November-December 2016 Happenings

NOV-DEC 2016

be inspired.

Meet the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards Honorees

Letter from the President Greetings Friends!

ON THE COVER: The Arts and Education Council hosts the 26th annual St. Louis Arts Awards on Monday, January 23, 2017. The event celebrates the region’s best and brightest arts organizations, philanthropists, artists and corporate citizens that make St. Louis a vibrant place in which to live, learn, work and play.

For tickets and information, visit KeepArtHappening.org/ 2017ArtsAwards.

Inspiration. We here at A&E have been thinking a lot about inspiration lately. Where does it come from? What is it? Is inspiration a feeling? Does inspiration come from our insides — our guts? Or does it descend upon us — coming from the outside, in? People often talk about “finding” or “seeking” inspiration — as if it were a tangible thing to be touched or felt. Regardless of what “it” is, where do you find inspiration? Who or what inspires you?

At A&E we are inspired by young adults in challenged schools who don’t believe college is a realistic part of their future. Then they participate in a school musical and suddenly they’re offered full-ride scholarships to the higher education institution of their dreams. We’re inspired by teachers who not only teach art for art’s sake but realize that arts participation builds self-confidence, teaches discipline and tenacity, increases school attendance and improves students’ overall academic achievement. We’re inspired by individuals who freely contribute their most precious resources — time and money — to ensure the arts continue to flourish and improve our region’s quality of life.

With this issue of Happenings, we are sure you will find inspiration throughout these pages. We’re proud to introduce you to yet another outstanding slate of seven honorees for the 26th Annual St. Louis Arts Awards (pgs. 3-8) — from a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer to a small, young nonprofit piano program making a big impact in young people’s lives. Then, you’ll be inspired by the incredible arts education projects that this year’s Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers grantees are undertaking (pg. 12). And no doubt you’ll be moved by the fascinating and adventurous life of Jane Stamper (pg. 18). Ms. Stamper left an extraordinary arts legacy gift to help ensure A&E continues to invest, impact, celebrate and accelerate the arts for generations to come.

And, if you are inspired by what you read today — please consider renewing your support for A&E or making an additional year-end gift to keep art happening in our community. Visit us at KeepArtHappening.org/Give.

Thank you for your extraordinary generosity and support for the arts and our community at-large. When the arts thrive, our city thrives!

Sincerely,

Cynthia A. Prost President and CEO stARTup-StL Campaign Update: MindsEye recently used A&E’s new crowdfunding platform to raise funds to expand audio descriptive services for the blind across St. Louis. In total, the campaign raised over $8,600 allowing MindsEye to purchase all the equipment they needed (30 headsets, cases, chargers, a transmitter, antenna and microphone) to provide audio descriptive services at several locations for low vision and blind patrons throughout the coming theater season. Thanks to all who contributed! For more information, visit KeepArtHappening.org/startup.

2017 St. Louis 10 Access 12 Grants and Impact: 18 Arts Legacy: 4 Arts Awards the Arts:

Maritz Arts and

Jane Stamper, Honorees, Co-chairs and Host

Know & Go Education Fund for 1944-2012 Calendar Teachers Grantees

be inspired.

2017 St. Louis Arts Awards Monday, January 23, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.

Chase Park Plaza Hotel

T

he Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis invites you to be inspired at the 26th annual St. Louis Arts Awards! The Arts Awards is A&E’s single, largest fundraising event and is one of the city’s premier celebrations of our outstanding arts community. Since 1992, this unique event has honored over 150 artists, arts organizations, and educators whose legacies of creative and innovative excellence enrich St. Louis’s cultural vibrancy. The event also celebrates the generous corporate citizens and individual philanthropists who recognize and invest in the arts as a critical economic contributor to the region and catalyst to improving our quality of life.

Proceeds from the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards sponsorships, contributions, tributes and ticket sales supplement the Arts and Education Council’s annual campaign which provides critical, unrestricted operating support, project grants, professional development and incubator services to nearly 70 arts and arts education organizations across 16 counties in Missouri and Illinois.

Tickets and table sponsorship opportunities for the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards are now available. Visit KeepArtHappening.org/2017ArtsAwards to get your seat at this inspirational evening, today!

Sponsors, Patrons and Event Hosts 2017 Event Co-Chairs Susan Block and John Russell

2017 Event Host Ken Page

Presenting Sponsors

Principal Sponsors

Stage & Entertainment Sponsor

Gift Sponsor

Award Sponsor

Nancy and Ken Kranzberg

Gift Bag Sponsor

Art Educator of the Year Award Sponsor

Production Sponsor

Major Benefactor

Kick Off Reception Sponsors

Susan and Terry Block John Russell and Darryl Redhage Honoree Luncheon Sponsor

Table Sponsors BKD, LLP Mike Isaacson and Joe Ortmeyer Riverview Gardens School District Thompson Coburn LLP

Patrons Nancy and Walter Galvin Carol and Tom Voss Event Hosts Nora Akerberg Marie-Hélène Bernard Sandy Blasingame and Gary Hall Susan Block Christine Chadwick Mary and Robert Ciapciak Len Eschbach Terry Good Barbara B. Goodman

Kelly Hummert Sally C. Johnston Linda and Paul Lee Susan and Danny Ludeman Peter Mackie Lisa Melandri John Nickel Penny Pennington and Michael Fidler Dorte Probstein Paul Reuter Stephanie Riven John Russell Ruth Saphian and Omer Kinran

Peter Sargent Elizabeth Gentry Sayad Pat and Ken Schutte Ann and Hugh Scott Don Senti Mary Ann Srenco Caren Vredenburgh Franklin Wallis Frank Whitman

Tributes & Contributions Dr. William Danforth Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Drury Mrs. Bettie S. Johnson Linda Stark *As of October 13, 2016

3

2017 ST. LOUIS ARTS AWARDS:

Meet The Honorees

M

ark your calendars for Monday, January 23, 2017 when the 26th annual St. Louis Arts Awards will take place at the Chase Park Plaza beginning with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 7:00 p.m. The 2017 awards will be co-chaired by Susan Block, founder of The Designing Block, and John Russell, Senior Vice President and Branch Manager at Stifel.

The St. Louis Arts Awards is the area’s preeminent event honoring individuals, organizations and businesses that achieve a legacy of artistic excellence and enrich St. Louis’s arts and cultural community. Proceeds from the event benefit the Arts and Education Council’s annual campaign, which provides financial support, professional development, incubator space and collaborative opportunities for nearly 70 arts and arts education organizations throughout the 16-county, bi-state region.

World Wide Technology, Inc. and the Steward Family Foundation have generously renewed their support as Presenting Sponsors of the event, while Edward Jones and Emerson renewed their commitment as Principal Sponsors.

The 2017 Honorees are: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS Steven Woolf The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Steven Woolf has been with The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) for nearly 35 years, starting in 1982 as the managing director and becoming artistic director in 1986. He has directed numerous productions at The Rep, and will take the helm once again at the end of November when “A Christmas Carol,” opens (Nov. 30-Dec. 24) as part of The Rep’s 50th anniversary season. Woolf has also done extensive work in New

4

York, serving as the project producer on the original productions of “The Robber Bridegroom” and “The Red Blue-Grass Western Flyer Show” and was co-producer of Tom Griffin’s “Workers.” In 2011, Woolf received the “Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Direction” for his work on The Rep’s production of “Red.” His production of “Awake and Sing!” at The New Jewish Theatre tied with “Red” for the “Kevin Kline Award for Best Production of a Play.” In addition to his work with The Rep, Woolf has served as a panelist and an on-site evaluator for the theater program for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and served on an advisory panel for the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC).

EXCELLENCE IN PHILANTHROPY Jim and Cathy Berges The Berges Family Foundation Jim Berges is a partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. and served as president at Emerson Storage Solutions from 1999-2005.

Cathy Berges serves on the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’s board of directors and the Missouri Botanical Garden’s board of trustees. Together, they founded the Berges Family Foundation in 2012 with the goal of supporting the institutions and organizations that make St. Louis a great place to live, visit and invest. The Foundation funds initiatives that involve cultural engagement, youth empowerment and support for our nation’s military heroes and first responders. The Bergeses have provided generous, leadership financial support to many arts and culture organizations in St. Louis, including the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Symphony and the Arts and Education Council.

EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS Mike Isaacson The Muny and Fox Theatricals Mike Isaacson is artistic director and executive producer of The Muny, St. Louis’s legendary outdoor theatre, soon to celebrate its 100th season.

Isaacson is also a multiple Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, the most recent being for “The Humans” winner of Best Play in 2016, and “Fun Home,” winner of five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Since his first Muny season in 2012, Isaacson has revolutionized the work onstage. Under Isaacson’s leadership, all production elements — sets, costumes, casting, lighting — have been re-invented and enhanced in order to return the 99 year old institution to its grand watch cry: “Alone in its Greatness.” After his first season, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch awarded him “Theatre Artist of the Year,” and after his second season, KMOX proclaimed “The Muny has people talking again and buying tickets to see what all the fuss is about.” With Isaacson’s leadership, The Muny has expanded its community outreach and its education programs, establishing an academic partnership with Webster University, and developing The Muny kids and teens program into one of national repute.

As part of St. Louis’s Fox Theatricals, Isaacson has produced more than 20 musicals, plays, revivals, national tours and London productions. During his 15 years at St. Louis’s Fabulous Fox Theatre he was responsible for bringing more than 100 musicals and plays to our community, and was an active officer and producer in the Independent Presenters Network, a national organization of Broadway producers and presenters. Isaacson has also served on

the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee of The Broadway League and has devoted his career to theatre.

EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Part of Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum was founded in 1881 as the St. Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts.

Today, it remains the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi River.

The Museum contains impressive collections of 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century European and American paintings, sculptures, prints, installations, and photographs. In the past nine years the Museum’s exhibit schedule has been international in scope, bringing influential artists to St. Louis and developing groundbreaking scholarly exhibitions for the entire community to enjoy. In addition to its outstanding curatorial program, the Museum’s education and outreach programs have expanded to include record numbers of visits by area elementary and high schools as well as social service program participants.

ART EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Harvey Lockhart Riverview Gardens School District An arts educator for more than a decade, Harvey Lockhart is currently the band director at Riverview Gardens High School and the performing arts coordinator for the entire Riverview Gardens School District. Since 2010, Lockhart has

rebuilt the District’s music department, revitalizing the band program from ten students to 60; re-establishing concert, marching and jazz bands; and building an inventory of more than 80 new and used instruments. In 2015, Lockhart envisioned creating a community jazz big band for North County students and other underserved districts to serve and support talented high school musicians after the tragic events in Ferguson. With the help of jazz pianist Peter Martin and The Sheldon Arts Foundation, the North County Big Band (NCBB) was formed. Now in its second year, this collaborative big band is made up of some of the most talented and dedicated students from several St. Louis area high schools.

ARTS INNOVATOR Pianos for People Pianos for People describes itself as a St. Louis nonprofit that connects people who need pianos with pianos that need people. Established in December of 2012, the organization has collected, restored, and delivered an average of one piano a week, for a total of 150 pianos, all to people who otherwise couldn’t afford one. In the fall of 2014, Pianos for People opened a teaching space on Cherokee Street to provide free piano lessons to St. Louisans and now has over 80 students, of all ages, enrolled in group classes, private lessons and piano camps — all at no cost to the students or their families. Pianos for People’s goal is to break down the financial barriers that keep many families from providing music lessons for their children — something that has been proven to increase intelligence, creativity, critical thinking and focus among a long list of other essential skills for future success.

CORPORATE SUPPORT OF THE ARTS U.S. Bank

The way U.S. Bank sees it, investing in the arts helps to ensure vitality and accessibility for the entire St. Louis region to enjoy. As a result, U.S. Bank funds numerous arts education programs that bring visual and performing arts programming to low-and moderate-income K-12 schools and youth centers. It also has supported the Arts and Education Council for more than 37 years through annual corporate support and employee workplace campaigns. In total, U.S. Bank has provided over $1,000,000 to A&E which has, in turn, helped fund hundreds of arts organizations and impact millions of adults and children across the bi-state area. Additionally, U.S. Bank is the current title sponsor of the Fox Theater’s “U.S. Bank Broadway Series” and serves as a significant sponsor of arts organizations like Center of Creative Arts (COCA), Dance St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, St. Louis Symphony, St. Louis ArtWorks, St. Louis Art Museum Foundation and The Muny.

Tickets and tables for the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards are available at KeepArtHappening.org/ 2017ArtsAwards. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kate Francis, vice president of development, at Kate-F@KeepArtHappening.org or 314-289-4003 for more information.

5

2017 ST. LOUIS ARTS AWARDS:

Kickoff Event

2

Photo credit: A&E

017 St. Louis Arts Awards co-chairs, Susan Block and John Russell, hosted a Kickoff event at Susan and Terry Block’s fabulous Chase Park Plaza residence on October 6. Nearly 70 guests enjoyed the stunning view, great food, wine

and the balmy, breezy fall weather from the Blocks’ outdoor terrace on the 17th floor. Jazz guitarist, Dave Black, entertained attendees. Susan and John welcomed guests and introduced the 2017 honorees. A&E board member and special events committee chair, Caren Vredenburgh, and A&E president and CEO, Cynthia Prost, thanked the early sponsors and patrons of the 26th annual event whose proceeds benefit the annual campaign to provide unrestricted operating support to arts and arts education organizations in the region.

Photo credit: Bill Barrett, Town & Style

Photo credit: Bill Barrett, Town & Style

Co-chairs Susan Block and John Russell

Photo credit: Bill Barrett, Town & Style

Honoree Steven Woolf and Peter Sargent, A&E board member

2017 Arts Awards Honorees: (back row l-r) Mike Isaacson, Excellence in the Arts; Steven Woolf, Lifetime Achievement in the Arts; Sheena Duncan, executive director — Pianos for People, Arts Innovator; Jim Berges, Excellence in Philanthropy; Tom Townsend, founder — Pianos for People, Arts Innovator; Larry Otto, market president, U.S. Bank, Corporate Support for the Arts; (front row l-r) Sabine Eckmann, director and chief curator — Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Excellence in the Arts; Harvey Lockhart, Art Educator of the Year; Cathy Berges, Excellence in Philanthropy; Jeanne Townsend, founder — Pianos for People, Arts Innovator

6

A&E board member, Nora Akerberg, Nick Akerberg, Terry Block

Photo credit: A&E

Photo credit: Blacktie

Photo credit: Blacktie

Elizabeth Mannen (center) with Honorees Jim and Cathy Berges

Honoree Mike Isaacson and Sally Johnston

Susan Jennings, Debbie Marshall, Eric Cunningham

2017 ST. LOUIS ARTS AWARDS:

Meet the Event Co-Chairs, Susan Block and John Russell

S

usan Block and John Russell have been good friends for many years. So when Block approached Russell about joining her as co-host for the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards, he didn’t hesitate to accept.

Happenings recently sat down with Block, owner of The Designing Block, a whimsical home furnishing and accessory shop in Clayton, and Russell, Senior Vice President and Branch Manager at Stifel, for a wide-ranging discussion about hosting the Arts Awards and the St. Louis arts scene in general.

JR: I’m a Commissioner at the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) and also serve as treasurer of that organization. I’m also on the boards of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

In New York, I chair the board of a nonprofit health care organization called Brightpoint Health, which provides medical services for the homeless and the underserved through 19 clinics around the metropolitan area.

What first drew you to the arts in general?

JR: In a word, excellent, not only as far as theater goes, but all other art forms as well. When I have friends visit me, after I take them around the various arts attractions, they almost always comment what a gem St. Louis is.

A couple of years ago, I brought two visiting friends to Opera Theatre.

Then the following year, they wanted to bring two more. This year, I expect I’ll have to rent a van for the group of out-of-towners who want to go because our opera is so first-class.

SB: It just keeps getting better and better. There is much more collaboration going on that’s making it stronger.

I am so excited by the new Fashion Incubator project on Washington Avenue and all that is going on along Cherokee Street. For me, it’s all about experiencing something new and there is so much to choose from. More people need to go out and take advantage of all the area has to offer in terms of arts and culture because there is just so much!

John Russell: As I kid, I always loved theater. I grew up in St. Clair, Missouri, where there wasn’t much of it, but moved to St. Louis for college and began taking full advantage. My main residence is in St. Louis, but I have an apartment in New York and spend ten days to two weeks every month working and living there, so I see everything.

I’ve even [personally] invested in some shows including “Fun Home,” “Kinky Boots,” “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Susan Block: I’ve always been interested in the arts and design. I’m an alumna of the Sam Fox School at Washington University where I was a fashion major; so the fact that the Kemper Museum is one of the 2017 Arts Award Honorees makes the event extra special to me.

Do you serve on any arts-related boards?

SB: I’m on the boards of the Arts and Education Council, St. Louis Fashion Fund, Friends of the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Zoo. I also am on the Alumni Board of Governors at Washington University, and was the first person from the art school to serve as the board’s chair.

Susan Block

How would you describe the St. Louis arts and culture scene?

You mentioned that one of your goals this year is for this year’s St. Louis Arts Awards raise more money for the Arts and Education Council than ever before. How do you plan to do that?

SB: We’re still in the planning stages but we’re looking at hosting an exclu-

John Russell

sive after-party for the largest donors and sponsors that would include entertainment coming in from New York.

JR: We’re hoping a party like that would motivate people to donate more money to A&E. I’ve got a baby grand piano in my home so the after-party will probably be there, at the Chase, where the Arts Awards are held.

What is it that you most enjoy about the St. Louis Arts Awards event?

SB: It’s one of the most interesting and entertaining events in St. Louis because it honors such accomplished individuals and organizations, features amazing entertainment, and draws such creative people. I especially like the videos that are done on each of the honorees because in a few minutes, you learn so much about the work they do and the passion they have for it.

JR: First, just about anything you do with Susan is fun. We’re both so excited to be part of this event that honors such awesome, talented individuals and organizations. Plus, we feel the work the Arts and Education Council does to support the arts and arts education in the St. Louis region is astounding. It’s an event that doesn’t disappoint!

7

2017 ST. LOUIS ARTS AWARDS:

Meet Ken Page: Award-winning Actor, Singer and Host of the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards

K

en Page may be best known as the voice of Mr. Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s cult classic film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Mr. Page has supplied his Oogie Boogie vocals for all the subsequent products and at all the Disney Parks. He performed recently in two sold-out performances of the “The Nightmare Before Christmas” score at The Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Mr. Page also starred in London’s West End in the original cast of Stephen Schwartz’s musical “Children of Eden” as Father.

Mr. Page made his Broadway debut in “Guys and Dolls” as Nicely Nicely Johnson in the all-black revival, for which he received the Theatre World Award. He recreated that role more recently at The Hollywood Bowl. Mr. Page’s other Broadway and New York stage credits include the Tony Awardwinning musicals “Cats” (starring in the original Broadway and film casts as Old

Deuteronomy; GRAMMY Award for Best Cast Album), “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” (Original Broadway, L.A., Paris casts; Emmy Award-winning TV special; Drama Desk Award for Best Actor, GRAMMY Award for Best Cast Album), “The Wiz,” (as the Lion), “The Wizard of Oz” (as the Cowardly Lion), “Happiness” performed at Lincoln Center, and more. Mr. Page’s film credits include “Dreamgirls” as Max Washington, “Torch Song Trilogy” as Murray, and “All Dogs Go to Heaven” as the voice of King Gator.

Mr. Page has received St. Louis’s prestigious Kevin Kline Award for his performance as King Herod in “Jesus Christ Superstar” and was nominated for a Kline Award for his work in “Les Misérables” (Monsieur Thénardier) and “Little Shop of Horrors” (voice of Audrey II) - all of which were performed on The Muny stage where he was most recently seen in “Aida” as King Amonasro. Mr. Page’s one man concert, “Page by Page,” is performed

Ken Page

across the country and has been recorded live and released on compact disc (LML Music). Mr. Page’s production of “Café Chanson” (writer/ director) received four St. Louis Theatre Circle Award nominations.

Mr. Page serves on the board of the St. Louis Tennessee Williams Festival and has taught at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy of Los Angeles and holds an honorary Bachelor of Fine Arts from this prestigious school.

In December 2015, Mr. Page directed his new play with dance, “Sublime Intimacy,” in St. Louis receiving a St. Louis Theatre Circle Award (SLTCA) nomination for best new play. Recently, he took part in the New York staged reading of the new stage musical version of “The Prince of Egypt” and will be seen at The Hollywood Bowl again in the fall of 2016 in a sold-out, threenight return of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in concert.

In January 2017, Mr. Page will grace the Khorassan Ballroom stage and entertain several hundred guests as the host of the 26th annual St. Louis Arts Awards.

For more information, visit KeepArtHappening.org/2017ArtsAwards.

Mr. Page as Nicely Nicely Johnson in a Hollywood Bowl production of “Guys and Dolls”

8

GRANTS AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:

Sullivan Area Arts Council, Monsanto Rural Community Arts Education Fund Grantee

D

edicated to improving community awareness and appreciation of the arts, the Sullivan Area Arts Council serves rural Missouri residents living in Franklin and Crawford counties. Located in Sullivan, Missouri, the Council promotes visual and performing arts in order to increase the cultural opportunities in the area and support local artists.

Happenings recently caught up with Annette Isgriggs, vice-president of the Sullivan Area Arts Council, to learn more about the organization which is funded, in part, by a Monsanto Rural Community Arts and Education Grant administered by the Arts and Education Council.

Can you give us a little background about the Sullivan Arts Council?

How long has it been around?

The Sullivan Area Arts Council was formed late in 2014. Originally called the Sullivan Patrons of the Arts under the Sullivan School District umbrella, we became our own non-profit to have our own identity.

How are the diverse activities of the Council funded?

Our annual budget is based on our 2016 membership dues totaling approximately $2,000. Annual membership is $30 for a single person, $20 for a student, and $50 for a family. We also receive great support from our community though in-kind donations. So far this year we

have received over $7,500 of in-kind donations including advertisements, volunteer hours, rental space, etc. We apply for grants but knowing that we may or may not obtain them we are careful with our budget. That said, we’ve been very fortunate and thankful to receive the Monsanto Rural Arts grant two years in a row.

What kinds of events, performances and classes does the Council offer?

This year we’ve had eight events so far, ranging from a chalk painting class to the band, Fanfare, to a photography event to a quilt appraiser talk about quilts and their history. In June, we sponsored a “Broadway Beginning Workshop” with Taylor Louderman, who is a graduate of Sullivan High School and has starred on Broadway. (See Editor’s Note.) She comes home each year and wants to give back [to the community]. This year, we had 24 kids, ranging in age from third to eighth grades, take part in the workshop that focused on singing, dancing and acting. We used the Monsanto Rural Grant to help fund the program and provide scholarships if someone couldn’t afford the nominal fee.

Are there any arts education programs you do in conjunction with the schools in the area?

The band Fanfare did a school program for grades 6 through 12, taking local

Taylor Louderman rehearses with Broadway Beginning participants.

students through the musical ages from the 1950s to the present.

What is something that most A&E supporters don’t know about the Sullivan Area Arts Council?

Probably that we are very diversified when it comes to the arts. Our programs involve visual art, music and performance. We also try to involve as many local artisans as we can. We hope we can grow by having more of them join us and share their crafts.

Anything else our readers should know?

The Sullivan Area Arts organization is run solely by a volunteer council with no paid employees. We are continually trying to grow in both scope and membership.

Editor’s Note: Taylor Louderman had a starring role in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical “Bring It On: The Musical” and recently starred as Wendy Darling in NBC’s live television production of “Peter Pan.” Ms. Louderman was first cast in musical theater at the age of ten starring in the title role of “Annie” at the Rolla, Missouri Ozark Actors Theatre. She then went on to the perform with STAGES St. Louis’ Team Stages youth group during high school and in college received her first role with The Muny in its production of “Legally Blonde.”

For more information about the Sullivan

Area Arts’ Broadway Beginnings Workshop, visit facebook.com/broadwaybeginnings.

Participants say “Thank You!” 9

It’s iconic Shakespeare reimagined through Mario Radacovsky’s choreography and Prokiev’s score.

The tale of star-crossed lovers is beautifully transformed into a passionate, dramatic ballet production full of contrasts and concepts of light and dark with simplicity of sets and costumes.

314.534.6622 or dancestlouis.org

NOV-DEC 2016 ONGOING DISCOUNTS WITH THE ARTS CARD

COCA Akeelah and the Bee

MUSTARD SEED THEATRE All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 WHEN: Nov. 11-Dec. 4; Thurs-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 & 5 pm WHERE: Fontbonne University Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd.,Clayton COST:$30-$35

JAZZ AT THE BISTRO

WHEN: Nov 4-5; Fri 7 pm; Sat 5 pm WHERE: 524 Trinity Avenue, University City

Offers 2-for-1 admission to most 9:30 pm shows Wed-Thur. For details call 314.571.6000 or go to jazzstl.org

COST: $8-$12 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card for 5 pm show Akeelah has a crazy passion for words: the more abstruse and labyrinthine, the better. But this gift is almost overwhelmed by the challenge of her daily life in a tough, Chicago neighborhood. Akeelah’s aptitude earns her a spot in the National Spelling Bee, which inspires the people in her neighborhood with her courage and tenacity. 314.561.4877 or cocastl.org

NOVEMBER EVENTS CINEMA ST. LOUIS St. Louis International Film Festival WHEN: Nov 3-13 WHERE: Multiple venues including the Tivoli Theatre, Plaza Frontenac Cinema, Washington University’s Brown Hall, Webster University’s Winifred Moore Auditorium and Hi-Pointe Backlot

DANCE ST. LOUIS Romeo & Juliet starring Grand Rapids Ballet WHEN: Nov 4-5, Fri and Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm

COST: Free-$15 for individual tickets, $13 general admission DISCOUNT: $3 off general admission at most venues with ARTS Card Now celebrating 25 years, SLIFF showcases the best cutting-edge features and short films from around the world. The majority of the more than 400-plus films screened will receive their only St. Louis exposure at the festival. 314.289.4150 or cinemastlouis.org

WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center One University Blvd, St. Louis

DISCOUNT: $10 off admission with ARTS Card Back for a 4th (and final) year, this a capella musical ponders a moment of peace in the middle of war, featuring excerpts from soldiers’ letters and diaries. 314.719.8060 or mustardseedtheatre.com

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Slatkin Conducts Porgy & Bess

WHEN: Nov 13, Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with ARTS Card, (excludes boxes) Immerse yourself in the moving tale of love and loss that is Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, a classic that draws on jazz roots and southern folk songs with timeless tunes including “Summertime.”

314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

COST: $30-$50 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with ARTS Card (Parterre Sides or Grand Tier. Discount expires Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. Tickets must be ordered through Dance St. Louis Box Office to receive discount.)

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Mozart Requiem

WHEN: Nov 18 & 20; Fri, 8 pm, Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Tchaikovsky 5

COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with ARTS Card, (excludes boxes)

WHEN: Nov 4; Fri, 8 pm

Speaking to the spiritual connection of humanity, the STL Symphony is joined by the STL Symphony Chorus and the St. Louis Children’s Choirs performing the works of Ives, John Adams and Mozart. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card (excludes boxes) Witness outstanding talent on display from Glinka’s energetic and heroic Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture to some of Tchaikovsky’s greatest melodies in his Fifth Symphony.

314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

Romeo & Juliet at Dance St. Louis

Events Key 10

Cinema

Classical

Dance

Jazz

Music

Speaker

Theater

Visual Arts

Alarm Will Sound at Sheldon Concert Hall

SAINT LOUIS GUITAR SOCIETY Grisha Goryachev

WHEN: Nov 19, Sat, 7:30 pm WHERE: The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis COST: $24-$28 DISCOUNT: $2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (call or use promo code: A&E on website) This Russian virtuoso flamenco and classical guitarist should not be missed. 314.229.8686 or guitarstlouis.net

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Beethoven’s Emperor WHEN: Nov 25 & 27; Fri, 8 pm, Sun, 3 pm

DECEMBER EVENTS NEW JEWISH THEATRE Driving Miss Daisy WHEN: Dec 1-18, Wed-Thur, 7:30 pm; Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm (also at 7:30 on Dec 4) WHERE: Wool Studio Theatre at the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Dr, Creve Coeur COST: $39.50-$43.50; $15 students DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with the ARTS Card (discount not available online) Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp-tongued widow grudgingly agrees to her son’s demands and begins a 25 year relationship between herself and Hoke Colburn, who becomes her driver.

314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org

WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with ARTS Card, (excludes boxes) Experience pianist Stephen Hough and the STL Symphony performing the mightiest of Beethoven’s piano concertos, the “Emperor.”

314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS A Christmas Carol WHEN: Nov 30-Dec 24; Tues, 7 pm; Wed-Fri, 8 pm; selected Wed, 1:30 pm; Sat 5 pm; Sun, 2 pm, selected Sun, 7 pm WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves COST: $17.50-$79.50

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Nutcracker WHEN: Dec 2 & 4; Fri, 8 pm, Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with ARTS Card, (excludes boxes) Concertmaster David Halen shines as soloist in a suite of beloved selections from “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake. “Plus the entire family will enjoy music from Act II from “The Nutcracker” featuring projected visuals presented in partnership with the Webster University Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. Note that this is not a dance performance. This performance will include visual projections set to enhance the music. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

WHEN: Dec 9-10; Sat, 1 & 5 pm; Sun, 1 pm WHERE: 524 Trinity Avenue, University City COST: $14-$18 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card for 1 pm show COCA’s Ballet Eclectica presents the tale of Degas’ famous sculpture The Little Dancer that comes to life and discovers the world through experiencing works of art. 314.561.4877 or cocastl.org

SHELDON CONCERT HALL Alarm Will Sound WHEN: Dec 15; Thurs, 8 pm WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis COST: $20 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card (Tickets are available by presenting the card in advance at the Fox Theatre Box office at 531 N. Grand, or on the night of show at The Sheldon Box Office between 7-8 pm) The cutting-edge chamber performs ensemble the newest music composed today with energetic virtuosity and a sense of adventure, creating programs that span a wide range of styles.

314.533.9900 or TheSheldon.org

COCA Winter Voice Concert WHEN: Dec 17; Sat, 5 pm WHERE: 524 Trinity Avenue, University City COST: $6-$10

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card Nov 30-Dec 9 On Christmas Eve, the miser Ebenezer Scrooge is given a chance at redemption as he’s visited by four ghosts — his old partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future — who teach him it’s never too late to change. 314.968.4925 or repstl.org

COCA The Little Dancer

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card

For all the latest ARTS Card and Free events, visit KeepArtHappening.org/Calendar.

Allegro and Adagio, COCA’s vocal music companies, bring an energizing repertoire of musical theatre, pop and winter classics to the stage. 314.561.4877 or cocastl.org

11

GRANTS AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:

A&E Announces 2016-17 Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers Grants

T

he Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers is a unique A&E partnership that provides critical funds to arts education programs serving St. Louis area school districts.

Maritz and the Arts and Education Council partner to offer this unique funding opportunity to individual schools and nonprofit organizations to support projects and opportunities that encourage creativity in the classroom; the grants are administered by the Arts and Education Council and funded through a significant, leadership gift from Maritz. The distinctive funding program enables teachers to apply directly for a grant to use during the school year. The Fund’s goal is to support classroom-based projects and artistic opportunities that engage students in the creative process.

The 2016-17 Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers Grantees (in alphabetical order):

BOONSLICK STATE SCHOOL Art Unleashed and the Boonslick State School will partner to provide high quality arts education to students with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Boonslick State School provides an outstanding educational environment for these special students whose unique needs cannot be met in a typical public school setting. Art Unleashed is an independent non-profit organization created to enrich the lives of students of all ages and abilities. The students reside in seven different school districts across St. Charles County.Art Unleashed uses the visual arts as a vehicle to cultivate individual’s creative self-expression, improve artistic abilities, and enhance self-esteem in a safe and welcoming environment.

This Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers grant will allow Art Unleashed to provide Boonslick students with much-needed access to arts edu-

12

cation at no cost to their families or to the School.

FERGUSON-FLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT

BROWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Doug Erwin, Fine Arts Content Coordinator for the Ferguson-Florissant School District and recipient of A&E’s 2016 St. Louis Arts Awards Art Educator of the Year, will coordinate an all-district music theater production of “The Wiz” at the Florissant Civic Center. “The Wiz” won the 1975 Tony Award for “Best Musical” and offers a soulful retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic, “The Wizard of Oz.” The District’s Maritz grant provides critical funding for this production that will involve over 600 students and faculty from 23 elementary, middle and high school and high schools. More than 3,000 community members are anticipated to attend the performances.

Brown Elementary School’s grant will support a fifth grade theatrical production of Maniac Magee, a Newberry Medal Award-winning novel. The book was written by author, Jerry Spinelli, and deals with the issues of racism and homelessness through the eyes of the book’s protagonist, Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee. Jeffrey is an orphan who finds himself in the city of Two Mills — a city divided physically in half

by Hector Street and divided emotionally in half by racism. Jeffrey crisscrosses the two halves effortless and shows how one person can have a positive impact in bringing a community together. The production will be presented for the entire Hazelwood School District community. Audience and staff members will be invited to further explore the issues raised in the production through small group discussions conducted each month at the school.

LA SALLE MIDDLE SCHOOL Funding from the Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers will fund a partnership between La Salle Middle School and the Center of Creative Arts (COCA — an A&E grantee) to provide expanded performing arts opportunities to fifth through eighth grades.

COCA instructors will offer classes in vocal music performance, West African drumming, and West African dance and choreography. La Salle Middle School and COCA will offer six, sixweek classes each quarter. To remove barriers to participation, this Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers grant assists the school with offering the classes at no cost and in an afterschool setting, removing the challenges of both expense and transportation.

GRISCOM PUBLIC SCHOOL

Brown Elementary will present a theatrical production of Maniac Magee

Griscom Public School is an alternative school serving grades 5 – 12 and is located in the St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center. Currently the school offers no art instruction due to budgetary constraints. This grant will allow

NORMANDY SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE 7TH & 8TH GRADE CENTER

Keeven Elementary will purchase Orff Instruments for music classroom

Griscom Public School to partner with Craft Alliance (an A&E grantee) to provide hands-on art instruction in the school three times per week for the duration of the 2016-17 academic year.

Students will receive instruction and opportunities for creative exploration in drawing, painting, textile arts, ceramics and printmaking. The program will be designed to help these incarcerated young people utilize the arts to envision problems and possible solutions; develop group awareness and how their abilities contribute to the larger community; and encourage responsibility, leadership and improved self-esteem.

KEEVEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Nearly 400 students will benefit from Keeven Elementary School’s purchase of fifteen (15) Orff instruments for use in their music classroom through this Maritz Fund for Teachers grant. German composer, Carl Orff, and a colleague devised a developmental music instruction plan to combine music, speech, drama and movement in a natural and comfortable environment. The Orff Approach utilizes affordable instruments that — when purchased by proceeds from this grant — will serve Keeven Elementary School for many years; ultimately impacting thousands of students over the course of the instruments’ life span. The grant allows students to have hands-on musical experience and advanced training that would be otherwise impossible by just listening to or reading about music.

LIFT FOR LIFE ACADEMY “I’m not going to pretend like we all have perfect lives, but we’re all here and learning. And there’s a lot of talent — a lot. Having a place to combine our

Since its inceptions in 2010, the Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers has awarded over $215,000 to support arts education in schools across the bi-state region.

Show-Me Sound Organization will partner with Normandy Schools to provide an outstanding opportunity for students to participate in an after-school percussive arts education project. “Beating Challenges” will serve seventh and eighth graders with a program that fosters discipline, focus and teamwork while encouraging improved school attendance.

The program will be offered each day that school is in session for the duration of the academic year. Students will participate in a culminating performance in the spring entitled, “2017 SHOWDOWN: A Drumline Celebration of Difference and Intersection.”

ST. LOUIS COLLEGE PREP talent and our stories would be awesome.” These are the words of a Lift for Life Academy student that prompted the school to partner with St. Lou Fringe to create an after-school Drama Club with the assistance of a Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers grant. The club’s objective is to deliver a high-impact theatre arts program that delivers so much more than acting skills: character building, leadership, creative thinking and a positive, healthy lifestyle via exploration through acting and the telling of participants’ personal stories. The Drama Club’s efforts and work will culminate in a public performance at the end of the school year.

NORMANDY HIGH SCHOOL With the assistance of a Maritz Fund for Teachers grant, the Normandy Fine Arts Department will bring healing and unity to their North St. Louis community by rallying students and audiences around a production of “Dreamgirls: All You Have to Do is Dream.” The production will be under the leadership of Duane Martin Foster, Drama and Choir Director and recipient of A&E’s 2013 St. Louis Arts Award for Art Educator of the Year. By presenting a popular — yet poignant — story about dreams, High School students will engage in conversations and discussions that will help them develop more positive and uplifting vision for their futures.

St. Louis College Prep is a school that provides college-track education to low income students in St. Louis City. The Maritz Fund for Teachers grant will expand the school’s current art offerings to include ceramics and digital photography. The grant will allow the school to purchase two potter’s wheels, two point-and-shoot cameras, two Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, a quality photo printer plus necessary supplies and software. Participating students will display their completed pottery and photography works at the Historic Shaw Art Fair in 2017. The equipment purchase through this grant will continue to serve students for many years to come.

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT The Valley Park School District is experiencing a resurgence in band participation. The program has grown from just 20 students to over 150 students in the past five years and the school needs more instruments to meet the demand.

The District once only offered concert band, but now offer students across multiple grades the opportunity to participate in pep band, marching band and/or jazz band. Not all students can afford to purchase or rent instruments so this Maritz Fund for Teachers grant will allow the District to purchase new instruments as well as rehearsal materials including music stands and sheet music.

13

GRAND CENTER ARTS DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD:

The Grand Opening of The .ZACK Performing Arts Incubator

I

n October, the Grand Center Arts District welcomed the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s newest arts initiative, The .ZACK. Housed in the historic Cadillac Building on Locust Street, The .ZACK will follow the popular cooperative model of tech-incubators to become a performing arts incubator — joining the Arts and Education Council’s Centene Center for the Arts (also in Grand Center) which opened as an arts accelerator in 2006.

After the opening and successful first year of the Marcel Theater in Midtown, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation team realized that there was huge potential for more growth for both new and established arts organizations. “We saw a real need in the theatre and dance community to have a venue and to have a certain infrastructure that’s hard to find,” says Chris Hansen, executive director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. “The backbone of this infrastructure is the idea of sharing resources and ideas between local performing arts organizations.”

Kranzberg Arts Foundation founder Ken Kranzberg adds, “Nancy (Ken’s wife) and I have always felt that one of the most important things St. Louis has to offer is its cultural vibrancy — not

just in terms of the large institutions, but also the small grassroots organizations that bring enormous diversity to the city’s cultural landscape.”

Kranzberg continues, “We made up our minds that we wanted to do something that would help make that possible. Local artists need professional spaces in which to show their talents and hone their crafts; and these are the things that drive people to live and work in the city.”

After extensive review of over 20 applications by a panel of local arts professional, ten performing arts organizations were selected as .ZACK’s first tenants.

Amenities provided to the organizations by The .ZACK include rehearsal space, prop storage, scene shop and a black box theatre that seats over 200 people. Benefits of tenancy at the .ZACK stretch to include access to the Kranzberg Art Foundation’s other facilities, including the Kranzberg Art Center also located in the Grand Center Arts District.

Cooperative work space is not all that The .ZACK has to offer. In addition to the space dedicated specifically to the performing arts organizations, .ZACK will also be home to a record store, restaurant and leisure spaces.

The .Zack makes its home in the Cadillac Building in Grand Center

14

The .ZACK tenants: Artists for a Cause Consuming Kinetics Dance Co. Ignite Theatre Co. Insight Theatre Co. R-S Theatrics Specdrum Tennessee Williams Festival Tesseract Theatre Theatre Lab Harvey Lockhart’s “Heal Center for the Arts”

David Kirkland, head chef of the Central West End’s Café Osage, is set to open Turn for breakfast and lunch, and will also serve as The .ZACK’S exclusive caterer. The goal of incorporating all of these elements is to create a place for St. Louisans to dine, shop and see a show — all in the same place — creating an engaging and complete arts experience.

For more information on .ZACK visit Facebook.com/ZACKonLocust. For more information the Kranzberg Arts Center, visit KranzbergArtsCenter.org/.

Architect’s rendering of The .Zack lobby

GRANTS AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:

House of Pais, PNC Project Grant Recipient

S

ometimes it’s youngsters in need of the arts the most who have little-to-no access to them at all.

That conundrum is why House of Pais — Youth Development Center, located at in the Academy neighborhood of North St. Louis, launched “Children of Promise.” The program (an A&E PNC Project Grant recipient), strives to empower young people with various challenges from low-income households in the St. Louis area by introducing them to the arts.

“We began Children of Promise in the early 1990s when schools began discontinuing arts programs because of a lack of funding,” says Feryle Cooper, associate executive director of House of Pais. “We wanted to help young people develop and continue their own creative abilities, and become better acquainted with their talents. We also wanted to use the arts to help them build self-esteem.”

The nonprofit, which was begun

by Cooper in 1988, provides support services to children and young adults between the ages six and twenty-one with behavioral, social and/or physical challenges. The Center offers individual and group counseling, art therapy, recreation therapy, life skills training and specialized learning opportunities to help children more effectively navigate their classrooms and home situations.

“We also work closely with the children’s families so that these kids can reach their full potential,” adds Cooper. “Some of our children have particularly difficult concerns and get teased about them. They may go to special classes to get help with reading or math. Some of our kids have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and act out in the classroom.

Their parents might not understand what their child is going through, so we are here to help them understand and support them and their child.”

Cooper estimates that Children of Promise works with about 100 children each year with programs typically taking place after school and on Saturdays.

Community professionals teach the

various arts classes. For example, artist Sheow Chang helped Children of Promise students combine Asian and Western styles to create 3-D sculpture that were exhibited at the Taylor Community Science Resource Center at the St. Louis Science Center.

Photographer Lois Ingrum taught students the basics of digital photography and helped them document their Academy neighborhood by capturing its people, homes, churches and businesses in photographs that were displayed in the Public Policy Research Center’s Photography Project Gallery at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

“And we now have instruments — guitars, keyboards and we just got some drums — so students will have a chance to learn to play [music] both individually and together,” continues Cooper. “Some of these children have behavior problems and need help learning to be kind and listening to one another. Playing music together can help them to learn those skills.”

Cooper says the mission of House of Pais is always to increase a young person’s self-esteem and self-worth.

“We know that the arts have the power to do that, which is why Children of Promise is so effective.”

For more information about House of

Pais and Children of Promise, visit hpais.org.

To view the House of Pais children’s photography exhibit, visit gallery.umsl.edu/v/PPRC/.

“I’m Happy!” Photo by Mikala N.

“1327” Photo by George A. 15

GRANTS AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:

Cinema St. Louis, PNC Project Grant Recipient

C

inema St. Louis’s flagship event, the Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the Midwest’s premiere film festival, featuring more than 300 films over a period of ten days (November 3 – 13, 2016). The 2016 Film Festival received a PNC Project Grant administered by the Arts and Education Council.

The first St. Louis Film Festival was held in 1992 with the mission of promoting the art of cinema and expanding the availability of cinema experiences.

After a successful first year, showing 25 films to upwards of 4,500 people, the Festival was given its current name to emphasize its international scope.

The St. Louis International Film Festival showcases films at a number of locations across St. Louis in order to provide guests a chance to enjoy the full spectrum of the St. Louis film and

Some of most notable films being shown this year include “Jackie”, starring Natalie Portman and directed by Pablo Larrain; “Lion” starring Dev Patel and directed by Garth Davis; “Elle” starring Isabelle Huppert directed by Paul Verhoeven; and “Manchester by the Sea” directed by Kenneth Lonergan.

For a complete film list and schedule for the 25th annual Whittaker St. Louis

arts scene. Venues chosen for SLIFF 2016 include the Tivoli Theatre, Washington University’s Brown Hall Auditorium, Plaza Frontenac, the Missouri History Museum, Webster University, Ritenour High School, Urban Chestnut Brewery, the new .ZACK arts accelerator space in the Grand Center Arts District, the new Delmar Hall in University City among several more.

The 2016 Festival features films that span many genres in both the documentary and narrative categories.

International Film Festival, or more information about Cinema St. Louis, visit cinemastlouis.org.

“Elle” Natalie Portman stars in “Jackie”

16

CORPORATE AND WORKPLACE GIVING:

Ameren Associates and Corporation Contribute More than $167,000 to A&E in 2016

I

n the true spirit of corporate citizenship, Ameren and its associates have contributed more than $167,000 to the Arts and Education Council in 2016.

In April of this year, Ameren employees launched their annual workplace giving initiative for A&E, raising over $102,000 from more than 950 associate contributors.

Ameren Corporation renewed its company support for A&E with a $50,000 contribution to the annual campaign which supports nearly 70 arts and arts education organizations across sixteen counties in Missouri and Illinois.

Additionally, Ameren renewed its lead sponsorship of the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards in January — returning as the “Gift Sponsor” with a contribution of $15,000. Proceeds from the 26th Annual gala event will augment A&E’s campaign and help provide additional professional development training for arts professionals as well as startup and incubation services for fifteen arts organizations currently housed in A&E’s Centene Center for the Arts located in the Grand Center Arts District.

“Ameren’s mission is to power the quality of life for millions of people, so

it’s fitting we support an organization that shares a commitment of enhancing the quality of life within our region,” said Shawn Schukar, Ameren senior vice president of Transmission, A&E board member and chair of the company’s 2016 campaign. “We appreciate all that the Arts and Education Council has offered in enriching and positively shaping the culture of the St. Louis community.”

Ameren and the Arts and Education Council have forged a strong partnership in securing the vibrancy of our community through strengthening and growing St. Louis’s arts and culture industry. Ameren made its very first corporate investment in A&E in 1965 – just two years after the organization’s founding. Ameren associates quickly joined the company’s commitment to the arts just two years later; hosting their first A&E Workplace Giving initiative in 1967. In the past 50 years, Ameren and its employees have con-

tributed nearly $6 million to support arts and arts education throughout the bi-state region.

In 2010, the Arts and Education Council recognized Ameren’s commitment to the arts by awarding the company the “Corporate Support for the Arts” award at the 2010 St. Louis Arts Awards. At the 2015 St. Louis Arts Awards, Ameren’s then-retiring executive, Tom Voss, and the company’s current chairman, president and CEO, Warner Baxter, were recognized for “Corporate Leadership in the Arts.”

For more information about hosting an

A&E Workplace Giving Campaigns, visit http: //keeparthappening.org/make-your-impact.

Warner Baxter and Tom Voss receiving the 2015 St. Louis Arts Award for Corporate Leadership in the Arts

STARTUP-STL CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGNS:

Strings Attached Project Seeks to Raise $3,500

S

ince 2009, the Strings Attached project has provided low-cost music lessons using guitars and ukuleles to youth in Ferguson and St. Louis City. Each lesson provided by Strings Attached is an individual, one-to-one session for 1/2 hour or small ensemble creations in a group setting. Youth learn to read music, chord charts, engage in ensemble performance and give back to the community by sharing their talents in community settings, recitals and benefit performances.

Each year the project awards instruments to youth who attend lessons regularly, practice, and give back to the community through public performance. To date, the project has given 70 quality instruments and cases to deserving youth.

You can help this outstanding project by donating to their A&E stARTup-StL Campaign. Strings Attached’s goal is raising $3,500 to purchase eleven (11) additional instruments and cases. The instruments will enable more youth to practice at home and get involved in school, church and/or community music programs.

Quality instruments can last a lifetime and for generations to come!

To donate to the Strings Attached crowdfunding project, visit KeepArtHappening.org/

Strings Attached guitar students

make-your-impact/stARTup-StL. For more information on the Strings Attached Project, visit stringsattached.info.

17

LEAVING AN ARTS LEGACY:

Jane Stamper, 1944–2012 The Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis recently received an extraordinary estate gift from Ms. Jane Stamper. We invite you to learn more about this inspiring woman who gave so generously; ensuring A&E continues to grow the artistic and cultural vibrancy of our region for generations to come.

J

ane Stamper lived a life filled

Massachusetts before discovering the

with adventures. She was also a

beautiful Arkansas Ozarks.

mother, grandmother, sister, aunt,

In 1969, Ms. Stamper married Mr.

neighbor, friend, artist, conservationist,

Ken Lake in St. Louis, Missouri at Ladue

farmer, feminist, and philanthropist.

Chapel. They settled in the heart of the

Ms. Stamper was born and raised in St.

Arkansas Ozarks above the Murray

Louis, Missouri where she attended the

Valley in 1972 after falling in love with

Community School and John Burroughs

the land on a chance visit to Dogpatch,

School from which she graduated in

USA. They raised grass-fed beef cattle

1962. She was a 1966 graduate of Smith

and organic produce. Jane and Ken had

College in Northampton, Massachusetts

one daughter and separated in 1989.

with a degree in Fine Arts. Ms. Stamper

Jane Stamper

Ms. Stamper continued to live on her

A watercolor by Ms. Stamper

Association. After cancer treatment

was a prolific artist through the 1960s

beloved farm until her illness required

and 1970s favoring engraving, block

more care than she could manage

printing, water colors, charcoal and

alone. She remained a guardian of the

pastel drawing. She had a lifelong love

wilderness and a strong protector of

of art, music and drama. She traveled

the beautiful hills where she lived. She

extensively in Europe and Latin America

was actively involved in environmental

and was fluent in multiple languages.

issues for decades and was an original

of Development, at 314-289-4003 or

She lived in California, Colorado and

member of the Newton County Wildlife

Kate-F@KeepArtHappening.org.

was no longer a viable option, Ms. Stamper moved to Austin, Texas to live out the rest of her days with her family.

To learn more about the benefits of legacy

giving to the Arts and Education Council, please contact Kate Francis, Vice President

CORPORATE SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS:

Wells Fargo Advisors Contributes $50,000

W

ells Fargo Advisors and the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis (A&E) announced a continued partnership in the areas of arts and culture. Wells Fargo Advisors’ unrestricted investment of $50,000 in one of the nation’s oldest united arts funds expands access to creativity, encourages collaboration between diverse cultural genres and helps build capacity among local arts organizations in the bi-state, metropolitan region.

“From Wells Fargo Advisor’s first year in the St. Louis market, the company has generously supported and partnered with the Arts and Education Council to realize our mission to create a vibrant community for all,” says A&E President and CEO, Cynthia Prost. “Wells Fargo Advisors has fully embraced St. Louis’s extraordinary philanthropic climate, particularly where the arts are concerned.”

The Arts and Education Council has

18

provided critical financial support for established and emerging St. Louis arts organizations since 1963. Today, nearly 70 institutions supported by A&E through grants, professional development services, and accelerator space at the Centene Center for the Arts engage, educate and entertain over 1.7 million adults and children throughout 16 counties. Cumulatively, the region’s arts and culture sector generates more than $582 million in economic impact, supports nearly 30,000 jobs and draws over 11 million visitors and residents to performances, exhibits, classes and workshops each year.

“The arts are a catalyst for promoting exposure, understanding, awareness and unity,” said Vanessa Cooksey, senior vice president of community affairs. “Art brings people together in a meaningful way and it is with this in mind that Wells Fargo Advisors proudly supports the Arts & Education Council.

We view investment in the arts as critical to maximizing human potential and igniting community conversations that will move our region forward. This investment with the Arts and Education Council helps Wells Fargo Advisors meet several of its charitable priorities and makes a significant, immediate impact in our community.”

Bob Vorlop, Wells Fargo Advisors and Cynthia Prost, A&E

Circle of Giving August 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016 The following donors have made gifts that enable the Arts and Education Council to help preserve St. Louis’ legacy of artistic excellence and enrich its cultural community. A&E appreciates the continued support from these individuals, businesses and organizations. Thank you! $750,000+ Jane Stamper Trust $50,000 - $99,999.99 Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust PNC Foundation $10,000 - $24,999.99 Centene Charitable Foundation $5,000 - $9,999.99 Mrs. Adele B. Dilschneider Ernst & Young LLP Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Galvin $2,500 -$4,999.99 BKD, LLP Ms. Sandy Blasingame and Mr. Gary Hall Dr. William H. Danforth Stanley and Lucy Lopata Charitable Foundation

$1,000 - $2,499.99 Mr. A. J. Bardol, Jr. Mr. Leonard T. Eschbach Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Lee Ms. Penelope Pennington and Mr. Mike Fidler Riverview Gardens School District Mr. Orlando B. Rodgers $500 - $999.99 Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Allen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Ciapciak Mr. Frank J. Guyol, III Ms. Susan B. Knowles Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Offerman Dr. and Mrs. Gordon W. Philpott Mr. Franklin F. Wallis

Centene Center for the Arts 3547 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-1014 p 314.289.4000 f 314.289.4019

2016 Board of Directors CHAIR Leonard T. Eschbach SECRETARY Peter Sargent TREASURER Ruth Saphian MEMBERS Nora Akerberg Susan Block Sheila Burkett Chris Cedergreen Diane Drollinger John Gianoulakis Barbara B. Goodman Kristin J. Guehlstorf Jason Hall Cary D. Hobbs Nicole Hudson C. Brendan Johnson

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Terrance J. Good EX-OFFICIO Cynthia A. Prost Noah Vasquez

2016 Young Friends of the Arts Board of Directors

In Tribute

PRESIDENT Noah Vasquez

August 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016 In honor of the marriage of Henry Ettman and Rosalyn Schultz Ms. Francine Less and Mr. Richard Wark

In honor of Steven Woolf and Mike Isaacson Mrs. Sally C. Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Scott, III

In honor of Jim & Cathy Berges Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Galvin

MEMBERS Teresa Braeckel Morgan Clark Tom Epstein Kelly Hummert

Jorie Jacobi Kate Maxson Thomas SanFilippo Erin Schreiber Adam Stanley Noah Vasquez Vanessa Vasquez

Staff PRESIDENT & CEO Cynthia A. Prost

Peter H. Bunce • Ann M. Corrigan Joseph E. Corrigan • Karen J. Isbell James A. Krekeler • Glenn Sheffield Judith Cozad Smith • Jane Stamper Trust Michael W. Weisbrod

To make your gift to the A&E, visit KeepArtHappening.org or contact Kate Francis, Vice President of Development, at (314) 289-4003 or Kate-F@KeepArtHappening.org.

Tenants of the Centene Center for the Arts Arts and Education Council

Cinema St. Louis

Make Music St. Louis, Inc.

African Heritage Association of St. Louis, Inc.

Circus Flora

Peter Martin Music

Creative Reaction Lab

Prison Performing Arts

African Musical Arts

Equally Represented Arts (ERA)

St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association

Gateway Center for Performing Arts

Upstream Theater

Association of American Voices Bach Society of St. Louis

Gateway Men’s Chorus

AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts)

Eric Koestner Kenneth Kranzberg Linda Lee Janet Newcomb Dorte Probstein Rachelle Rowe Shawn Schukar Donald M. Senti Mary Ann Srenco Susan A. Stith Andrew Trivers Carol J. Voss Caren Vredenburgh

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION & GRANTS Susan Rowe Jennings VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT Kate Francis CONTROLLER Joseph Soer DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Dorothy Powell

DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION Tonya Hahne Patricia Tichacek DEVELOPMENT & EVENTS MANAGER Melissa Howe ONLINE GIVING & GRANTS COORDINATOR Mandi Hanway MARKETING CONSULTANT Ellen Futterman

WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGN MANAGER Heather Edwards

YoungLiars stlouis.bbb.org

19

Centene Center for the Arts 3547 Olive Street St. Louis, Missouri 63103-1014

When the Arts Thrive, Our City Thrives The Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis is an arts catalyst organization providing funding, training, collaboration and expansion opportunities for nearly 70 arts and arts education organizations each year.

Your gift to A&E will provide positive arts experiences that will impact over 1.7 million children and adults and improve our overall quality of life. Help create a vibrant community for all to enjoy — make your gift today! Visit KeepArtHappening.org/Give.

/ArtsAndEducation

@ArtEdStl

Arts_Education_Council

ArtsAndEducSTL 2013 Missouri Arts Award-Philanthropy

2012 Spirit of Philanthropy Award