with Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky
Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Insider tips for Healthy Planet readers:
Love classical guitar? Regular readers of this column know I love the flourish of an acoustic guitar. I must have been a senorita in a past life because this is music that just “speaks” to me. St. Louisans are fortunate to have the Classical Guitar Society that regularly brings world-class guitarists to our community. If you crave more info about this great musical artform, listen to Inside Classical Guitar on the new classical music station, Radio Arts Foundation at FM 107.3. The program is hosted by Guitar Society President Bill Ash and well-known radio personality John Clayton, every Monday evening at 7 p.m. Missed a show or two? All shows are archived at www.GuitarStLouis.net. Upcoming shows will feature the music of the Guitar Society’s seasonal guest artists.
Tired of the “usual” photography exhibitions? Check out “An Altered Reality” at PHD Gallery on Cherokee. The exhibition features the works by two distinct photographers. Linda Mueller’s work is reminiscent of paintings by Salvador Dali—eerie yet intriguing, and definitely compelling. Emily Stremming slices her photographs into strips and then weaves the pieces into creations you really must see. The exhibition runs November 2-20. For info, visit www.phdstl.com.
Care to enjoy some artwork as you sip your java? Northwest Coffee & Roasting Company on Maryland in Clayton has hosted 2-D exhibitions for some time, but now their CWE location at 4251 Laclede opens a new space just for sculpture. “Earth, Wind & Fire” features sculptures by Catherine Magel, Ron Fondow, Bill Christman and Dara Katzenstein, with a grand opening reception on November 9, 7-9 p.m. Help celebrate the opening of this new exhibit space displaying ceramics and metal sculptures using all three elements of earth, wind and fire. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, poetry, conversation and a bonfire. The exhibition runs through the month of December.
Want to experience the story you loved? “Tuesdays With Morrie” is the touching story of a life well-lived and deeply shared. Experience Mitch Albom’s classic through November 17 when Dramatic License Theatre presents the moving story onstage at their theatre in Chesterfield mall. For ticket information call 636-220-7012 or visit www.DramaticLicenseProductions.org. Bring tissues—you’ll need them!!
Need just a little more? “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” presents the story of a true time in history when soldiers set down their weapons to share a common bond of peace on earth. This rare moment during WWI is celebrated in an a capella musical by Mustard Seed Theatre at Fontbonne University’s Theatre on Wydown at Big Bend. Performances continue November 8-24. For info, visit www.mustardseedtheatre.com.
Love film? Don’t miss the St. Louis International Film Festival, November 14-24. It’s one of the best in the U.S.! Venues vary, so check www.cinemastlouis.org for details.
Wish for a view of the American landscape? This month, St. Louis University Museum of Art presents “No Place Like Home,” American landscape painting from the Sinquefield collection. Rex Sinquefield has often been called one of the world’s leading financial gurus. He is now best known for using his time and resources for civic and philanthropic causes. Raised in Saint Vincent Orphanage in Saint Louis, Sinquefield earned a business degree from Saint Louis University, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and went on to develop some of the nation’s first index funds, which trust rather than “outsmart” the market. Along with associate David Booth, Sinquefield formed Dimensional Fund Advisors in 1981, which today oversees more than $220 billion in global assets. After retiring in 2005, Sinquefield returned to his much-loved and dearly missed State of Missouri, with the hopes of using his experience and success to invest in more philanthropic ventures. The results of some of his philanthropy can be seen in this exhibit, November 15 through February 2.
Want to save some $$ on your Christmas shopping?? It’s not too early to plan some special gifts for those very special people on your list. The Foundry Art Centre at the end of Main Street in St. Charles hosts its 8th annual Red Box Boutique on December 6-7. It’s “the” place to buy unique, one-of-a-kind works direct from the artists…plus get free gift wrapping… plus all purchases are sales-tax-free! How can you lose?
For info, call The Foundry at 636-255-0270 or visit www.foundryartcentre.org.