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MAR-APR 2017
Letter from the President Greetings!
A&E BUILDS A THRIVING ARTS COMMUNITY AND IMPACTS MILLIONS OF PEOPLE THROUGH MULTI-FACETED PROGRAMS: Operating and Project Grants Arts Education Grants for Teachers Rural Community Arts Grants Arts Incubation at the Centene Center for the Arts Catalyst Innovation Lab stARTup-STL Crowdfunding Arts Leadership Management Academy Executive Directors Roundtable Arts Marketers Professional Development Annual St. Louis Arts Awards Young Friends of the Arts KEEP ART HAPPENING WITH YOUR GIFT TODAY! www.KeepArtHappening.org/Give
& Policy: 5 Arts Mayoral Candidates Weigh In
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Spring will soon be upon us in the St. Louis region. The dreary skies will become crystal clear, the bare trees will bloom, the grass will green and the breezes will warm. Many a poet has reflected on the literal and figurative meaning of spring as an opportunity for revival, resurgence and nature’s physical proof that after a long, dark, cold winter - our world is once again thriving. If you think about it, the broad and diverse arts and culture offerings in our region provide us with year-round opportunities for revitalization and stimulation. There’s nothing more invigorating than a cold, brisk walk down Grand Avenue only to nestle warmly into the red velvet seats of Powell Hall to be wowed by our world-class orchestra. There’s nothing more energizing than taking your family (including your pet(s)!) to run, walk and picnic in the open air of Laumeier Sculpture Park. There’s nothing more stimulating than sitting amongst thousands of people for free concerts on Art Hill or Twilight Tuesdays at the Missouri History Museum to forge connections and build our sense of community. And there’s nothing more enriching than walking slowly, silently and deliberately through the Saint Louis Art Museum or one of our many art galleries to experience quiet, reflective moments that engage our minds and challenge our views. This issue of Happenings is dedicated to exploring the Arts and Education Council’s central tenet that when the arts thrive, our city thrives. On the following pages, you’ll hear from current government leadership from across the bi-state region about their commitment to the arts and its role in their communities. We’ve also asked the City of St. Louis mayoral candidates to weigh-in on the role arts will have in their potential administration. We’ll introduce you to two new tenants of A&E’s Centene Center for the Arts, a new arts advocacy group working to ensure arts and culture have a seat at policy-making tables, as well as several other A&E grantees doing outstanding work in arts education, rural access to the arts and the interconnection of arts and faith. As a contributor to A&E, you can — and should — take pride in your own role in advancing the vibrancy of our region. Thank you for your extraordinary support and encourage your friends and family to consider supporting A&E as well. Together, we keep art happening!
Sincerely,
Cynthia A. Prost President and CEO P.S. A&E is also proud to announce its own initiative to grow new and innovative arts programming in our community. At the 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards, A&E — in partnership with the PNC Foundation — launched a “stARTup Competition” to encourage individuals and organizations to dream big and propose ideas to address a community challenge or need through the arts and/or arts education. You can read more about this exciting new program on page 9.
Accelerating Access 9 the 10 Arts: the Arts: stARTup Competition
Know & Go Calendar
14 Grantee Spotlight:
Highland Arts Council
ARTS & COMMUNITY:
Area Leadership on the Impact of the Arts
T
“If there’s anything I can say
he Arts and Education Council firmly believes the arts are essential for a thriving city and
are fundamental to what it means to
The results of the survey were based
that I’m proud of, it’s all the positive
on 137 nonprofit arts and culture orga-
changes in St. Peters, including
nizations and interviews with audience
the arts and culture here, which
members at cultural events. It notes
be human. Recently, Happenings
make this community such
caught up with current leadership from
a great place to live.”
across the bi-state region to discuss
— Len Pagano,
the arts as a critical component of
Mayor of St. Peters
quality of life and as an economic
that while the country was steeped in a recession in 2008-2009 and unemployment almost doubled, arts and culture in St. Louis experienced growth. “One of the things that makes the St. Louis region unique is its arts and cul-
driver for the area.
ture legacy,” said Tony Paraino, director
Len Pagano says one of the first things he did when he became mayor of
During the summer, we have young
of communications at Explore St. Louis.
St. Peters 10 years ago was champion
kids come here for programs of all lev-
He notes that at the beginning of the
a move of the city’s art center from a
els in all disciplines of art — singing,
20th-century, St. Louis was the nation’s
freestanding building that “was out of
dancing, theater, instruments, painting.
fourth largest city.
the way” to St. Peters City Hall.
There are art classes going on here all
“I didn’t want to put any more money into sports. I wanted to move into the arts because I believe it raises
“We have a phenomenal list of cul-
the time. You can’t help but hear or see
tural institutions and attractions here
it when you enter the building.”
that date back to the 1904 World’s Fair,
Pagano says residents have told him
or even earlier. Many cities our size
the cultural lives of the citizens living
they moved to St. Peters because of the
don’t have half of what we have.
here, betters their quality of life and
city’s vibrant arts scene. They like that
Visitors always seem impressed by
brings more people to our community,”
they can take classes or see a play or
all we have to offer and the fact that
says Pagano, 72, who was elected
concert a few miles from their home as
so much of it is free — the Saint Louis
mayor of St. Peters in 2007 after serv-
well as drive a relatively short distance
Art Museum, the Zoo, the Pulitzer
ing as an alderman there since 1983.
to enjoy so many of the St. Louis region’s
(Arts Foundation), the Contemporary
“In 2010, our city hall was basically
cultural institutions and attractions.
Art Museum (an A&E grantee). Our
converted into an arts center. Now any
Talk to community leaders through-
thriving arts scene is an added bonus
person, any business, any child, any
out the bi-state area and they are likely
in attracting tourism and conventions
senior who walks into city hall is
to say the arts are critical to the finan-
to St. Louis.”
greeted by art. Our walls displaying
cial health and vibrancy of our region.
visual art change every eight weeks.
Not only do they enhance the quality of life for residents by energizing and
Arts and culture are vital to regional growth that in 2012, the city of St. Louis (continued on page 4)
inspiring them, but they also provide a Courtesy Kranzberg Arts Foundation.
Courtesy City of St. Peters, Missouri.
multi-million dollar boom to the region’s economy. A study released in 2012 by the Regional Arts Commission in partnership with Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, found: ■
The arts are a $582.3 million
industry in the St. Louis region that grew 4 percent since 2007 ■
The arts support nearly 30,000
full-time equivalent jobs both directly and indirectly ■
Visitors to St. Peters’s Cultural Arts Centre within City Hall enjoy rotating visual art displays. The Centre also presents performing arts events and community art classes for residents.
More people take advantage of the
region’s arts performances and cultural institutions than attend Cardinals, Blues and Rams (when they were in St. Louis) games combined.
Rendering of the renovations to The Grandel currently underway. When it opens Summer 2017, the historic theater will be the newest arts venue in Grand Center.
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ARTS & COMMUNITY:
Area Leadership on the Impact of the Arts “Art has the power to help
performance space. The arts center
implemented an “arts, culture and inno-
revitalize a neighborhood and
moved into its own dedicated space
vation” sustainability plan to leverage
bring community together by
on the campus of Edwardsville High
(continued from page 3)
“meaningful economic development
shaping more vibrant and more
opportunities for the community at
engaging places to grow
large.” Among the plan’s objectives are
businesses, raise families and visit.”
developing multi-use transit accessible
— Francis Slay,
to the city’s arts and culture districts,
Mayor of St. Louis
encouraging public art and design, affordable artist housing and studios,
region. He notes that the county con-
and ensuring arts and culture districts
tinues to promote and support cultural
remain affordable and diverse.
institutions located in the city through property taxes, including $17.2 million
seen the tremendous work the arts
to the Saint Louis Art Museum and
community has done to drive positive
$8.6 million each to the History Museum
change in neighborhoods throughout
and Science Center, because “commit-
our region,” said Francis Slay, Mayor of
ment to a vibrant arts scene is a key
St. Louis.
factor in a community’s quality of life.”
“St. Louis is experiencing a major
“St. Louis County benefits from a
resurgence in our urban core, and art
wide array of art attractions — the visual
has factored into nearly every redevel-
art at Laumeier Sculpture Park (an A&E
opment. It’s particularly evident in the
grantee); theater companies like The
Grand Center Arts District, which is
Rep and STAGES (A&E grantees); the
attracting new audiences to the region
Touhill Performing Arts Center; COCA
to explore, imagine, and take part in
(an A&E grantee); the list goes on and
our community.”
on. These amenities attract people to
St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger also emphasizes the importance of the arts in educating and
Patton said the city, in collaboration with the arts center and University of Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, is awaiting word on a $100,000 “Our Town” grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, which would facilitate the
encouraging the development of
“In my four terms as mayor, I have
School in 2011.
our region and enhance its economic vitality,” said Stenger. In his four years as Mayor of
engaging citizens as well as contribut-
Edwardsville, Dr. Hal Patton says the
ing to the health and growth of the
arts are playing even more of an essen-
creation of large-scale public art sculptures of historic significance installed throughout the city. Visitors would be able to download an app or get a map and take a walking tour of these sculptures. “There’s an exercise component, a history component and an art component,” said Patton. “What’s especially exciting is that these public art sculptures would not just beautify the city now but also inform and educate generations in years to come.”
“Beyond the economic impact of the arts, we must also recognize that art helps us to understand, explain and enjoy the world around us.” — Steve Stenger, St. Louis County Executive
tial role in the community. “It’s not only © Christopher Allen.
great for artists and residents to have that cultural expression and the opportunity to experience art, be it youngsters, students or adults of all ages, but we also found it to be a critical component in establishing a quality of life asset,” he said. Patton, 48, who grew up in Edwardsville and is a dentist with his own practice there, says he is amazed by the city’s growth over the past decade, from the addition of a dozen upscale restaurants and mom-and-pop businesses to the refurbishing and reopening of the city’s Wildey Theatre Performance at the Center for Creative Arts (COCA), an A&E grantee, in University City in late 2015. 4
to the establishment of the Edwardsville Arts Center, which offers all kinds of art classes, and provides exhibition and
The Wildey Theatre opened in 1909 as an opera house and meeting hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Restored and refurbished by the city of Edwardsville, the historic theatre now serves as a venue for performing arts and classic films.
ARTS & COMMUNITY:
St. Louis Mayoral Candidates on the Arts
O
n the eve of St. Louis electing its first new mayor in 16 years, Happenings reached out to the candidates in the 2017 mayoral election to get their thoughts on the arts as an economic driver in St. Louis and the role the arts would play in their administration. At press time, these are the candidates who provided a statement. They are
and institutions striving to broaden their reach and increase their funding. But the arts should be a critical piece of a reinvestment effort that reaches all 79 neighborhoods in the city. As Mayor, I would elevate the role of the arts in revitalization efforts, require that city development planning call for
Jeffrey Boyd
Courtesy STLCurator
Courtesy Jeffrey Boyd for Mayor
represented below alphabetically by last name.
spaces for the arts in each neighbor-
Andy Karandzieff
“As Mayor, I will support the arts and
hood, and above all, empower those in
“I believe that development and contin-
St. Louis artists by encouraging devel-
disadvantaged areas to unlock their
ued growth of the arts in the city of
opers to include public art in their proj-
potential through the arts and rebuild
Saint Louis is vital in shining a positive
ects whenever possible across the city.
their communities.”
light on our city. Artists I believe are fearless and are a great way to inspire
vating St. Louis’s profile as a creative
our youth to go down a positive path in
city and expanding public art into the distressed neighborhoods where we plan to initiate re-development first. I am committed to building the St. Louis public arts ecosystem and encouraging the growth of small businesses in the
their lives. We have several art galleries near Crown Candy and they are an important part of our neighborhood and community.”
© Carolina Hidalgo. St. Louis Public Radio.
Courtesy Tishaura O. Jones for Mayor
My focus as Mayor would include ele-
music, makers, design, and arts education fields. I look forward to partnering with the arts community to re-brand St. Louis as a destination place that attracts visitors, new businesses from all industries, and families. My administration will lean on the arts community to change the perceptions of our city
Courtesy Kacey Cordes for St. Louis
as we focus on helping St. Louis to RISE.”
Tishaura Jones “St. Louis will only be a vibrant cultural hub if the arts community is thriving. Public art creates a sense of place in neighborhoods. As mayor, I will embed more art into neighborhood planning to make sure we are intentional about
Lyda Krewson
expanding art across the entire city.
“Our city’s vibrant art scene enriches the
We also need to provide artists of all
lives of all St. Louisans. Thanks to the
ages with opportunities, whether it is
generous philanthropy of so many in
preserving art classes in schools, helping
our community, art is accessible where
professional artists find work spaces, or
it otherwise may not be. I will continue
promoting special arts events. Lastly,
to support the growth and develop-
we need to connect artists with oppor-
ment of visual and performing arts in
tunities to work in our burgeoning
St. Louis because they contribute greatly
innovation ecosystem.”
to our culture and quality of life.”
Kacey Cordes “Our arts community is already an incredibly rich ecosystem that lives and breathes within so many organizations
Vote! Primary Election March 7. General Election April 4.
5
ARTS & COMMUNITY:
Citizen Artist St. Louis
T
he often heated discourse during
“We’re not just talking about murals.
advocacy at Central Reform Congre-
the 2016 national election and
We’re talking about how artists and
gation in the Central West End.
recent closing of several artist-
creative people in general are risk
run exhibition spaces in St. Louis have
takers and innovators who can help
“[...] Artists just think differently.” Confident they were tapping into a
left many looking to organize the local
solve problems. We should be seen
real need in the community by starting
arts community. For St. Louis artist and
as an asset and be more involved.”
Citizen Artist, they are encouraged by
activist Kristin Fleischmann Brewer, this meant spearheading the effort to form Citizen Artist St. Louis, a non-partisan
— Kristin Fleischmann Brewer, Citizen Artist St. Louis
initiative to ensure the arts community is included in conversations about policy. Currently, there are approximately
how quickly they have seen results. “It’s been just a few months,” said Lipman. “Thinking about how long Baltimore had (two years) and how
survey, and organized a questionnaire
much we’ve accomplished in this short
and town hall in February with the
time, I’m not surprised, but it’s exciting.
a dozen citizens engaged in the core
mayoral candidates. The most com-
As artists, we never have expectations
effort and another twenty pitching-in
monly cited concerns have been arts
because we never know how it’s going
when possible. Happenings sat down
education, housing and safe workspaces
to turn out.”
with Fleischmann and fellow organizers
for artists, and funding opportunities.
Sophie Lipman and Shira Berkowitz to
Participants in the initiative include art-
added Lipman. “It’s using whatever
learn more about the new initiative.
ists working in a variety of disciplines
happens to hold whomever is elected
as well as citizens who don’t practice
accountable. We’ll reevaluate after
art but appreciate its value.
the Town Hall and see how to move
Modeled after a similar effort in Baltimore, Maryland, Citizen Artist St. Louis saw the 2017 mayoral election as
“The most exciting part has been to
“This isn’t just about the election,”
forward.”
the right opportunity to get started.
read what people’s ideas are and what
Regardless of what form the initia-
“Our initial goal was just to get it
they think are creative ways to get art-
tive takes in the future, all three agree
started and see if people were inter-
ists more involved or build community
there is a need for a collective voice in
ested. Sixteen of us met at my house in
using the arts. We hope to share those
the local arts community.
December and we knew we only had a
ideas with the candidates.”
matter of months [before the mayoral
“It’s about making people feel
The organizers of Citizen Artist St.
empowered and that they can have an
election],” said Fleischmann. “We
Louis think artists have a unique talent
impact and have a voice,” said
worked with Baltimore to adopt their
that policymakers and elected officials
Fleischmann. “If we’re doing that as a
model and bring it here.”
need when making decisions.
big group, that can be powerful.”
Since December they have hosted
Berkowitz, who serves as director of
To learn more about Citizen Artist St. Louis, visit citizenartiststl.com.
Photos courtesy Citizen Artist St. Louis.
listening sessions, distributed a digital
“We’re a pretty loud voice,” said
Citizen Artist St. Louis held a listening session for the community on January 6 at UrbArts. 6
Sophie Lipman (standing) of Citizen Artist St. Louis writes concerns from the community at a listening session on January 6.
CENTENE CENTER FOR THE ARTS NEW TENANTS:
Equally Represented Arts
I
with huge budgets or inside connec-
n college, Lucy Cashion noticed
tions could work in such a beautiful
something: student actors were
space. We could never have what the
receiving more credit, literally and
Centene Center offers if we were in
figuratively, than students of the other
Chicago or New York.”
theatre arts. This inspired her to start
As of November 2016, ERA operates
Equally Represented Arts (ERA), one of
exclusively out of the Grand Center
the newest tenants in A&E’s Centene
landmark. “We now have a home, a
Center for the Arts. Founded with the
centralized location. We can meet,
intention of transforming the way the-
rehearse, and even perform in the same
atre is produced — namely building a
building,“ says Cashion.
production around a play’s script and
Residence in the Centene Center
actors — ERA aims to give equal con-
also allows them more possibility for
sideration to each theatre discipline,
collaboration with fellow tenants, which
from lighting and stage design to cho-
Cashion says is “inspiring.”
reography and musical composition. A New York City native, Cashion was skeptical about the prospects for her
Lucy Cashion, ERA founder, and Katy Keating, ERA executive director.
“Moving into the Centene Center has reinforced my enthusiasm for producing theatre in St. Louis,” Cashion continued.
somewhat experimental theatre concept in St. Louis. To her pleasant surprise,
later. “I assumed that only companies
Cashion was first introduced to the
the local theatre community has readily
Centene Center nearly five years ago as
accepted her and ERA, providing the
an intern with Upstream Theater, a
perfect environment for the company’s
tenant since 2009. She never expected
growth. Recently, ERA relocated to the
to be running her own company out of
Centene Center to facilitate that growth.
that very building only a few years
ERA’s Twelfth Period, or, Not Another Twelfth Night, an experimental, multispace production of Shakespeare’s comedy, opens April 19 at the Centene Center. For more on ERA, visit eratheatre.org.
SPP Productions
G
side to include field trips to the Soulard
in providing education and training
of public gardens in the inner city. SPP
opportunities for future generations.
has since added cooking classes and a
And so in 1986, Virshelle founded SPP
summer program that pays students to
Productions. The nonprofit moved into
tend the gardens and lets them take
the Arts and Education Council’s
home produce.
rowing up in the world of
The program quickly expanded out-
pageants and modeling, Kyria Virshelle became interested
Farmers Market and the development
Centene Center for the Arts in February 2017. Originally, SPP provided education
“Edutainment is what we like to call it,” said Christopher. “It’s education with entertainment. So not only are
and training within modeling and pag-
they learning to eat healthy, but they’re
eantry, but that has since changed.
also reinforcing basic skills like math.”
“It wasn’t just about putting fashion
Virshelle and her team also serve as
shows together or modeling,” said
state directors of the Indiana and
Virshelle. “It was about the education.”
Michigan chapters of the USA National
With partners David Christopher and
Miss pageant, which enriches the lives
SPP Productions Staff: (L to R) David Christopher, Kyria Virshelle, and Angela Drisdel. Not pictured: Skylar Barnes and Devon Smith.
embraced the fight against bullying at the Regal and Red Soiree on March 26 in the Centene Center’s Rialto Ballroom. For more on the Centene Center for
Angela Drisdel, Virshelle broadened the
of young women ages 4-25 through
the Arts, visit KeepArtHappening.org/
focus to introduce Beyond the Bell, a
pageant experiences.
Centene-Center.
program that teaches St. Louis Public
As part of this year’s anti-bullying
School students in grades 3-8 healthy
platform, they will honor local individu-
lifestyles through fitness and nutrition.
als and organizations that have 7
WHY WE GIVE:
Joanne and Alan Kohn
J
oanne and Alan Kohn have been involved in just about every St. Louis arts venture and organiza-
“A&E helps give credibility
tion - including the Arts and Education
to all these organizations it funds.
Council, which they have regularly sup-
Because people respect it,
ported since 1993 and Joanne served on the board in the mid-1990s. Their efforts have helped shape the arts community in St. Louis into the vibrant, nationally recognized scene it is today.
if you get the funding, people know you’re worth supporting.” — Joanne Kohn, lifelong arts supporter
Recently, the Kohns opened their artfilled home to Happenings where they shared insights into how the St. Louis
Park [Elementary School]. They took us
arts community has evolved and what
to see the Symphony every year at Kiel
has inspired them to give so selflessly
[Opera House].
over the last six decades.
On introducing younger generations
A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Joanne met Alan, a University City native, in 1953 when both were studying at Washington University. They married in 1954 and graduated in 1955 before moving to Germany where Alan was stationed for the U.S. Army and Washington, D.C. where he served as a law clerk for the U.S. Supreme Court. They returned to St. Louis in 1958. Today, Joanne serves as chair of the board of the Frank Lloyd Wright House at Ebworth Park in Kirkwood. Alan
Alan and Joanne Kohn at home.
Joanne: When our sons were young,
and another pursued an acting career.
I wanted them to have art classes, but
Our grandchildren are now performing
this was before there were many pro-
as the leads in their school plays. There
fessional arts organizations. So I used
must be something in our DNA.
to open our basement in University City and hired an artist to teach the
On the leadership of A&E
neighborhood kids. After a few years, a
Joanne: I was there at the beginning of
neighbor took it into her home until Craft
many of the organizations here and the
Alliance was started and we handed
establishment of A&E was very import-
over to them all the students’ names.
ant in that mix. From the very begin-
Now one of our sons is a sculptor
ning, A&E has attracted very strong
and art teacher in Pasadena (California)
leaders in the community. I served on
“As a kid in the 1930s, my mom took me to the Saint Louis Art Museum regularly. My favorite piece was always the Cat in the Egyptian collection,” said Alan. I’d always go find it when we’d go.” Cat, n.d.; Egyptian, Late Period, (664–332 BC); bronze; 14 3/8 x 5 3/4 x 11 1/8 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Purchase 5:1938
“My uncle [William Jacobs] was an artist in Chicago,” said Joanne in front of a Jacobs painting. “He did linocuts and paintings and taught at the Hull House his entire life, so craft has always been important to me.”
practices law at Sher Corwin Winters. On the evolution of the St. Louis arts scene Joanne: The arts weren’t as bountiful then. There just weren’t as many professional arts organizations. When we first came back to St. Louis in 1958, there was the Symphony, Shaw’s Garden (now the Missouri Botanical Gardens), and the Art Museum, but not much theatre. Alan: It’s amazing. The arts scene here has really flourished. On their first taste of the arts Joanne: I always loved the theatre; it was my main art form. Alan: As a kid, I was an usher at the MUNY for two years. But even before that, my start in the arts was at Flynn
8
the board [of A&E] in the mid-90s. We attracted people in the business world and volunteer world in St. Louis. A&E has earned community trust. On the impact of A&E Joanne: In 1966, I was called to serve on a support group for the newly formed Repertory Theatre. Initially, there wasn’t much fundraising so it was struggling until 1971 when we got funding from the Arts and Education Council. That funding from A&E gave us credibility. That’s what A&E stands for — community support. On the arts in St. Louis Alan: What’s nice about St. Louis is you can be involved in a lot of different arts organizations. You don’t get that opportunity in bigger cities like New York or Chicago. Here, everything’s only 20 minutes away. Joanne: The only thing that limits you is time and money. On March 23, Joanne will be recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award at
ACCELERATING THE ARTS:
A&E and PNC Launch stARTup Competition for Arts Entrepreneurs
I
n January, the Arts and Education Council — in partnership with the PNC Foundation — launched the stARTup Competition. This pilot competition and program is designed to foster breakthrough,
entrepreneurial ideas that have the potential to enhance the fabric of St. Louis’s cultural life. The competition is open to individuals in the 16-county bi-state region with an idea on how to use the arts to address a community need or challenge. Taking a page from the burgeoning tech and for-profit startups in St. Louis, A&E’s stARTup Competition will provide winning entries with the opportunities and resources needed to propel forward their ideas. This will include mentorship from entrepreneurial and arts management experts, administrative facilities and infrastructure in A&E’s Centene Center for the Arts, professional development and networking opportunities, and seed funding (PNC and A&E have earmarked $20,000 cumulatively). Applications are now under review. Finalists will be announced
Washington University for her significant
April 17. Panelists will judge final presentations May 4 and announce
contributions to the community. A&E is
winners by June 1.
incredibly grateful for the tireless support of the arts the Kohns have shown St. Louis over the last sixty years. For more about how to make your impact, visit KeepArtHappening.org/Give.
Panelists for the competition include a diverse group of seasoned entrepreneurs and community development professionals, including (below, clockwise from top left): Sarah Rouland Bowman, PNC; Sheila Burkett, Spry Digital; Chris Dornfeld, Bonfyre; Jason Hall, Missouri Technology Corporation; Noah Vasquez, Competitive Range Solutions; Susan Stith, Express Scripts, Inc.; Debbie Marshall, PNC; and Matt Homann, Filament.
Joanne Kohn has spent decades collecting handcrafted teapots and ceramic ware from local and national artists. 9
REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS Million Dollar Quartet WHEN: Mar 15-Apr 9; Tues, 7 pm; Wed-Fri, 8 pm; selected Wed, 1:30 pm; Sat, 4 pm; Sun, 2 pm, selected Sun, 7 pm
MAR-APR 2017 ONGOING
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY All Bach
JAZZ AT THE BISTRO
WHEN: Mar 5; Sun, 3 pm Offers 2-for-1 admission to most of its 9:30 pm shows Wed-Thur. 314.571.6000 or jazzstl.org
WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats)
DANCE ST. LOUIS PNC Arts Alive New Dance Horizons V: Women Who Inspire
Guest conductor Bernard Labadie, Principal Flute Mark Sparks and the Saint Louis Symphony pay homage to the master of the Baroque, J.S. Bach. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org
WHEN: Mar 3-4; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2 & 8 pm WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL, 1 University Blvd, St. Louis
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Alpine Symphony
COST: $20.00 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 tickets with ARTS Card Four nationally reputed choreographers set original dance works on three local professional dance companies. Selected choreographers are San Francisco-based Amy Seiwert, Wendy Rein, Ryan T. Smith, and award-winning Chicago dance artist Stephanie Martinez. 314.534.6622 or dancestlouis.org
SAINT LOUIS GUITAR SOCIETY The Romero Family
WHEN: Mar 5; Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Embark on an adventure with Strauss’ musical travelogue, Alpine Symphony. Guest conductor Stéphane Denève leads this depiction of exhilarating Alpine vistas and vast valleys full of irresistible and bombastic textures. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org
SHELDON CONCERT HALL Sheldon Classics: Bach, Bolling and Bjorn!
WHERE: The Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road, Ladue COST: $28-$40 DISCOUNT: $4 off with ARTS Card (Use promo code: AandE on website) The legendary and beloved Romero Family brings their Spanish heritage to life with their dazzling, fiery renditions of Spanish guitar music. 314.935.6543 or GuitarStLouis.net
When Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins kick off an impromptu jam session at Sun Studios, the air crackles with star power. Get up close and personal with these larger-than-life personalities in an experience that will rock your socks off! This powerhouse musical features chart-topping hits from all four performers. 314.968.4925 or repstl.org
NEW JEWISH THEATRE Never the Sinner WHEN: Mar 16 - Apr 2; Wed-Thur, 7:30 pm; Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 & 7:30 pm (Mar 19) WHERE: Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Dr., Creve Coeur COST: $39.50-$43.50; $15 students DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 with ARTS Card (discount not available online) Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, considering themselves Nietzsche’s übermensch, above moral and social imperatives, had decided to commit the “perfect murder,” just for the thrill of it, and are on trial for the brutal murder of 14 year old Bobby Franks, the “Crime of the Century.” 314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org
HETTENHAUSEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Philip Fortenberry
Classical
WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis COST: $30 orchestra, $15-25 balcony DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre Box office at 531 N. Grand, or on the night of show at The Sheldon Box Office between 7-8 p.m.)
Dance
Jazz
WHERE: McKendree University, Alton Street, Lebanon, Illinois COST: $18 adult, $15 senior, $10 student/child DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
WHEN: Mar 15; Wed, 8 pm
Cellist Bjorn Ranheim and St. Louis Symphony trumpeter Jeffrey Strong celebrate the great Johann Sebastian Bach and French composer Claude Bolling. 314.533.9900 or TheSheldon.org
10
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card March 15-26
WHEN: Mar 23; Thur, 7:30 pm
WHEN: Mar 4; Sat, 8 pm
Cinema
COST: $18-$81.50
COST: $25-$111
MARCH EVENTS
Events Key
WHERE: Browning Mainstage at the Loretto Hilton Theatre, 130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves
Music
A critically acclaimed pianist (those were his hands on the piano in the HBO Liberace biopic “Behind the Candelabra”) whose passion, wit and elegance make for a memorable evening. 618.537.6863 or the hett.com
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Gospel According to the Other Mary WHEN: Mar 24 & Mar 26; Fri, 8 pm & Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis
Speaker
Theater
Visual Arts
COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) David Robertson and the STL Symphony and Chorus bring the electrifying St. Louis premiere of John Adams’ “The Gospel According to the Other Mary” to life on the Powell Hall stage. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org
SAINT LOUIS GUITAR SOCIETY David Russell WHEN: Mar 25, Sat, 8 pm WHERE: The Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road, Ladue
COCA FAMILY THEATRE Uptown WHEN: Apr 7-9; Fri, 7 pm; Sat & Sun, 1 & 5 pm
WHEN: Apr 23; Sun, 3 pm
WHERE: 524 Trinity Ave., University City
WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis
COST: Tier 1, $30; Tier 2, $20; Tier 3, $16 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card for Tier 2 & 3 for Sat 1 pm only From Alvin Ailey choreographer and dancer Matthew Rushing, “Uptown” is a collaborative production between COCA’s pre-professional dance, voice and theatre companies as well as musicians from Jazz St. Louis showcasing an episodic tour through 1920s Harlem. 314.725.6555 or cocastl.org
COST: $24-$28 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (Use promo code: AandE on website) World-renowned Scottish guitarist David Russell was the 2005 Grammy award winner for his CD “Aire Latino” in the category of Best Instrumental Classical Soloist. 314.229.8686 or GuitarStLouis.net
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Rhapsody in Blue
WHEN: Mar 31 & April 1; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2 & 8 pm WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL, 1 University Blvd, St. Louis COST: $40-$60 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 tickets with ARTS Card (Parterre Sides or Grand Tier. Discount expires Mar 30 at 4 p.m. Tickets must be ordered through Dance St. Louis Box Office to receive discount.) Taj Express explodes with the sounds of India and Bollywood. Through a fusion of film, dance, and music, this dazzling international sensation takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society. 314.534.6622 or dancestlouis.org
APRIL EVENTS SHELDON CONCERT HALL Sheldon Classics: David Halen, Serenades WHEN: April 5; Wed, 8 pm WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30 orchestra/$15-$25 balcony DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card (Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre Box office at 531 N. Grand, or on the night of show at The Sheldon Box Office between 7-8 p.m.)
COST: $25-$111 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Described as an “Everest for pianists,” Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto is adored by audiences alike for its unabashedly lush score flowing with melodies. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org
HETTENHAUSEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Parsons Dance WHEN: Apr 25; Tues, 7:30 pm
WHEN: Apr 7 & 9; Fri, 8 pm, Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis COST: $25-$111
DANCE ST. LOUIS Taj Express: The Bollywwod Musical Revue
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Rach 3
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Kirill Gerstein returns to Powell Hall to perform the swinging music of Bernstein and Gershwin under the baton of Music Director David Robertson. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org
MUSTARD SEED THEATRE Dancing at Lughnasa WHEN: April 13- 30; Thur–Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm (no performance 4/16)
WHERE: McKendree University, Alton Street, Lebanon, Illinois COST: $18 adult, $15 senior, $10 student/child DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card The New York modern dance company is hailed for its athleticism, joyfulness and technical skill. 618.537.6863 or the hett.com
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Capriccio Italien WHEN: Apr 28; Fri, 8 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis COST: $25-$111
WHERE: Fontbonne University Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd., Clayton
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats)
COST: $35 adults, $30 seniors/students
Mighty brass soloists take center stage as Gerard Pagano and Julie Thayer step forward with unique works for bass trombone and horn. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org
DISCOUNT: $10 off with ARTS Card Set in 1936 Ireland, Brian Friel’s “memory” play explores the potential for romance and the lure of pagan rituals in a family’s day-to-day life.314.719.8060 or mustardseedtheatre.com
DANCE ST. LOUIS Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Brahms Violin Concerto WHEN: Apr 30; Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis
WHEN: Apr 15-16; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2 & 8 pm
COST: $25-$111
WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL, 1 University Blvd, St. Louis
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats)
COST: $30-$55, with $30 for all matinees
Full of intensity, drama and soaring lines, Augustin Hadelich performs Brahms’ deeply expressive Violin Concerto. David Robertson also leads Lentz’ haunting Jerusalem, a piece dedicated to those lost in the disappearance of Malaysian Flight MH370. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 tickets with ARTS Card With passion, power and spectacle, the 40 dancers, singers, musicians and guest artists highlight a mosaic of Hispanic cultures from around the world.314.534.6622 or dancestlouis.org
Saint Louis Symphony concertmaster David Halen, and members of the St. Louis Symphony perform beloved serenades, including Brahms’ Serenade in D Major. 314.533.9900 or TheSheldon.org
11
OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
C
Photo © Eric Woolsey, 2016
omplex with rich, earthy notes might be the way you hear some describe their wine, but
what about opera? With their Opera Tastings event series, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL), an A&E grantee, is hoping to upend the way you approach — and even think about — opera. Each spring, OTSL partners with venues across the region to combine opera music with food, wine, and drink in a social, family-style culinary experience for 100-150 people. They provide
Tastings at AlphaBetaClub.
some of St. Louis’s best chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists with a set list of inspirational music to then create unique
Started in 2015 as a way to make
menus for each event. The menus are
the art form more approachable, Opera
paired with live performances by OTSL
Tastings is the brainchild of Gfaller.
young artists for a fun, engaging
“We were looking to answer this
experience for all. Audiences are given
question of how to reach audiences
tasting cards to rate the pairings and
where they are and we know opera can
provide feedback along the way.
be an acquired taste. If wine is an
“It’s really a lot of fun for everyone,”
acquired taste, we thought maybe we
said Joe Gfaller, OTSL director of mar-
could pair the two in places you don’t
keting and public relations. “The chefs
expect us to be. If we can get to within
get to be creative and have fun in the
a mile or two of where you live, maybe
kitchen. The singers get to sing in these
you’ll try us,” said Gfaller.
intimate locations. And the audiences get to feel music on their skin.”
OTSL varies the locations and venues a bit each year to reach different
“A lot of people think all opera sounds like the one time they’ve heard opera. With Opera Tastings, we wanted to introduce people to the full menu of all the sounds of opera.” —Joe Gfaller, OTSL Director of Marketing and Public Relations
audiences. In January they hosted events from downtown St. Louis to St. Charles to Columbia, Missouri. OTSL will host five Opera Tasting events April 18-23 at Balaban’s in Chesterfield,
Photo © Eric Woolsey, 2016
Cleveland-Heath in Edwardsville, SqWires in Lafayette Square, Vicia in the Cortex Innovation Community, and The Omega Center in North St. Louis. “The program keeps expanding,” said Gfaller. “Most of the people attending are new to OTSL and most are coming back to our season performances. Many are even coming to more than one tasting and bringing friends.” Tickets to each tasting are $20 all-inclusive. Attendees also get $10 toward any season performance at the event. Opera Tastings is presented by PNC Arts Alive and funded through a Building Audiences for Sustainability grant from the Wallace Foundation. For a complete list of Opera Tastings, Geoffrey Agpalo serenades audience members at Balaban’s.
12
visit ExperienceOpera.org/OperaTastings.
PNC PROJECT GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:
Arts & Faith St. Louis
W
hen Mont Levy saw a museum installation in New
“The opportunity to bring the community together around
York of The Cave in 1993,
a positive narrative is important,
he was awestruck and determined to
more important now than ever.”
bring the experience to St. Louis audi-
— Mont Levy,
ences. More than twenty years later,
chair of Arts & Faith St. Louis’s
Levy is chairing the effort of Arts &
The Cave Project
Faith St. Louis (an A&E grantee) to do so with The Cave Project , which includes a concert at John Burroughs
“We often don’t focus on the com-
The annual interfaith concert at The
School March 11-12 and complementary
monalities that we share,” said Levy.
Sheldon commemorating 9/11 is a
programming throughout St. Louis.
“The Cave Project is an opportunity to
signature effort of Arts & Faith. The
hear the story of our common bonds.
Cave Project furthers that mission.
The multi-media presentation with video by Beryl Korot and music by
There is a clear message that we share
Steve Reich features recorded inter-
a common history, but we have very
Arts & Faith St. Louis has gathered
views set to live music — performed by
different narratives about that history.”
leadership of the faith and arts commu-
internationally acclaimed ensemble
By exploring the importance of this
In addition to the ticketed concert,
nities, university and seminary presi-
Alarm Will Sound — as chapters from
sacred landmark in Judaism, Islam and
dents, and civic leaders to produce
Torah and The Koran simultaneously
Christianity, Arts & Faith St. Louis
complementary programming in the
tell the stories of Abraham, Sarah,
hopes to convey an inspirational mes-
weeks preceding and following the
Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael.
sage and promote interfaith under-
March concert.
The piece draws on interviews from the early 1990s when Palestinians,
standing and goodwill. Arts & Faith St. Louis was formed
“The goal of the community programming, which is free to the public,
Israelis and Americans were invited to
following the tenth anniversary of
is to engage people in the story of
speak from their Muslim, Jewish and
September 11th in an effort to bring
Abraham and have conversations about
secular perspectives about the impor-
together the faith and arts communi-
how it relates to building a harmonious
tance of these foundational ancestors
ties to build a harmonious St. Louis
St. Louis,” said Levy.
and about The Cave in Hebron.
through the unique power of the arts.
Spring programming includes panel presentations and discussions at The
© Barbara Aumüller.
Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis County Library headquarters, and the Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. A complete list of programming can be found online at TheCaveProject.org. “Part of the power of The Cave is to receive these messages, these lessons,” Levy continued. “When you do that through the power of art, it has incredible impact.” A&E’s ARTS Card members receive a 2-for-1 discount on full-priced tickets to the March concert using promo code CAVEAE. To redeem, call 314-531-1111, visit Metrotix.com/promotions, or in person at the Fox Theatre Box Office. For more on Arts & Faith St. Louis, visit artsfaithstl.org. For more on A&E’S PNC Project Grants, visit KeepArtHappening.org/ The Cave, music by Steve Reich and video by Beryl Korot, has rarely been performed outside of Europe. Arts & Faith St. Louis will bring it to St. Louis with a concert at John Burroughs School March 11-12.
Grant-Programs.
13
MONSANTO RURAL ARTS FUND GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:
Highland Arts Council
J
ust 30 miles east of St. Louis,
“We’re just trying to keep
Highland, Illinois may be a rela-
Highland a city people are
Arts Council is a proposal to build the
tively small community of about
proud to be in and bring in
Treehouse Gallery, an open space that
people to see the arts here.”
can be used for galleries, recitals, and
10,000 residents, but it has a vibrant arts scene thanks in large part to the Highland Arts Council, an A&E grantee.
—Lynnette Schuepbach, Highland Arts Council president
In October 2016, the Highland Arts
special events. “We’re proposing for it to be built amongst the trees around our city lake so
Council celebrated its 13th annual Art in the Park, funded in part by a grant
Next on the horizon for the Highland
it’s right on the water,” said Schuepbach. “There are a lot of people in our area
On April 8 the Highland Arts Council
from the Arts and Education Council’s
who won’t drive to St. Louis so they lose
will host Art Affair, a special event fea-
Monsanto Rural Community Arts Fund.
out on all those artistic opportunities, but
turing a silent auction, to raise funds for
Free and open to the public, Art in the
they will come to Highland,” Schuepbach
the proposed Treehouse Gallery.
Park is a juried show featuring original
noted. “So we are trying to be the
works in a wide range of art media
mecca of the arts in the metro East.”
For more about the Highland Arts Council, visit highlandartscouncil.org.
from over 70 exhibitors. Courtesy Highland Arts Council.
“This family-friendly festival brings professional artwork to the community while providing music, food and fun for children and adults,” said Lynnette Schuepbach, president of the Highland Arts Council. “We are pleased to [showcase] the art culture of the region and nation and [bring] this directly to the community of Highland and the surrounding areas.” Art in the Park, which draws an annual attendance of about 9,000 from throughout the region, also includes demonstrations from artists and exhibitors like “Dr. Dan the Pancake Man” — a St. Louis-based artist whose medium just
Sketches of the proposed Treehouse Gallery in Highland, Illinois. Proceeds from the Art Affair on April 8 will support building the project.
Photos courtesy Highland Arts Council.
happens to be colored pancake batter.
The 13th annual Art in the Park, funded in part by a grant from A&E’s Monsanto Rural Community Arts Fund, was held in Highland, Illinois October 7-9, 2016. 14
“Dr. Dan the Pancake Man” demonstrates his pancake art to festival-goers at Art in the Park 2016.
MARITZ FUND FOR TEACHERS GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:
La Salle Middle School
I
“Without these funders and grant
“This was challenging, but I like
tweens to engage in school and
programs, these kids wouldn’t have
challenges,” said one student. “I also
academics can be a challenge. La
opportunities like this because their
learned to listen and be respectful.”
t’s no secret that getting teens and
Salle Middle School, a public charter school in North St. Louis, uses its afterschool enrichment program — funded
parents simply can’t afford it.” — Lynn deLearie, De La Salle Inc.
“I learned some new dance moves and I enjoyed all the […] teachers,” said another student. “I learned about
in part by a grant from the Arts and
partnership because we had to work
Education Council’s Maritz Art Education
with each other.”
Fund for Teachers — to do just that.
“There are so many studies that
La Salle’s after school program
Each quarter, La Salle offers stu-
show increased engagement with the
is offered four days per week for
dents a robust after-school program of
arts lead to better academic achieve-
students each quarter. Eighty-five
six-week enrichment classes in a variety
ment,” deLearie continued. “Often
percent of students participate.
of areas, including visual and perform-
these students don’t have the opportu-
ing arts, to compliment their academic
nity to get exposed to art. That’s some-
curriculum. Arts enrichment classes are
thing we can do through this after
offered in partnership with COCA and
school program.”
Craft Alliance (both A&E grantees). “It’s important to look at arts enrich-
In Fall 2016, thanks in part to a grant
about the Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers, visit KeepArtHappening.org/ Grant-Programs.
from A&E’s Maritz Fund, La Salle part-
ment in the population of students we
nered with COCA to offer three classes
serve,” said Lynn deLearie, grants man-
in West African drumming, West African
ager at De La Salle Inc., the nonprofit
dance and choreography, and vocal
that supports La Salle Middle School.
performance techniques.
Of the school’s 100 fifth through
For more about La Salle Middle School, visit lasallemiddleschool.org. For more
But the program did more than teach students about music or provide an out-
American, 96% qualify for free or
let for physical energy. Students also
reduced cost lunch.
cited broader lessons from the program.
encouraged all of us to help each other. I learned how to be patient in this class.” — Najee C., La Salle Middle School student
Courtesy La Salle Middle School.
eighth graders, all of whom are African
“Our teacher never gave up. He gave individual help and he
Students at La Salle Middle School learned West African dance and choreography in Fall 2016. The classes, in partnership with COCA, were funded in part by a grant from A&E’s Maritz Fund. 15
SPECIAL EVENT:
2017 St. Louis Arts Awards
T
he 2017 St. Louis Arts Awards was held Monday, January 23 at the Chase Park Plaza. Celebrating its 26th year, the St. Louis Arts Awards honored individuals, organizations, and businesses that enrich and
contribute to the excellence of St. Louis’s ever-growing artistic community. Susan Block and John Russell served as co-chairs of the event, with World Wide Technology, Inc. and the Steward Family Foundation as Presenting Sponsors. Proceeds from the event benefit the Arts and Education Council’s annual giving 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 each year. All photos by Suzy Gorman.
Broadway star Ken Page served as emcee for the evening. He also performed.
Co-chairs Susan Block and John Russell.
The North County Big Band, directed by honoree Harvey Lockhart, Art Educator of the year.
A&E board chair Leonard T. Eschbach, Sabine Eckmann on behalf of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum for Excellence in the Arts, and A&E president & CEO Cynthia A. Prost.
Guests of presenting sponsor World Wide Technology, Inc.
16
A&E board chair Leonard T. Eschbach, Lifetime Achievement honoree Steven Woolf, and A&E president & CEO Cynthia A. Prost.
A&E board chair Leonard T. Eschbach and Lawrence K. Otto on behalf of honoree U.S. Bank for Corporate Support for the Arts
Pianos for People receives the Arts Innovator Award. Left to right: Tom Townsend, A&E board chair Leonard T. Eschbach, Jeanne Knowles Townsend, Patricia Eastman, Kayia Smith, Sheena Duncan, and A&E president & CEO Cynthia A. Prost.
A&E board chair Leonard T. Eschbach, honoree Harvey Lockhart, and A&E president & CEO Cynthia A. Prost.
Guests of principal sponsor Edward Jones.
Guests of presenting sponsor Steward Family Foundation.
Mike Isaacson receives the Excellence in the Arts award.
Royce Martin, winner of the 2016 St. Louis Teen Talent Competition and a junior at Grand Center Arts Academy, performed.
Jim and Cathy Berges receive the Excellence in Philanthropy award.
2016 Tony Award nominee Beth Malone performed, accompanied by pianist Michael Horsley.
17
STARTUP-STL CROWDFUNDING:
Arthur & Helen Baer Foundation Commits Matching Funds for 2017 Projects
I
crowdfunding service, with the Baer
and Helen Baer Charitable Foundation
local arts startups and encourage our
and technical support from Spry Digital
community to support them. We know
— launched “stARTup-StL,” an online
that our burgeoning art startup com-
crowdfunding platform to support arts
munity contributes to our vibrant art
and cultural projects in the bi-state area.
scene in so many ways,” says Cynthia
Evolving from A&E’s previous crowdfund-
Prost, A&E president and CEO.
ing site, power2give.org, stARTup-StL
“stARTup-StL provides artists and arts
allows teachers, artists, and cultural
organizations an exciting new way to
organizations to post and promote
connect with their supporters and raise
projects in need of project-based, near-
funds for innovative projects. It also
term funding. To date, the new stART-
gives donors the opportunity to see
up-STL crowdfunding effort has raised
their gifts make an immediate impact.”
n the summer of 2016, the Arts and
“We are confident our enhanced
Education Council (A&E) — with generous support from the Arthur
Foundation’s generosity, will ignite
funds and public awareness for organi-
Arts organizations, art educators
zations like Phaedra Phestival, MindsEye
and schools, as well as artists are
Radio, Lit in the Lou, and the Strings
encouraged to contact A&E regarding
Attached Project (see update below).
posting a project to the stARTup-STL
In 2017, the Arthur & Helen Baer
crowdfunding site. Interested
Foundation has made an expanded
individuals and organizations can visit
commitment to A&E’s crowdfunding
KeepArtHappening.org/Make-Your-
effort with a gift of $40,000 to deepen
Impact or contact Mandi Hanway,
stARTup-STL’s impact. The Foundation
operations manager, at 314-289-4000
will match dollar-for-dollar funds raised
or Mandi-H@KeepArtHappening.org.
Centene Center for the Arts 3547 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-1014 p 314.289.4000 f 314.289.4019
2017 Board of Directors CHAIR Leonard T. Eschbach VICE CHAIR C. Brendan Johnson SECRETARY Peter Sargent TREASURER Ruth Saphian MEMBERS Nora Akerberg Susan Block Sheila Burkett Chris Cedergreen Chris Dornfeld Diane R. Drollinger Terrance J. Good Barbara B. Goodman
Kristin J. Guehlstorf Jason Hall Marcela Manjarrez Hawn Nicole Hudson Eric Koestner Kenneth Kranzberg Linda Lee Janet Newcomb Shawn Schukar Donald M. Senti Mary Ann Srenco Susan A. Stith Andrew Trivers Carol J. Voss Caren Vredenburgh EX-OFFICIO Cynthia A. Prost Noah Vasquez
2017 Young Friends of the Arts Board of Directors PRESIDENT Noah Vasquez MEMBERS Teresa Braeckel Morgan Clark Kelly Hummert
for initiatives devoted to visual, music,
Jorie Jacobi Kate Maxson Thomas SanFilippo Erin Schreiber Adam Stanley Noah Vasquez Vanessa Vasquez
dance and theater arts — up to $5,000
Staff
per qualifying project.
stARTup-STL Crowdfunding Project Update:
Strings Attached Project Raises Nearly $1,300 for Instruments and Cases Courtesy Strings Attached.
Since 2009, the Strings Attached Project has provided low-cost music lessons using guitars and ukuleles to youth in Ferguson and St. Louis. In addition to lessons, each year the project awards instruments to youth who attend lessons regularly, practice, and give back to the community through public performance.
PRESIDENT & CEO Cynthia A. Prost VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Susan Rowe Jennings VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT Kate Francis DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Emily Hellmuth CONTROLLER Joseph Soer
Strings Attached’s crowdfunding effort supported its 2017 Award Instruments Campaign. Through stARTup-STL, the project raised just under $1,300 which was used to purchase quality instruments and cases. Those instruments enabled more youth to practice at home and get involved in school, church or community music programs. For more about the Strings Attached Project visit stringsattached.info. 18
*Boards and Staff as of Feb 15, 2017
OPERATIONS MANAGER Mandi Hanway DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Dorothy Powell WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGN MANAGER Heather Edwards OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATORS Tonya Hahne MARKETING CONSULTANT Ellen Futterman
Circle of Giving December 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017 The following donors have made gifts that enable the Arts and Education Council to help preserve St. Louis’s legacy of artistic excellence and enrich its cultural community. A&E appreciates the continued support from these individuals, businesses and organizations. Thank you! $50,000 - $99,999.99 Jane Stamper Trust $25,000 - $49,999.99 Arthur & Helen Baer Charitable Foundation $5,000 - $9,999.99 The Gertrude & William A. Bernoudy Foundation Edison Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ferring, IV John M. Olin Charitable Trust Mrs. Eugene F. Williams, Jr. $2,500 -$4,999.99 AT&T Mrs. Sally C. Johnston Maryville University Mr. John H. Russell St. Louis Trust Company University of Missouri — St. Louis $1,000 - $2,499.99 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer COCA Center of Creative Arts Competitive Range Solutions, LLC Mrs. Diane R. Drollinger John & Yvette Dubinsky Dr. and Mrs. Tim Eberlein Mr. and Mrs. Julian I. Edison Gretta Forrester, Forrester Family Fund of the St. Louis Community Foundation Fox Family Foundation Joan Goodson
Mr. Claude Gunn Mr. and Mrs. Richard Holton Robert and Andrea Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Ward M. Klein Mr. Eugene Kornblum Kuhn Foundation J. David & Lucy S. Levy Charles and Janet Meyer Pershing Place Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Raymond W. Peters, II Mr. Paul K. Reuter and Dr. Janet P. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Bruce P. Robert RubinBrown LLP Mr. and Mrs. William C. Rusnack Mr. and Mrs. Terry E. Schnuck Mrs. Glenn J. Sheffield Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Siler The Shade Tree Service Company University Lane Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Noah Vasquez Mr. and Mrs. John D. Weil Dr. Mark S. Weil Mr. David P. Weiss Ms. Patricia D. Whitaker and Mr. Richard H. Miles $500 - $999.99 Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. William Brougham Mr. and Mrs. Russell E. Browning Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cahn Mr. and Mrs. Gerard T. Carmody Morgan Clark and Andrew Freund
Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design Mrs. Katherine W. Drescher ELNEL Foundation John E. & Phyllis L. Evans Grand Center, Inc. H and H Family Foundation Ms. Dorothy J. Heagney Ms. Juanita H. Hinshaw Mary Brenton Howe and James H. Howe IV Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Jones Mrs. Carey Keller
Warren and Susan Lammert Mr. Randall A. Martin Mr. and Mrs. John C. McPheeters Ms. Nina Needleman Ms. Jane F. Ott Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Palermo R.E. & B.O. Browning Foundation Mr. and Mrs. J. Richard Skouby Dr. Douglas L. Turpin Mrs. Wendy W. Williams
In Tribute December 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017 In honor of Merry Mosbacher Mr. Jim Curran
In honor of Jim & Cathy Berges Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Early Mr. and Mrs. Terry E. Schnuck In honor of Mike Isaacson Mr. and Mrs. Clark S. Davis Harvey and Judy Harris Mr. Eugene Kornblum Dr. and Mrs. Leroy F. Ortmeyer Mr. and Mrs. Terry E. Schnuck Ms. Mary Ann Tipton In honor of Harvey Lockhart Mrs. Wendy W. Williams In honor of Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum Dr. and Mrs. R. Andrew Frost
In honor of Adam and Lucie Stanley Mr. Myers Dill In honor of Steven Woolf Mrs. Christina M. Beck Mr. Mark D. Bernstein Gretta Forrester, Forrester Family Fund of the St. Louis Community Foundation Mr. Charles R. MacKay Mr. and Mrs. Terry E. Schnuck Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wandersee
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 of Greater St. Louis African Heritage Association of St. Louis, Inc. African Musical Arts American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Association of American Voices
Bach Society of St. Louis Cinema St. Louis Circus Flora Creative Reaction Lab Equally Represented Arts (ERA) Gateway Center for Performing Arts Gateway Men’s Chorus Make Music St. Louis, Inc.
Open Studio Network Prison Performing Arts Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble SPP Productions Belladona Magazine St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association Upstream Theater YoungLiars
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 19
Centene Center for the Arts 3547 Olive Street St. Louis, Missouri 63103-1014
2017 SAINT LOUIS
Join us for a night of celebration and inspiration featuring artistic performances, cocktails and Vhors I S Id’oeuvres O N A RtoYhonor AW A2017 R DVisionaries: S our OUTSTANDING WORKING ARTIST Shirley Bradley Leflore
OUTSTANDING ARTS PROFESSIONAL Nancy Bell
COMMUNITY IMPACT ARTIST
EMERGING ARTIST
Regina Martinez
Kat Simone Reynolds
MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE ARTS Sally S. Levy
OUTSTANDING TEACHING ARTIST Vivian Anderson Watt
APRIL 24, 2017 | 6-8 PM Sun Theater in Grand Center EVENT CO-HOSTS: Alison Ferring & Emily Pitts
/ArtsAndEducation 20
@ArtEdStl
Arts_Education_Council
ArtsAndEducSTL 2013 Missouri Arts Award-Philanthropy
2012 Spirit of Philanthropy Award