As we move into August, the ARTs are still going full blast!
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky,
Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Photo caption: Cardinal mosaic from Yucandu Art Studio.
I hope your summer is going well. There are just so many ARTful opportunities in the metro area to do, so check out these suggestions I’ve curated especially for you.
Pop into Webster Arts Gallery, #2 Summit Avenue, August 9-September 13, for Word & Weft. This exhibition, dedicated to the fine art of communication, explores all forms of language and symbolism with works from 30 artists. The opening reception is August 13, 6:30-8 p.m. www.webster-arts.org/gallery
Enjoy Purple Lemon Photography by Nikki Dukes, on display at The Green Center, 8025 Blackberry Avenue in University City. The exhibition opens with a reception on August 13, 4-7 p.m.; runs through September 6. www.thegreencenter.org
Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway in Alton, hosts multimedia works by members of The Best of Missouri Hands in On the Road Again, through August 30. Meet the artists at the August 2 reception, 6-8 p.m.
“What’s this gossip about Jacoby Arts Center?” you ask. Effective August 31, Jacoby will vacate its present location as the building undergoes restoration and redevelopment. As of this writing, it is not yet determined whether the Arts Center will return to this building at a later date, or seek a new location, but the board of directors has assured that operations of the organization will continue during the interim. Stay tuned… www.jacobyartscenter.org
Art St. Louis and its Catalyst Coffee Bar have moved from their former downtown location on Pine to 2801 Locust in Midtown Alley. “The new location’s spacious 4,060 square feet will provide ASL with a platform to expand its reach and engagement within St. Louis’s vibrant art community,” states Art Saint Louis Executive Director, Francesca Passanise. The new space will provide for solo exhibitions, plus ASL’s signature group exhibitions. www.artstlouis.org
If you wonder what’s happened to the International Photography Hall of Fame since moving from Grand Center, the organization is still very active virtually. A new website was just launched, so check it out: www.iphf.org
Want to take your mosaic skills to a new level, or maybe learn how to create your own work?
Yucandu Arts Studio, 20 Allen Avenue in Webster, offers an adult mosaic class on August 14. Take home your own 8×8” work of art! www.yucandu.com
Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar, hosts its monthly ARTsy party, 6-10 p.m., August 16 with DJ Dan, food, drinks, glassblowing demonstrations and the opportunity to make your own glass picture frame. But there’s more! August 1-September 27, Beyond The Familiar exhibit, by Blown Away Netflix stars glass artists John Sharvin and MiNhi England, is on view (with pieces for sale) at Third Degree. The show explores the transitional work of England and Sharvin, delving into themes of life transitions, grief, and exploration. A contrast of surface levity with underlying turmoil invites audiences to reflect on the multifaceted nature of life’s journey. www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com
Tuesdays-Sunday, through August 25, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents a larger-than-life 90-minute performance of Shakespeare’s enchanting romance, The Tempest. Set “on an island full of mischief,” the cast of six presents this free show at 6:30 p.m. in 24 parks in Missouri and Illinois. Find one near you at: www.stlshakes.org/the-tempest
Prism Theatre performs (title of show), a Broadway musical written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen about two aspiring writers in New York City. The show runs August 16-September 8 at the Kranzberg Arts Center. www.prismtheatre.org
The Sachs Museum at Missouri Botanical Garden hosts A Corn-Fed Musical Comedy Performance (outdoors, weather permitting) by Opera Bell Band on August 10. The musical show is inspired by the history of corn in the Midwest, featuring original songs and comedy routines. www.mobot.org/museum
Come experience family-favorite underwater adventures August 9-11 when COCA presents a live stage version of Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR., in the Catherine B. Berges Theatre, 6880 Washington. The entire family will be delighted! www.cocastl.org.
Lastly, make it a real St. Louis summer by visiting Missouri History Museum in Forest Park and view the new 1904 World’s Fair exhibition. The world came to St. Louis during that magical summer for a fair that we still talk about. This exhibition presents insightful perspectives, with an amazing scale model of the fairgrounds. www.mohistory.org