May Performances, Paintings, and More in STL
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky,
Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Photo: Hercules Fountain by Timothy Grotian, at Norton’s Fine Art.
Recently, St. Louis University announced plans to close its Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. Founded in 1993, MOCRA is the first museum to present contemporary art through an interfaith viewpoint. But MOCRA isn’t gone yet! On May 3, 1:30-4 p.m., MOCRA presents a “public conversation exploring how the lexicons of spirituality, abstraction and Black culture are intertwined” in Meditations: Black Expression, Abstraction, and the Spirit – Live! Attend in person or via Zoom; tickets required. www.slu.edu/mocra/
Crossroads Arts Council presents juried exhibition Cityscapes and Country Roads, plus 4 Generations: A Mother’s Day Tribute featuring works by women of four generations in one family, at 310 W. Pearce Blvd. in Wentzville, May 4-26. Opening reception for both is 2-4 p.m., May 4. www.crossroadsartscouncil.org
“While strolling through the park one day, in the merry, merry month of May, I was taken by surprise” by the 38th Annual Art Fair in Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Road, May 9-11. Coinciding with Mother’s Day, it’s perfect to celebrate Mom with a shopping spree of original artwork and fine crafts by 150 artists, live music and tasty foods, all in a beautiful outdoor setting. www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/art-fair-event
Join the community of plein air (“outdoor”) artists during Paint Webster, May 10. All skill levels are invited to create paintings on site throughout Webster Groves, with free registration for artists 18 and under. Or just watch! Completed works will be on view in Webster Arts Gallery, 2 Summit, through June 13. www.webster-arts.org
Through June 21, see Threads of Imagination: A Shared Journey in Art by
Justin Grotrian, Timothy Grotrian and Dennis Krueger, at Norton’s Fine Art and Framing, 2025 S. Big Bend. Timothy’s architectural influences, Justin’s imaginative narratives, and Dennis’s precise, emotionally-driven drawings create a diverse exhibition. www.nortonsfineart.com
As pandemic, politics, and pollution define this time of radical change, Pack Dance explores the impact of disruption on individuals and communities in a unique concert/dance experience entitled Disruption. See it May 2-4 at the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center. www.packdance.org
St. Louis Classical Guitar hosts Mak Grgic, classical guitarist, and Curtis Stewart, violinist, performing pieces inspired by their Balkan and Greek heritage, 7:30 p.m. May 3, at 560 Music Center’s Pillsbury Theatre. www.stlclassicalguitar.org
Bach at the Bistro: Broadway Reimagined, performed by the Bach Society Chorus, brings timeless classics and reimagined Broadway hits for a fresh perspective on show tunes. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner; show begins at 7:15 p.m., May 6 at Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington. www.bachsociety.org
Music and movies go together seamlessly, especially on May 9 when Arianna String Quartet leads a journey of works by three composers whose spectacular music conjures stories, characters, and moods. 7: 30 p.m. at the Touhill. www.ariannaquartet.com
St.Louis Symphony Orchestra continues that movie theme with Disney Princess: The Concert, May 9-10, followed by Revolution: The Music of the Beatles, May 17. Both at Stifel. www.slso.org
Opera St. Louis’ 2025 Festival Season kicks off on May 10 with a free performance of Our Songs at Third Baptist Church, 620 N. Grand, followed by Die Fledermaus, May 24-June 28 at the Loretto-Hilton. www.opera-stl.org
Memorial Day weekend gets a dose of “wow” with the 17th Annual Spring to Dance Festival, May 23-24. Dance St. Louis serves up an “unmatched buffet of dance” with nationally touring professional companies providing two days of nonstop movement. Tickets start at just $15 each with bargain 4-packs at $45, at the Touhill on UMSL’s campus. www.dancestlouis.org
As May closes, St. Louis’ beloved Shakespeare in the Park opens its 25th year with Hamlet, May 28-June 22. Nightly (except on Mondays!), Forest Park comes alive with the Bard’s beloved play. Pack a picnic; performances are free. www.stlshakes.org
Also opening on May 28 is the Whitaker Music Festival Concert Series, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw. St. Louis musical legend Vince Martin performs from soul and blues to pop and rock, with the guitar mastery of Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana in this season’s first free performance. Entrance begins at 5 p.m. www.mobot.org/whitaker
Like many of you, I learned the news of Art St. Louis’ sudden closure last month. Long a staple for St. Louis’ art scene, showcasing works by regional artists, the staff and the organization are already missed. Here’s hoping that the board can resurrect it soon.