information, please see the website www.metlife.com.