By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky,
Healthy Planet Arts Editor
I love the arts. I dislike politics. I write today about that love, not about politics.
Photo: Frog Skin Agate Pendant by Amy Buettner/Tucker Glasgow, at Webster Arts Fair.
As I write this column, news reports tell of efforts to cut funding to cultural agencies and institutions in the United States. Board members at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts were terminated; the president appointed himself as its chair. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) faces elimination, per the proposed 2026 federal budget. Grant funding to smaller organizations is being withdrawn. It is shocking and heartbreaking.
In full disclosure, I worked several years as the Executive Director of Missouri Citizens for the Arts, advocating with legislators on the state and national level for arts funding. And I work as a professional artist myself. I also serve on grant review panels for Missouri Arts Council and Regional Arts Commission, so I see the importance of arts in our society, and the threats now facing the arts. Save money by eliminating the arts? NO!!
Want cold, hard facts to discuss the value of art (visual, written and performing)?
The arts grew at twice the rate of the total national economy, based on most recent data available (2023). The arts added $1.2 TRILLION to the U.S. economy, representing 4.2% of the nation’s GDP (Sources: Arts & Cultural Production Satellite Account [ASCAP], NEA, and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis).
The arts and culture industry generated $1.725 BILLION for Missouri’s economy, providing 13,356 jobs in the arts sector (Source: Missouri Arts Council). “Starving artists” contribute mightily to the nation’s and the state’s economic health.
A study released February 11, 2025 by NEA confirmed that students (as tested from Pre-K through high school) who receive arts training score higher on academic tests in language and math, and have higher graduation rates—all positive academic outcomes, plus better social and emotional development. Does art matter? You bet it does!
Unconstricted art speaks truth. It documents what is beautiful, and sometimes what is not. It requires us to think, to expand our experiences. ART defines a society; it lifts us from barbarism.
Please contact your legislators today, right now, to request continued support of the arts.
The ARTS need your voice NOW.
Seattle-based & painter Roger Feldman’s works come to multiple locations in The Makers District: Meet the artist during an opening reception, June 22, noon-4 p.m. at Kingsbury Gallery, 5574 Delmar, with paintings and works on paper. See his maquettes (sculpture models) at Third Degree Gallery, 5200 Delmar, beginning June 1. A large-scale interactive outdoor installation, Recentered Hope: Florette, celebrates springtime joy and the sorrow of loss, at Delmar near Academy Avenue, starting June 15. All remain through August 25. www.graceandpeacefellowship.org/ministries/arts/
The Bach Society presents two free events: Chorus America’s Preview (The Bach Society of Saint Louis, IN UNISON Chorus, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, the Saint Louis Women’s Chorale) 7 p.m. June 4 at St. Stanislav Polish Catholic Church. On June 7, 2 p.m. at Hyatt Regency-St. Louis, sit in on Bach Talk Live: Leonard Slatkin Unscripted. Advance tickets are required for both, www.bachsociety.org
A Chorus of Fools extends its new play, Heavy, at Greenfinch Theater, 2525 S. Jefferson, June 1 & 6-8. www.chorusoffools.org
Legendary singer Marilyn Maye joins a star-studded lineup for Billy Stritch & Friends: A New York Night, June 4, 7:30 pm. at Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington. www.jazzstl.org
Webster Art Fair welcomes 95 juried artists to Eden Theological Seminary grounds, 475 E. Lockwood, June 6-8. Live music and food, too! www.websterartsfair.com
Karlovsky & Company Dance continues Dine on Dance, free, at noon, June 10 in Strauss Park, 3534 Washington, and June 18, in The Old Post Office Plaza. www.karlovskydance.org
Harmony STL hosts Ambassadors of Harmony, Visions of Harmony, & The Recruits Chorus in A Capella Live! June 14, 2 p.m. at The Touhilll. www.touhill.universitytickets.com
El Encuentro remains on exhibition at The Luminary, 2701 Cherokee. Works by Laura Camila Medina & Cecilia Vargas Munoz reflect on memory, identity, and cultural symbols, through July 12. www.theluminaryarts.com
It’s Third Friday, June 20 at Third Degree Glass, 5200 Delmar! Enjoy glass demos, food, drinks, meet artist Hoseok Youn, 6-10 p.m. This South Korean glass artist’s figurative sculptures for It’s Just a Toy, remain on display through June 29. www.stlglass.com
Seattle-based sculptor/painter Roger Feldman’s art comes to multiple locations in the Makers District: Meet the artist at an opening reception, June 22, noon-4 p.m. at Kingsbury Gallery, 5574 Delmar, with paintings. His maquettes (sculpture models) are exhibited at Third Degree Gallery, 5200 Delmar, beginning June 1. A large-scale interactive outdoor installation, Recentered Hope: Florette, celebrates springtime joy and the sorrow of loss, at Delmar near Academy Avenue, starting June 15. All remain through August 25. www.graceandpeacefellowship.org/ministries/arts/