March-April 2015 Happenings

MAR-APR

2015

A&E Premieres 2015 Video The Makers Celebrating Creators and Patrons of the Arts in the St. Louis community (pg. 5) ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Highlights from the 2015 St. Louis Arts Awards (pg. 4)

Get great deals with the Know and Go Discount Calendar (pg. 6-7)

Meet C.J. Watkins, drummer for the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars (pg. 9)

A&E Grantee, St. Louis ArtWorks, celebrates 20th anniversary with a new home (pg. 10)

Letter from the President Centene Center for Arts and Education 3547 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-1014 p 314.289.4000 f 314.289.4019

2015 Board of Directors CHAIR Terrance J. Good VICE CHAIR Leonard T. Eschbach SECRETARY Peter Sargent TREASURER Ruth Saphian (Chair, Finance & Facilities) DEVELOPMENT Janet W. Newcomb GOVERNANCE C. Brendan Johnson GRANTS Nicole Hudson MARKETING & EVENTS Caren Vredenburgh STRATEGIC PLANNING Cary D. Hobbs

MEMBERS Nora Akerberg Susan Block Sheila Burkett Chris Cedergreen John Gianoulakis Kristin J. Guehlstorf Lissa Hollenbeck Eric Koestner Linda Lee Linda Leonard Dorte Probstein Shawn Schukar Donald M. Senti Mary Ann Srenco Susan A. Stith Andrew Trivers Carol J. Voss MEMBERS AT LARGE Barbara B. Goodman Kenneth Kranzberg Michael Weisbrod EX-OFFICIO Cynthia A. Prost

Staff PRESIDENT Cynthia A. Prost VICE PRESIDENT, ADMINISTRATION & GRANTS Susan Rowe Jennings VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT Kate Francis CONTROLLER Joseph Soer DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION Patricia Tichacek

DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS Heather Edwards Dorothy Powell GIFT PROCESSING ASSOCIATE Mandi Hanway COMMUNICATIONS CONTENT EDITOR Ellen Futterman SOCIAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Christine Blonn

Greetings Friends, On Friday, January 30 of this year, I was honored to represent the Arts and Education Council and serve as a session moderator for the St. Louis Business Journal’s Women’s [Confidence] Conference. More than 1,000 women (and a couple of cuttingedge men) spent the day talking about confidence in many realms: in the board room, in creative circles, in your health, in your style, in entrepreneurship, etcetera. But where I was most inspired was leading the conversation about Confidence in Generosity.

At A&E, we realize the importance of earning your confidence to give generously to the Arts. And, concurrently, A&E – as a united arts fund – feels it is incumbent upon us to demonstrate the positive impact that your gift makes in the cultural energy and vitality of the greater St. Louis community. So, A&E commissioned a very special video, aptly named The Makers, which celebrates all those who believe the Arts are critical to our community’s heritage and future growth.

You are a Maker. We often think only of artists as “makers” but, you, as a donor and patron of the Arts, are a Maker, too: a creator of opportunity and outlet for art that challenges our beliefs, broadens our horizons, elicits a spectrum of emotions, encourages conversations, builds economic impact and empowers academic achievements that benefit the entire region. You’ll find some highlights on the video on page 5, but I encourage you to watch it by visiting A&E’s YouTube page (youtube.com/artsandeducstl).

This edition of Happenings features Makers of all kinds: donor, arts volunteer and retired educator, Ann Corrigan; high school sophomore, drummer and Jazz St. Louis All-Star, C.J. Watkins; arts organization and A&E grantee, St. Louis ArtWorks; and others.

As you read, keep in mind that your gift to A&E plays a role in many of these Makers’ achievements and yields millions of positive returns for our community.

Thank you for your continued support!

Cynthia A. Prost President, Arts & Education Council

2015 St. Louis Business Journal Women’s [Confidence] Conference A&E President Cynthia A. Prost moderated the “Confidence in Generosity” roundtable during the 2015 St. Louis Business Journal Women’s Conference.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Marcia Quint stlouis.bbb.org

ON THE COVER: Photo still by Patrick Lanham from The Makers video featuring Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) dancer, Rafael Tillery. The Makers was commissioned by the Arts and Education Council; directed by Benjamin Kaplan; and produced by Nicole Hudson and Benjamin Kaplan. (see page 5 for more details)

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From left to right: Mary Stillman, Founder and Executive Director, Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls; Sue McCollum, Chairman and CEO, Major Brands, Inc.; Cynthia A. Prost, President, Arts and Education Council; Deborah Patterson, Vice President Global Contributions and Employee Engagement, Monsanto.

A&E Announces 2015 PNC Project Grants

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he Arts and Education Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2015 PNC

Project Grants, generously underwritten by a $40,000 donation from the PNC Foundation. The grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, will support 22 arts organizations in the 16-county bi-state St. Louis region.

This unique collaboration between A&E and PNC provides funding to a variety of nonprofit arts and arts education organizations that offer projects in local classrooms, community centers and neighborhoods as well as outreach programs for at-risk youth and underserved populations.

PNC Project Grant Recipients The 7th Grade Poetry Foundation Bach Society of Saint Louis Cinema St. Louis

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:

Gitana Productions Uses Art to Break Barriers

S

ince its inception in 1996, Gitana Productions, Inc. has used the arts as a vehicle to bring diverse segments of the St. Louis community together.

“Our mission is to build community and make it diverse using varied

forms of artistic expression, such as dance, drama and music,” said founder Cecilia Nadal.

This spring, as a result of a $4,500 PNC Project Grant administered through the Arts and Education Council, Gitana Productions will produce “Black and Blue,” an original play by Lee Patton Chiles that explores the complex relationship between the African-American community and the police. The project will be produced using professional actors and will include community roles for African-American young males from the Ferguson area.

“The reason we chose this concept is that we see both groups, AfricanAmericans and the police, wounded by mistrust,” said Nadal. “They both have a bruise, a black and blue, which needs healing. African-Americans stand out for the black color of their skin. The police stand out for their blue uniforms. Bias and judgment befall them. People have an unconscious bias that gets applied to both groups in similar ways.”

The play will be performed May 22, at the Missouri History Museum for three days. Then it will be performed at the Kranzberg Arts Center and other venues to be announced. Nadal says so far, nine performances have been planned, all of which are free.

“This is such an important topic we didn’t want any barriers to exist,” said Nadal. “We wanted as many people as possible to be able to see it.”

Currently, Gitana is working with young people in Ferguson at the Greater

Circus Harmony

St. Mark Church who also will be part of the play. “We are training protestors

Gateway Men’s Chorus

to tell their stories,” continues Nadal. “Our plan is to incorporate some of

Gitana Productions

their stories and the training we are doing with them into the play.”

Greater East St. Louis Community Fund

Gitana Productions is an A&E 2015 PNC Project Grant recipient. For more information, visit gitana-inc.org.

Erica Brooks

International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum The Luminary Missouri Immigrant & Refugee Advocates Modern American Dance Company New Jewish Theatre Prison Performing Arts Robert L. Reed Tap Heritage Institute River Styx The Saint Louis Classical Guitar Society Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble St. Louis ArtWorks St. Louis Cathedral Concerts St. Louis Public Radio / 90.7 KWMU That Uppity Theatre Company Union Avenue Opera

Complacency of Silence: Darfur written for Gitana by Lee Patton Chiles.

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Highlights from the 2015 St. Louis Arts Awards

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David and Thelma Steward enjoy the Arts Awards entertainment.

World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation served as Presenting Sponsors of the 2015 event.

2015 St. Louis Arts Awards honorees Denise Thimes (left) and Nancy Kranzberg (right) harmonize on W.C. Handy’s “Saint Louis Blues.”

Anderson Matthews (left) and Jim Butz (right) performed a scene from “The Life of King Henry the Fifth” by William Shakespeare in honor of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, 2015 St. Louis Arts Award honoree for Excellence in the Arts.

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All Arts Awards photos by Suzy Gorman

record-breaking crowd of 700 arts and arts education supporters gathered at the Chase Park Plaza on January 19, for the 2015 St. Louis Arts Awards, presented by the Arts and Education Council and chaired by Lynne and Jim Turley. World Wide Technology, Inc. and the Steward Family Foundation were the Presenting Sponsors. Proceeds from the event benefit A&E and the nearly 70 arts and arts education organizations it supports throughout the 16-county, bi-state region.

Brian Owens, vocalist, performer and recording artist, sings “A Change is Gonna Come.”

From left to right: Warner Baxter and Tom Voss, Ameren, accept the 2015 St. Louis Arts Award for Corporate Leadership in the Arts from Terry Good, A&E Board Chair, and Cynthia A. Prost, A&E President.

Jill McGuire, retiring founder and executive director of the Regional Arts Commission, 2015 St. Louis Arts Awards honoree for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, gives her acceptance speech.

Introducing the 2015 A&E Campaign Video: The Makers

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The Makers One million acts of creation Plucked from the sky and sown on Earth One million acts of devotion,

he Arts and Education Council’s

community. They marry individual

2015 video captures the beauty

donors – who might not otherwise

of our artistic community – The

see themselves as part of the creative

Makers – artists, patrons, contributors

process – to that process. [A&E] gives

Truths, tales, and torrents

and volunteers who make a vibrant

donors the opportunity to essentially

One million acts of imagination carved

community for all utilizing diverse

collaborate with the artists in our

tools and talents: pen, ink, paint

community.

brush, hands, feet, or voice - or pocketbooks and time. Each person who participates in and patronizes the arts makes – creates – opportunity for

What or who do you think distinguishes the St. Louis regional arts scene from other metropolitan areas?

minds to expand, horizons to broaden,

It has always been about resources

and our community to flourish.

and access. St. Louis is a smaller city

3 questions with The Makers director, Ben Kaplan: What drew you to working on this project with the Arts and Education

It begins with the Makers Possessors of spyglass and crystal ball Seeking and creating mysteries With a singular, lionhearted cadence Driven by muse, magnificence, and mayhem

It begins with the Makers Weathered by labor, soothed by passion

There is a core community of people who are making amazing things and are driven to innovate creatively. The

It was a combination of organizational

growing leaps-and-bounds every day.

really believe in what A&E does in the

into the spine of a community

less expensive to live and work here.

city has great resources and opportu-

something lasting and meaningful. I

One million refractions, reflections, reactions

and so, as a creative person, it is far

Council?

mission…and the opportunity to create

Expansion and inspiration

Tools of flesh and bone Sculpting and forging From the heart to shape souls

nities for working artists and those are It begins with the Makers Visionary, compassionate beings

What do you hope audiences will take away from the video?

I want the audience to emotionally

Who give compass to creativity Motive and meaning to money And concrete realization to vivid imagination

connect to the act of creation; to feel like they’ve been transported into the

To view “The Makers” please visit A&E’s YouTube page at youtube.com/artsandeducstl.

It begins with the Makers

studio process. I want them to be

Capital with no capital letter

inspired by the breadth of activity

Providing essential fuel and salve for survival

happening in this city and march

So that the fires that burn may heal

down the street feeling inspired to create something themselves.

The Makers: Conceived and Directed by Benjamin Kaplan; Produced by Nicole Hudson and Benjamin Kaplan; Written by Benjamin Kaplan and Marc Chechik; Cinematography and Editing: Benjamin Kaplan; Colorist: Brad Fann; Lighting: Patrick Lanham. The Voices: Chet Fisk, Linda Kennedy The Artists: Sam Stang – Glass Artist; Ellie Balk – Visual Artist; Ken Botnick – Writer/Book Artist; Daniel Burnett – Visual Artist; Syrhea Conoway – Musician; Desirée Jane Dixon – Visual Artist; Rosy Glow – Fire Performer/Hula Hoop; Nova – Fire Performer; Anthony Gaddis – Digital Artist; Josephine Kaplan – Glitter Artist; Zahava Kaplan – Glitter Artist; Linda Kennedy – Actress; Monica Meyr – Dancer; Rafael Tillery – Dancer

This is a union of visionaries, Separated only by their tools An eternal collaborative twine Wrapped around brilliant, meteoric packages A legacy of shimmering moments

One million acts of creation

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ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Folk Dances: Brahms & Bartok

M A R -A P R

WHEN: Mar 13; Fri, 8 pm

2015

WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30-$85 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats)

*2-FOR-1 & SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Please present your Arts and Education Council ARTS Card at the ticket counter or box office in order to receive a discount. The 2-for-1 offer is for two people per card; whether it extends to more than two persons is at the discretion of the participating organization. ARTS Card holder discounts are not recognized by electronic ticket outlets and may not be used to purchase subscription tickets. Expired ARTS Cards will not be accepted. For up-to-theminute calendar additions, see the calendar on our website: KeepArtHappening.org/schedule.

ON - GOIN G DISCOUNTS W IT H T H E A R TS CA R D JAZZ ST. LOUIS offers 2-for-1 admission to most of its 9:30 pm shows Wed-Thurs. For details call 314.571.6000 or go to jazzstl.org

COCA FAMILY THEATRE The Little Prince WHEN: Mar 6-8 & 13-14; Fri, 7 pm; Sat, 5 pm; Sun, 1 pm WHERE: 524 Trinity Ave., University City COST: $14-$18

M AR C H EVE N TS Scott Ferguson

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card COCA Theatre Company presents Rick Cummins and John Scoullar’s musical adaptation of the classic French novella, Le Petit Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. 314.725.6555 or cocastl.org

AMERICAN CHAMBER CHORALE Requiem WHEN: Mar 7; Sat, 7:30 pm WHERE: St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 6603 Nottingham COST: $18 adults; $15 seniors; $12 students

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Music of Faure, Durufle, Poulenc, Messiaen & Villette. 314.638.0793 or americanchamberchorale.com

WHEN: Mar 1; Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

NEW JEWISH THEATRE

COST: $30-$65 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Violinist Augustin Hadelich returns to performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, a tour-de-force that will dazzle with its sizzling technical displays and tender melodies. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Brewer Sings Wagner WHEN: Mar 6; Fri, 8 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30-$80 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Bruckner’s Third Symphony showcases his love for the grand and majestic. Soprano Christine Brewer returns to Powell Hall performing a powerful Wagner piece. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org

Events Key 6

Cinema

Classical

Sight Unseen WHEN: Mar 12-29; Wed-Thur, 7:30 pm; Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm, first Sun, 2 & 7:30 pm

Bask in the joyous sounds of some of Europe’s finest folk dances: Ginastera’s Four Dances from Estancia, Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 and more. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Tchaikovsky 4 WHEN: Mar 15; Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30-$60 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Tchaikovsky’s jubilant Fourth Symphony, led by David Robertson, will leave you breathless, while violinist Vadim Repin brings his fiery passion to the St. Louis premier of MacMillian’s Violin Concerto. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org

REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike WHEN: Mar 18-Apr 12; Tues, 7 pm; Wed-Fri, 8 pm; selected Wed, 1:30 pm; Sat, 5 pm; Sun, 2 pm, selected Sun, 7 pm WHERE: Browning Mainstage at the Loretto Hilton Theatre, 130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves COST: $17.50-$79.50 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card March 18-29 The stage is set for mayhem and hilarity in this present-day homage to Chekhov; winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. 314.968.4925 or repstl.org

SHELDON CONCERT HALL

WHERE: Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Dr., Creve Coeur

Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Cuban Experience

COST: $38-$40

WHEN: Mar 21; Sat, 8 pm

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card

WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis

When critically acclaimed artist Jonathan Waxman, in London for a major retrospective of his work, impulsively decides to journey to the countryside to visit his former model and lover Patricia in the Norfolk farmhouse where she lives and works with her archeologist husband, Nick, the scene is set for us to question the tangled relationships of art, money, love and inspiration, as well as to reflect of the sacrifices entailed in getting ahead. 314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org

Dance

Jazz

Music

COST: $45 orchestra/$40 balcony DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card (Tickets are available by presenting the card in advance at the Fox Theatre Box Office at 531 N. Grand, or on the night of show at The Sheldon Box Office between 7-8 p.m.

Offer good on full price tickets only.)

A group of all-star jazz musicians carry on the tradition of the late, great Dizzy Gillespie – an innovator and pioneer of the Latin jazz movement. 314.533.9900 or sheldonconcerthall.org

Speaker

Theater

Visual Arts

ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL CONCERTS Pomerium: A capella music of the Renaissance WHEN: Mar 21; Sat, 8 pm

Carlos Chavez and Silvestre Revueltas, Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, Argentinian composer Albert Ginastera and tangos by Astor Piazzolla. 314.533.9900 or sheldonconcerthall.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY

WHERE: Cathedral Basilica, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis

Mozart Sinfonia Concertante

COST: $19-$39

WHEN: April 10; Fri, 10:30 am

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card

WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

Pomerium was founded by Alexander Blachly in New York in 1972 to perform music composed for the famous chapel choirs of the Renaissance.

Widely known for its interpretations of Du Fay, Ockeghem, Busnoys, Josquin, Lassus and Palestrina, the 15-voice a cappella ensemble has performed for numerous international festivals.

314.533.7662 or cathedralconcerts.org

SHELDON CONCERT HALL Los Folkloristas WHEN: Mar 27; Fri, 8 pm WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis COST: $40 orchestra/$35 balcony DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with the ARTS Card (Tickets are available by presenting the card in advance at the Fox Theatre Box Office at 531 N. Grand, or on the night of show at The Sheldon Box Office between 7-8 p.m.

Offer good on full price tickets only.)

For over 45 years, Los Folkloristas have pioneered the preservation of folk music in their native Mexico and Latin America. 314.533.9900 or sheldonconcerthall.org

A PR IL E VE N TS

COST: $28-$65 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Revel in Mozart’s sublime melodies as STL Symphony musicians Jonathan Chu and Beth Guterman Chu perform Mozart’s delightful Sinfonia concertante. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org

ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL CONCERTS Blue Heron, Renaissance Vocal Music for the 21st Century WHEN: April 15; Wed, 8 pm WHERE: Cathedral Basilica, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis COST: $19-$39 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card Combining a commitment to vivid live performance with the study of original source materials and historical performance practice, Blue Heron ranges over a wide and fascinating repertoire, including 15th century English and FrancoFlemish polyphony, Spanish music between 1500 and 1600, and neglected early 16th-century English music, especially the rich and unique repertory of the Peterhouse partbooks, copied 1540 for Canterbury Cathedral. 314.533.7662 or cathedralconcerts.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Rach 3 WHEN: April 17; Fri, 8 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30-$85

SHELDON CONCERT HALL Sheldon Classics: Central and South America WHEN: April 8; Wed, 8 pm WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30 orchestra/$25 balcony DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (Tickets are available by presenting the card in advance at the Fox Theatre Box Office at 531 N. Grand, or on the night of show at The Sheldon Box Office between 7-8 p.m. Offer good on full price tickets only.)

Symphony concertmaster David Halen and guitarist Kirk Hanser lead the way in a colorful program from Central and South America.

Featured will be music by Mexican composers

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 is dramatic and sophisticated, demanding technical skill from our soloist Simon Trpc ˘eski. For those unfamiliar with Scriabin, you’ll be impressed by the emotion of his Symphony No. 3. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org

COCA TRIumphant Spring Repertory Concert WHEN: Apr 17-19; Fri, 7 pm; Sat-Sun, 2 pm WHERE: 524 Trinity Ave., University City COST: $12-$16 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card

COCA’s student dance companies – COCAdance, Ballet Eclectica and the Hip-Hop Crew – conclude their seasons with an annual Spring Repertory Concert featuring pieces from a range of local and national choreographers. 314.725.6555 or cocastl.org

MUSTARD SEED THEATRE An Invitation Out WHEN: April 17- May 3; Thur-Sat 8 pm; Sun, 2 pm WHERE: Fontbonne University Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd.

COST: $30, $25 seniors DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 tickets with ARTS Card A comical quest for truth in virtual reality.

314.719.8060 or mustardseedtheatre.com

DANCE ST. LOUIS Compagnie Käfig WHEN: April 24-25; Fri, 8 pm; Sat, 2 & 8 pm WHERE: Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30-$55, with $30 for all matinees DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 tickets with ARTS Card (par terre sides or grand tier seating only. Limit of two complimentary tickets. Offer not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. No exchanges or refunds.

Tickets must be purchased by 3 pm 4/24) The sexy, all-male Brazilian cast performs two heart-stopping works that showcase a sensational combination of hip-hop infused with samba, bossa nova and capoeira. 314.534.6622 or dancestlouis.org

COCA Allegro Spring Concert WHEN: April 26; Sun, 4 pm WHERE: 524 Trinity Ave., University City COST: $6-$10 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card Allegro, COCA’s student vocal ensemble under the direction of Voice Coordinator Phil Woodmore, performs its annual Spring Concert.

314.725-6555 or cocastl.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 WHEN: April 26; Sun, 3 pm WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis COST: $30-$60 DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card (excludes box seats) The Los Angeles Times acclaims pianist Emanuel Ax for his “greatness, and overwhelming authority as musician [and] technician.”

Ax returns to Powell Hall to perform Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto, a work that was 20 years in the making. 314.533.2500 or stlsymphony.org

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POWER2GIVE SPOTLIGHT:

The Angel Band Project Project is using the healing power of music to break

S

impact this night had on all of us. The strength, power and

the silence once and for all by raising awareness and

courage brought to the choir was inspirational to say the

fostering a change for survivors of sexual violence. The

least. Watching these survivors come together to support

founders of The Angel Band Project believe that music crosses

one another was truly a sight to see,” continues Ebeling.

cultural and demographic barriers and that it is a universal

“Through our virtual choir we can bring together a commu-

language of self-expression. Their music therapy program

nity of survivors so they know they are never alone.”

exual violence is a silent issue and The Angel Band

offers survivors a tool and an opportunity to share their voices with others. In addition, survivors learn how to cope, regain their sense of spirit and connect on a deeper level.

The Angel Band Project was born after a lifelong friend

“It would be impossible to accurately describe the

Ebeling credits power2give.org with helping The Angel Band Project grow and reach more supporters.

“Power2give has given The Angel Band Project a new avenue for funding creative initiatives which support our

of the founders lost her life during a sexually violent crime.

mission. It is a simple process to get a project posted on the

A benefit concert was held in her honor and people who

site, which I love. With the power2give ‘stamp of approval’

attended the funeral recalled that there was more singing

from the Arts and Education Council, there is credibility to

than speaking. Friends and family of the victim found music

this platform which is important for new donors. I am really

helped them cope with their loss.

happy with the program and would encourage other arts

Looking for an opportunity to grow, The Angel Band Project recently used power2give.org, a crowdfunding website hosted by the Arts and Education Council, to raise funds for their

organizations to take part.”

For more information on power2give, visit power2give.org/ GreaterStLouis.

project, titled “One Voice Virtual Choir. The Power to Heal and Unite.” The funds would help create a nationwide “virtual” choir.

“Through the magic of technology we have been able to reach out to victims and advocates of sexual and domestic violence all across the nation,” explains Rachel Ebeling, cofounder and executive director of The Angel Band Project.

“Each participant was paired with a music therapist and taught the song One Voice, a Wailin’ Jennie’s original. We

Did you know that power2give.org is the only crowd-

provided a safe and comfortable environment for them to

funding site dedicated to arts and culture?

record their song and then compiled each recording, creat-

In today’s changing philanthropic landscape,

ing a ‘virtual choir.’ This virtual choir was also accompanied

power2give.org has become a powerful new fundraising

by a live choir, which brought each and every survivor and

tool. Since November 2013, power2give/GreaterStLouis

advocate together, no matter where they were from.”

has since raised over $104,000 and helped fund 40

This past November, they held an event and recorded the live choir in St. Louis. Several community choirs joined them for the live performance, directed by Scott Schoonover of

local arts projects.

Keep checking power2give.org/GreaterStLouis for weekly updates and new projects in need of your support.

Nicole Mohler

Union Avenue Opera (an A&E grantee).

Sexual and domestic abuse survivors came together this past November to sing in a “Virtual Choir.”

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THE ARTS IN EDUCATION:

C.J. Watkins, Jazz St. Louis All-Star

C

hristian Brothers College High School sophomore C.J. Watkins didn’t think he would

audition again for Jazz U, a program for talented middle and high school musicians through Jazz St. Louis (an A&E grantee). He had won a spot as a drummer in Jazz U during his freshman year in 2013, but he knew this year would be that much more rigorous academically. There also was the matter of another of C.J’s passions – basketball – where C.J. is an active part of CBC’s varsity program.

“I was really close to not coming back because I knew I would have such a busy schedule,” he says. “Then I made the All-Stars as a sophomore.

It was a big surprise and a really good one.”

The Jazz St. Louis All-Stars is the top-tier group of the seven musical combos that make up Jazz U. Phillip Dunlap, director of education and community outreach at Jazz St. Louis, explained that 135 emerging musicians auditioned for 53 spots in Jazz U for

C.J. Watkins plays with the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars (top). The Jazz St. Louis All-Stars play at Jazz at the Bistro (bottom).

the 2014-15 season. C.J. is one of seven students in the All-Stars, and among the youngest in that group.

“A&E has been a great friend of

Of course that means discipline.

ours for years and one of the corner-

Most every Monday night from

says Dunlap. “He has a good grasp of

stones of what makes up our funding

September through May, C.J. attends

the fundamentals, a good sense of

base,” he says. “Without A&E support,

All-Star practices. In addition, he per-

time, good communication skills,

we would not be able to do what we do.”

forms with the All-Stars throughout the

“C.J. is in a great place for his age,”

being present and playing together as

C.J.’s parents say that their son’s

year when they entertain at several

a unit. It’s easy to learn the flashy

involvement in the All-Stars has been

community performances as well as at

stuff. Fundamentals are much harder.”

a gift. “It’s been a blessing,” says his

Jazz at the Bistro.

C.J. is aware that being part of Jazz

father, Christopher Watkins. “From a

“The All-Stars get their own week-

U is an honor; being selected as an

musical education perspective, C.J.

end on stage at the Bistro,” says

All-Star is the ultimate. It not only

has gotten the chance to meet people

Dunlap. “There’s no question (the All-

gives students the chance to meet and

that he otherwise would never have

Stars) is an intense program for very

work with musicians participating in

been able to meet and greatly

mature students. We don’t hold their

the Jazz St. Louis Artist Residency

broaden his horizons as a drummer

hands. Students at Jazz U get addi-

Program, but it also can help jump

and well-rounded musician.”

tional structure and knowledge. They

start a student’s musical career.

C.J. thoroughly agrees. “I’ve defi-

can take what they learn from us and

nitely gained more confidence as a

apply it in their school music group.

of charge to the students involved.

drummer,” he says. “My goal is to keep

They become leaders that other stu-

Dunlap says that because of the sup-

playing with the All-Stars throughout

dents gravitate toward.”

port from granting organizations such

high school. I definitely want to pursue

as the Arts and Education Council,

music in college.”

Jazz U and the All-Stars are free

Jazz U has been able to grow and flourish.

Jazz St. Louis is an Operating Grant recipient of the Arts and Education Council.

For more information, visit jazzstl.org/ education-outreach.

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GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT:

St. Louis ArtWorks Celebrates 20th Anniversary with a New Home!

A

mong the area’s many excellent local arts education programs, St. Louis ArtWorks

stands out not only because it trains and nurtures young artists, but also because it pays them. Come summer, it also will be able to grow the number of teenagers it hires and expand its programming thanks to a move to a new building in the Delmar Loop East neighborhood and financial assistance from an Arts and Education Council PNC Project Grant.

Priscilla Block, executive director of

Artist rendering of the new St. Louis ArtWorks building at 5959 Delmar Boulevard (above).

Students participating in St. Louis ArtWorks’ programs (below).

St. Louis ArtWorks, says the new building at 5959 Delmar Boulevard and additional grant money will allow the organization to expand how many kids they can hire; have a media and innovation lab that is state of the art; provide membership for adults to do their own work; have an outside garden area for environmental art projects; and partner with schools and organizations that can rent the space.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of St. Louis ArtWorks, which was founded by a group of local citizens who saw a need for meaningful summer employment for underserved teens.

Today, the work-training program provides young adults, ages 14 to 19, a yearround opportunity to gain life skills, boost self-esteem and earn a paycheck.

After a competitive application pro-

after-school program with 72 kids,” she

“We’re thrilled that St. Louis

said. “From June 6 to July 18, we will

ArtWorks has been able to grow and

cess, selected teens – called apprentices

have 95 teens participating as appren-

thrive as a tenant of the Centene

– work in teams to produce artwork

tices for six weeks, five hours a day,

Center for Arts and Education,” said

that is sold at a public sale, commis-

five days a week.” Participating appren-

Cynthia A Prost, president of the Arts

sioned for public and private clients or

tices will be evaluated on objectives

and Education Council. “Seeing orga-

performed publicly. Teens not only

relating to growth in artistic skills and

nizations like St. Louis ArtWorks move

make art, they also learn about the

knowledge, workforce development,

into their own building and expand

business of being an artist. Working

fiscal literacy and communication skills.

their programming is a fulfillment of

on commissioned artwork, apprentices

Currently, ArtWorks operates in

have the experience of meeting their

two locations – a primary site at Grand

clients, preparing a project budget

Center’s Centene Center for Arts and

the Arts and Education Council’s mission to enrich our community.”

St. Louis ArtsWorks is a PNC Project

Education, owned by A&E, and a satel-

Grant recipient of the Arts and Education

lite studio in old North St. Louis.

Council and a tenant of the Centene Center

than 200 under-resourced teens this

The new flagship building will allow

for Arts and Education. For more informa-

year. “This spring, we have our largest

ArtWorks to consolidate all of its

and seeing their work installed.

Block anticipates working with more

programs in one location.

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tion, visit stlartworks.org.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT:

Ann Corrigan

A

WH

GIVY I E

nn Corrigan can think of no better day than one spent immersed in the arts. She’s likely to start with a morning coffee concert by the St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall. After lunch, she’ll browse several of the art galleries before heading to the Fox Theatre for a show or to the Sheldon Concert Hall (an A&E grantee), where she has been a volunteer usher for 20 years.

“The Sheldon is St. Louis’ little Carnegie Hall and I absolutely love it,” says Corrigan, a retired special education teacher. She taught in the St. Louis Special School District for 34 years, retiring in 2004.

“I’m someone who bangs around Grand Center because it’s so rich in arts organizations,” she explained. “I have always felt comfortable and perfectly safe doing things by myself, and I have found the arts here to be quite modest in price, certainly compared to the coastal cities.

“It really doesn’t cost a lot to see a fabulous opera or symphony performance here,” she continued. “And if we don’t have more free things or nearly free things to do than anyplace else in the world someone is going to have to prove that to me, given our zoo, art museum, history museum and botanical gardens, among so many other places.”

No question Corrigan is a major cheerleader for the arts in St. Louis, but she also believes in giving back to arts organizations and institutions. When she was teaching, she supported the Arts and Education Council’s Workplace Giving Campaign through payroll deduction. Then she became a Workplace Giving Campaign Coordinator and encouraged her colleagues to give, explaining their donations to A&E help fund nearly 70 local arts organizations.

“I really love that A&E supports so many arts organizations on such a consistent basis as well as makes room to support new groups,” she said. “Once I retired, I could no longer do payroll deduction so now I write a check. It’s a very happy check for me to write.”

While Corrigan, 67, grew up in Sikeston, Mo., which wasn’t exactly an arts Mecca, she says her mother exposed her to as many community theater and concert performances as possible. “My mother grew up in St. Louis and loved the arts, and she instilled that love in me,” said Corrigan.

Looking toward the future, Corrigan is naming ten of her favorite non-profit organizations, including A&E, as beneficiaries of her retirement plan.

“Retirement funds are fertile ground for bequests,” says Corrigan. “Non-profits won’t have the heavy tax burden that a family member or individual would have to pay. I think it would be wonderful if more people remembered the organizations that gave them so much pleasure in life when they go about estate planning. It’s such a simple thing to do.”

For more information about including the Arts and Education Council in your annual giving or estate plans, contact Kate Francis, Vice President of Development at Kate-F@KeepArtHappening.org or 314.289.4003.

Circle of Giving Decemeber 1, 2014 – January 31, 2015 The following donors have made gifts that enable the Arts and Education Council to help preserve St. Louis’ legacy of artistic excellence and enrich its cultural community. A&E appreciates the continued support from these individuals, businesses and organizations. Thank you! $25,000 and above Ameren Corporation Laclede Group Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James S. Turley $5,000 - $9,999.99 Brown Shoe Commerce Bancshares Foundation Edison Family Foundation Alison and John Ferring Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Kranzberg $2,500 - $4,999.99 AT&T Arthur & Helen Baer Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Galvin Mrs. Sally C. Johnston Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts at Webster University Maryville University Operating Engineers, Local 148 The Shade Tree Service Company $1,000 - $2,499.99 Elizabeth Bascom Charitable Lead UniTrust Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Block Mr. and Mrs. Steven Burkett Adrienne Davis Mr. and Mrs. Leonard T. Eschbach Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Fromm Mrs. John S. Goodson Mr. Frank J. Guyol III, Frank J. Guyol III Charitable Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation Mr. Gary Hall and Ms. Sandy Blasingame Robert and Andrea Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Eric B. Koestner J. David and Lucy S. Levy Mr. Charles R. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Raymond W. Peters II Dr. Donald M. Senti Mr. and Mrs. Michael Weisbrod Mr. David P. Weiss

$500 - $999.99 Mr. and Mrs. David H. Alpers Ms. Mary V. Atkin Dr. Hendrick B. Barner Mrs. Katherine W. Drescher Dr. and Mrs. Tim Eberlein John E. and Phyllis L. Evans Mr. Richard C. D. Fleming and Ms. Sarah B. Smith John and Dora R. Gianoulakis Susan and Paul Goldberg Ms. Sheila Greenbaum Mr. Claude Gunn Mr. and Mrs. Ted Harvey Ms. Dorothy J. Heagney International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1439 Jewish Federation of St. Louis Robert E. and Carol G. Jones Warren and Susan Lammert Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Lehrer Mr. and Mrs. Ned O. Lemkemeier Mr. and Mrs. Mont S. Levy Mr. Richard H. Marriott, Jr. Mr. David W. Mason Mr. Harry Moore Nestle Purina PetCare Company Mr. Peter Palermo Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Sanditz Mr. David Schlafly Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Sherwood Mr. and Mrs. J. Richard Skouby Stephen W. and Linda Skrainka St. Louis ArtWorks Mrs. Mary Strauss Ms. Irene L. Thalden Andrew and Kellie Trivers Mr. David C. Wilson

In Tribute In honor of Ken & Nancy Kranzberg Randy and Nancy Green Mr. Daniel Reich In honor of Ken & Nancy Kranzberg and Jill McGuire Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Langsdorf

11

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