Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Arts Editor
Bouquet of the Arts
While spring steals the show this month, bringing grand variety of plants to new life and flowers to bloom, check out this bouquet of the ARTS!
Bush honeysuckle may be spell misery to gardeners, especially those with larger-scale property, but artist Dale Dufer has an ARTful way of dealing with the botanical monster. Invasive Innovations is a group show of handmade furniture by Dufer and those who have completed the creative class he teaches, entitled Think about Tables. With the eye of a true artist, Dufer sees wonderful potential in the beastly bush. Featured in the show are tables, stools, plant stands and a lot of fun surprises, all utilizing the cursed bush honeysuckle in creative ways. The show, which runs through May 26, opens with a reception on May 5, 6-9 p.m. at Spiral Gallery, 2605 Sutton Blvd. in Maplewood. Visit www.woodworms.net for more info.
Laumeier Sculpture Park hosts its 29th Annual Art Fair on May 6-8. Perhaps better known simply as “The Mother’s Day Show,” it’s a great way to shop for Mom, celebrate Mom, or just relax in a lovely outdoor setting. Each year, more than 15,000 attendees enjoy local food and beverages, hands-on activities for kids, special wine and beer tasting events, live music and 150 juried artists from around the country exhibiting work in such categories as ceramics, fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography/digital, printmaking/drawing, sculpture and wood. Highlights of the weekend include Friday evening’s Art of the Vine, a special wine tasting event featuring unlimited samples of local and international wines (what a way to unwind on a Friday!), while Saturday afternoon’s Art of the Ale beer tasting event features unlimited samples of classic, seasonal and special-release beers. The City of Sunset Hills Music Festival on Saturday afternoon features performances by Johnny Fox, Dawn Weber and Rock Fight, and Kevin Bilchik Blues. The weather promises to be good, so order admission tickets in advance at www.laumeier.org or pay at the gate.
Mid-month on May 15th, the Bach Society of St. Louis presents Bach’s Mass in B Minor. Directed by Dennis Sparger, the St. Louis Chorus and Orchestra performs this monumental work at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood at 100 E. Adams. The first work performed by the Bach Society in 1941, Bach’s work will be punctuated by four outstanding Baroque soloists: soprano Sherezade Panthaki, countertenor Jay Carter, tenor Kyle Stegall and bass-baritone Dashon Burton. Order tickets online at www.bachsociety.org or call 314-652-BACH. Student rush tickets at the door are just $10 with I.D.
Onward!!
Circus Harmony Flying Trapeze Center — TrapezeSTL — opens its third season on May 25 in a new West County location. Due to the construction at Union Station, TrapezeSTL moves to Chesterfield Athletic Club (next to the Doubletree Hotel on Swingley Ridge Road). “Flying trapeze is for everyone,” says TrapezeStL Lead Coach Matt Viverito. “Cross it off the bucket list, fly with us regularly to stay in shape, overcome fears, simply have fun doing something thrilling and unique.” He should know: Viverito is a Circus Harmony alum, performed with the St. Louis Arches, went to college and then joined the circus touring with the Flying Pages (he completed the legendary triple somersault!). He’s now returned to his hometown to share the joy of flying. Visit www.trapezestl.com for more info.
The month finishes out with the AWESOME 9th Annual Emerson Spring to Dance Festival, May 27-29 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Thank you to Dance St. Louis for this most-wonderful opportunity to check out every imaginable type of dance. One of the region’s best (truly the BEST!!) dance festivals brings together 30 professional dance companies from across the country for three exhilarating nights. Sample dance you otherwise may never see: ballet, hip-hop, tango, classical, contemporary, modern and more. It’s the best opportunity to experience a breadth of nationally touring professional dance companies every single night, at bargain pricing. Broaden your horizons, and prepare to be blown away!!Visit www.dancestl.org for details.
It was probably your mother who hummed the first tune you heard, danced around the house with you, read you a story, or put a crayon in your hand—all those early ARTful experiences. May is the perfect month to say, “Happy Mother’s Day!”