I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this exhibition presents a cohesive body of meticulously crafted sculptural faux FIREWORK constructions with hand painted labels on each piece by Scott Teplin. The “fireworks” are to be presented in a small stand made to resemble a week-long roadside stand one might drive past in late June somewhere in rural USA.The collection offers a unique visual perspective on the meaning of a national celebration in light of our current political climate. 

II. STRATEGIC TIMELINESS: AMERICA 250

This exhibition is specifically curated to serve as a flagship component of the museum’s 2026 programming. The work provides an evocative centerpiece for July 4th festivities, offering a meditative space that may complement the region’s own celebrations while drawing interest from local media and anniversary-related publications.

III. THE WORK

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the "fake fireworks" series: a group of 50-75 highly detailed (and often humorous) works including:

• Sculptural Constructions: Meticulously fabricated objects that interpret internationally-made consumer fireworks used by Americans to celebrate the 4th of July. Each sculpture (sizes range from ½” x 2” x 3” to 8” x 8” x 12”) sits on a shelf of a mock-roadside fireworks stand as if for sale.

• Large-Scale Drawings: Additional large watercolor drawings (sizes range from 22” x 30”, 50” x 50”, 70” x 50”act as “posters” - meant to mimic advertising a roadside stand might incorporate.

• Artist Books: A 16 page editioned (200 copies from Kayrock in Brooklyn) 9” x 12” silkscreen book of labels as well as a smaller 5.5” x 9” catalog (click for PDF) of most of the fireworks on display in the exhibition to hand out to visitors. Finally, a one-of-a-kind artist book made from explosions and smoke.

The is visually dense and spectacle appealing to a wide range of visitors - from patriots, pyromaniacs, and patrons of the arts to general audiences interested in the rituals of American identity.

IV. INSTITUTIONAL & AUDIENCE BENEFIT

• Proven Pedigree: Scott Teplin’s work, created over the last 30+ years, is held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the New Museum and many others. Bringing this caliber of work to a regional museum enhances the institution's prestige during a high-visibility anniversary year.

• Broad Appeal: The spectacle of the Fourth of July ensures high intergenerational attendance during the peak summer tourism window.

• Turn-Key Excellence: The exhibition will be professionally crated, fully documented, and ready for transit. It requires minimal specialized installation, allowing the museum to focus its resources on anniversary events.

V. LOGISTICS & AVAILABILITY

• Inventory: 50-75 works (Framed drawings and self-standing sculptural objects).

• Installation: Requires standard gallery space with variable sizes - the inexpensive fireworks stand that the fireworks sit upon is meant to look inexpensive, made from plywood and can measure between 70” x 30” x 85” with lighting and optional wall mounting for “posters” (actual paintings on paper)

• Support: A comprehensive digital press kit, high-resolution images, and a detailed checklist are available immediately.

VI. SUMMARY

Small exhibition with variable dimensions, consisting of a wooden fireworks stand against a wall with small handmade faux fireworks displayed in the stand as if for sale. Stand will be decorated as a roadside stand, and surrounding walls, space dependent, can be adorned with several original 50” x 50” drawings that “act” as advertising for the fireworks that are “for sale” in the stand.