As Thanksgiving approaches, there is a bounty of ARTful things to be thankful for this month.
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky,
Healthy Planet ARts Editor
Photo Caption: Exaltation, acrylic by Gary Lang, at Green Door Gallery
Start the month with an ARTsy outdoor adventure: Laumeier After Dark on November 4. Explore the park, 4-10 p.m., illuminated with temporary light installations and artworks by local artists, plus special lighting of favorite sculptures. Check out the artists booths, food trucks, and beverage vendors. www.laumeier.org
Green Door Gallery, 21 N. Gore, presents Finding Flow: Immersed in the Act of Creating, an exhibition of paintings, mixed media and jewelry. It runs through December 30, with an opening reception on November 3, 5-8 p.m. The gallery also offers The City Beautiful: St. Louis Views at the Edward Jones office, 3141 S. Grand, through November 30. www.greendoorgallery.com
Webster Arts hosts its Members Showcase, with an opening reception on November 10, 6:30-8:30. The exhibition, at 2 Summit Avenue, remains on view through December 15. And, on November 25, shop for original handmade pieces at the Members Market. www.webster-arts.org
A reception on November 11, 5-7 p.m., opens Art St. Louis XXXIX: The Exhibition at 1223 Pine. The multi-media juried exhibition runs through December 14. www.artstlouis.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington, presents two exhibits on view through February 11. Justin Favala, a Nevada-based artist, works with tiny bits of paper, inspired by cartoneria (pinata-making), to create 2-D works. St. Louis native Dominic Chambers: Birthplace celebrates public sites of his hometown. Or enjoy a Trivia Night, with an ARTsy twist? Michelle Doughtery (producer/co-host of the Literally Speaking podcast) emcees Contemporary Art Museum’s event on November 11, 6-9 p.m. in the museum. www.camstl.org
Dance St. Louis kicks off its season with Trinity Irish Dance Company at the Touhill on November 11. This company blends power and grace, sending its consistent message of female empowerment through its awesome dancers. Sure to sell out, so reserve tickets now! www.dancestl.org
Celebrating 525 years (yes, you read that correctly!), the Vienna Boys Choir comes to the Cathedral Basilica, 4144 Lindell, for one amazing performance on November 13. Founded in 1498, this choir is world-renowned, recognized for its most stringent musical training. www.cathedralconcerts.org
St. Louis Classical Guitar spotlights local guitarist Deyan Bratic at the High-Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington, on November 15, 7 p.m. Compared to Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed, Bratic delivers a diverse selection of works. www.stlclassicalguitar.org
Sway on over to the Touhill on November 16 to experience Miguel Espinoza Fusion. Rooted in flamenco, classical and jazz, the trio performs global chamber music on guitar, cello and bass at 7:30 p.m. www.miguelespinozafusion.com
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival offers up Q Brothers Christmas Carol, November 21-December 23. This fun twist on the beloved holiday tale brings reggae and rock, love and forgiveness to the National Blues Museum, 615 Washington with the Ghosts of Hip-Hop Past, Present and Future. www.stlshakes.org
While Powell Hall is under renovation, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra still delivers its great sounds—directly to you! Hailed as an “orchestra for everyone,” SLSO is presenting performances at venues all over the region! For example, on November 24, SLSO performs at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, November 25 at Manchester United Church of Christ (at Woods Mill) and on November 26 at The Sheldon. And that’s just a few of the upcoming performance venues. Or, enjoy Live at the Pulitzer, November 14, 7:30 p.m. when members of SLSO perform pieces that interpret the Line and Light of visual works on view in the museum. www.slso.org
The Nutcracker takes the Touhill stage when St. Louis Ballet performs on November 25-26 and December 15-23. And visit www.stlouisballet.org to also view Ballet Resources for Schools and Educators (a wonderful help for teachers!).
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum (on Washington U’s campus) hosts three intriguing exhibits:
conceptual artist Adam Pendleton presents To Divide By, new and recent paintings, drawings and videos (through January 15). Disorderly Materials/Contingent Objects can be seen in the Teaching Gallery through December 31. Three cases of fascinating memorabilia, photographs, etc. give insight into the artists who immigrated to America during World War II to escape Nazi persecution (Max Ernst, Ferdinand Leger, Yves Tanguy, etc.). www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu
While it’s not yet December, plan a little drive on December 9-10 to artist Julie Wiegand’s Open House at her Lyon School Studio and Gallery in Berger, Missouri. Beautiful art, music, food and countryside await! www.juliewiegand.com