St. Louis Shines with Summer Art and Culture
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Artwork: A Place Called Dark Black, by Torkwase Dyson, at Mildred Lane Kemper Museum.
As a general rule, I do not include classes in this column. However, once in a while, something comes along that really deserves attention, and that “something” is Pack Dance. Offering classes from birth (with caregivers) through age 19 and even adult opportunities, Pack Dance has no requirements for previous dance experience, dance attire or shoes, with scholarship funding available, in order to eliminate any barriers for participation. Get up and move with classes beginning August 18 at 465 N. Taylor. www.packdance.org
Sometimes it takes out-of-town visitors for us StL residents to really see this great city. Better yet, just book a walking tour on any Saturday morning (9:30 a.m.-noon) with Landmarks Walking Tours. Learn abShaout the art and architecture of St. Louis on the East tour (includes Eads Bridge, Old Courthouse, Cathedral and Post Office, Wainwright Building) or West tours (Union Station, Stifel Theatre, Campbell House, Main Library, Soldiers Memorial). You’ll stroll about two and a half miles (great exercise!) with a knowledgeable guide and learn about StL landmarks. Tours offered through October 25. www.landmarks-stl.org/events-2/tours/
Third Degree Glass’s End of Summer Bash (August 15, 6-10 p.m.) offers a “smashing” good time for the family, at 5200 Delmar. This is your chance to smash some glass (really!!) in a carnival-like setting (and safe environment). The Woodaddies perform live music. Meet Columbus, Ohio artist William Ortman and view his works in Viscera and Vision: The Art of Organic Illumination, on view through August 31 in the Third Degree Gallery. www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com
If you miss Union Avenue Opera’s performance of Josephine and Pagliacci on August 1-2, plan to attend Richard Strauss’ Salome, August 15-16, 22-23, conducted by Scott Schoonover and directed by longtime UAO collaborator Mark Freiman at 733 N. Union. This one-act psychological thriller has not been performed in St. Louis for 16 years. www.unionavenueopera.org
Through August 15, visit Webster Arts, 2 Summit Avenue, to see Open Theme Annual 2025, a juried exhibition of works by national and local artists. Also in August, Webster Arts hosts Humans of St. Louis, a training session to teach interviewing skills, prior to the What’s Their Story? exhibition opening August 22, showcasing in print and images, the interviews conducted by participants. Culminating on August 31, a panel including Patrick Murphy (PBS producer, artist, author), Jaimie Mowers (Webster-Kirkwood Times editor) and Lindy Drew (HOSTL founder) discusses the documentary project. www.webster-arts.org
Opening August 17 at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, on Washington U’s campus, is Let Us Feel the Heartbreak: Contemporary Art and the Environment, multiple works by various artists inspired by Andrea Bowers‘s installation. www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu/
Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Road, announces the sculptural installation, Passage by Renata Cassiano Alverez, August 23-December 15. The Mexican-born artist will speak at noon during the opening reception. www.laumeier.org
Keep those little ones (ages 2-7) ARTfully busy on August 9, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Contemporary Art Museum’s Play Date: Shape Study. It’s free and family-friendly, at 3750 Washington. www.camstl.org
COCA presents fully-inclusive, afternoon and evening performances of Seussical Jr. in its Berges Theatre, 6880 Washington, August 8-10. Delightful for all ages! www.cocastl.org
In case you didn’t get enough of the Bard, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival brings a 90-minute condensed version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to area parks in Missouri and Illinois in its
Parks Tour. Starting August 16 at 6:30 in Missouri Botanical Garden, performances are held at different locations (check the website), finishing on September 13 in Grand Center at Strauss Park. All performances begin at 6:30 p.m., except for 3 p.m. on September 13. www.stlshakes.org
Don’t let summer pass without an evening (or two!) at the Muny in Forest Park. La Cage Aux Folles runs August 8-14; Jersey Boys, August 18-24, and special concert Diana Ross with Jon Batiste on August 28. www.muny.org
Check out Slam Underground: Celestial at the St. Louis Art Museum, August 29, 7-10 p.m. This free event welcomes guests 18+ to dance the night away with a live DJ and ARTful activities exploring astronomy and astrology, with cosmic cocktails available for purchase. www.slam.org
At this time when funding to so many wonderful ARTS institutions is at serious risk, please consider giving your support (through membership or donation) to the ARTful organizations that strive to keep culture alive in our community.