Supporting St.Louis Arts
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Image: “Thirsting,” encaustic, by Grace Carol Bomer
“At a moment when arts organizations across the country are facing increased censorship, political pressure, and shrinking public support, {art} spaces…depend more than ever on the people who believe in the importance of artistic freedom.” That statement is terribly accurate for many arts organizations and artists. It was far more eloquently stated than I could by The Luminary’s announcement of an extraordinary event. On April 25, One Hundred², brings together 100 artists on April 25, 7-10 p.m. with arts supporters. With a $10 ticket, attendees can enjoy an open bar, DJ, community raffle and purchase original artworks each priced at $100. Participating artists are donating 100% of the proceeds from their artwork to The Luminary’s programming. Talk about supporting one’s own community!! Come show them support in return. www.theluminaryarts.com
Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO begins at Missouri Botanical Garden on April 10. I have experienced this indescribable outdoor installation of sculptural/lighting works at The Paine Gardens– and it is breathtaking! Experience it through September 26. www.mobot.org
Through April 11, Bruno David Gallery, 7513 Forsyth, shows Jill Downen: Emplacement; Judith Shaw: Off the Wall; Jacob Blickenstaff: Show of Hands; William Morris: Compendium; Bill Christmas: YES. www.brunodavidgallery.com
Lyon School Studio & Gallery, home to artist Julie Wiegand, hosts its Spring Art & Music Event 2026 on April 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 4588 Lyon Road in Berger, MO (a short drive!). Experience springtime in the country with fresh artwork, music by pianist/vocalist Emily Render and Mexican guitarist/vocalist Emerson Magana. www.juliewiegand.com
Kingsbury Gallery, based at Grace and Peace Fellowship, 5574 Delmar, hosts Painting Grace: The Work of Grace Carol Bomer. This versatile Asheville, NC artist has exhibited her paintings throughout the U.S., in Berlin and Madrid. With weekend and Sunday hours, the exhibit is on view through May 31. www.graceandpeacefellowship.org
Wife and husband duo Roxie and Joe Randolph exhibit their quilts, paintings and drawings in a vibrant celebration of love and creativity in Versatility, at the Green Center, 8025 Blackberry.
The exhibition remains on view through April 20. www.thegreencenter.org
Art in the Grove showcases outstanding artworks by residents of Laclede Groves Senior Living. See it at Webster Arts, 2 Summit, April 28-May 8. Proof that art is ageless. www.webster-arts.org
If you wonder what happened to the International Photography Hall of Fame, the organization is still quite active, but now online. “Attend” an online visual journey/lecture Moonshine to Sour Mash on the Tennessee Whiskey Tour, 6 p.m. on April 16, with photographer William Fields. Tickets are just $5. www.iphf.org
CWE’s Bowood Farms teams up with Third Degree Glass for a springtime-fresh Swing Into Spring, joining glass and plants (all for sale!), April 17, 6-10 p.m. A guaranteed fun night of music, art and nature!! www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com
Grab tickets now for the sure-to-sell-out performances of Ailey II at the Touhill. Dance St. Louis commissioned a new work, Berry Dreamin’, to mark both its 60th year, plus Chuck Berry’s 100th birthday. See its world premiere April 10-11. A performance of Alvin Ailey’s famous Revelations rounds out the night. www.dancestl.org
Love circus arts? Celebrate Circus Harmony’s Silver Anniversary, April 11 at City Museum. $75/person to attend the gala with food, drink, parking, auction and performance or, if you’re unable to attend in person, view it livestream for free (registration required). www.circusharmony.org
The Bach Society marks 85 seasons plus Maestro Dennis Sparger’s 40th season at An Evening to Celebrate Gala, April 10, at downtown Missouri Athletic Club.
Attention teachers: Looking for a musical field trip? On April 17, 10-11 a.m., the Bach Society a provides a free (reservations required) performance at First Baptist Church in Ferguson.
Ticket info for both events at www.bachsociety.org
Cathedral Concerts welcomes Tallis Scholars to the Cathedral Basilica, Lindell, 7:30 p.m. on April 17. This UK group brings Renaissance music to life! Or, discover the mystical chants from the Fall of Constantinople (1453) performed by Cappella Romana: The Twilight of Byzantium, on April 26. Otherworldly!! www.cathedralconcerts.org
St. Louis Guitar Society hails French guitarist Gaelle Solal on April 18, 7:30 p.m. at Salem United Methodist Church in Ladue. Acclaimed one of today’s greatest female guitarists in the world, Solal closes StLGS’s season with panache. www.stlclassicalguitar.org
Stray Dog Theatre brings energy and laughs to the stage with its performance of 9 to 5: The Musical, running April 2-25 at the Tower Grove Abbey. www.straydogtheatre.org