Three Sculptures by Internationally Acclaimed Artist Ernest Trova Will be Moved to GenAmerica Financial Headquarters in Downtown St. Louis

Three Pieces in Trovas Abstract Variations" Series at Laumeier Sculpture Park Will be Displayed on Plaza at Busy Intersection for Public Viewing

St. Louis, MO, March 1, 2002 – Three sculptures created by the internationally-acclaimed artist Ernest Trova currently on display at Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum in suburban St. Louis will be installed for public exhibition outside the national headquarters of GenAmerica Financial Corporation 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 will be displayed outside GenAmericas headquarters after being moved from Laumeier Sculpture Park and installed at the intersection of Eighth and Market streets in April 2002.

Kevin C. Eichner, GenAmerica Financial president and CEO, says, We are extremely proud to showcase the inspiring work of Ernest Trova in a public venue where thousands of people will see the sculptures every day. This initiative will help make art more accessible to more members of the community and enrich peoples lives while strengthening GenAmericas significant bonds with St. Louis arts and education communities."

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. Ernest 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.

Francis Slay, St. Louis mayor, observes, This exhibition of sculpture by Ernest Trova will add to the appreciation of downtown St. Louis as a destination for inspired people and creative activities."

Glen P. Gentele, director of Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum, adds, GenAmerica Financial demonstrates strong support for the arts publicly and privately, and this initiative is especially inspiring because of its potential impact on so many people."

The three Trova sculptures that will be displayed at GenAmerica headquarters at one of the citys busiest intersections are Abstract Variation Number 2," Number 4" and Number 6."

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. Trovas Falling Man" series is one of the most recognized series of sculpture and his work is included in major museums and private collections worldwide. 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 Jennifer Duncan at 314. 821.1209 or visit www.laumeier.org.

GenAmerica Financial Corp. is a leader in the development and distribution of financial services through independent advisory, brokerage and producer group channels. It is the parent company of General American Life Insurance Company; and Walnut Street Securities, Inc., member NASD and SIPC; among other subsidiaries and divisions. GenAmerica Financial is based in St. Louis, MO, and is an affiliate of MetLife, Inc. For more information about GenAmerica Financial, visit 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 nine million individual households in the U.S. and companies and institutions with 33 million employees and members. MetLife also has international insurance operations in 14 countries. For more information about MetLife, please visit the company's Web site at www.metlife.com.

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Photos of the Trova sculpture to be installed at GenAmerica Financial are available in digital files. To request photos, call Ann Marie Mayuga at 314.444.0472, Jeff Dunlap at 314.721.5505 or Jennifer Duncan at 314.821.1209.

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