March 29, 2024

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cONT r IBUTING W r ITE r S

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MissouriBaptist Medical Center

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St. Louis has yet to earn a reputation among the nation’s epicenters for the arts, but the local artists proving their excellence in competitive spaces might just change that.

Young artists in our area are demonstrating their brilliance every day: Turn to p. 14 to see just a few striking examples of art made by metro-area high schoolers as selected for the annual St. Louis Artists’ Guild Young Artists’ Showcase. Contributing writer Brittany Nay pulls back the curtain on this highly competitive exhibition, which has given budding artists in our area a platform for decades.

On p. 38, contributor Connie Mitchell spotlights a young artist on the musical side of things. She speaks with Jerry Chang, the John Burroughs sophomore who is the first Missouri student in his category to bring home the national 2024 YoungArts Winner with Distinction award in 20 years.

St. Louis composer Fred Onovwerosuoke is also celebrating success. On p. 29, contributor Drew Gieseke speaks with Onovwerosuoke about the honor of being chosen in an international competition to score a film-in-development about America’s first Black female classical composer, Florence B. Price.

Happy reading,

Ashley Klein, Managing Editor

LadueNews.com

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Jazz St. Louis raised more than $600,000 for metro-area music events and education initiatives at its Swing for Tomorrow’s Stars gala. Multi-Grammy-winning, legendary jazz brothers Wynton and Branford Marsalis gave a rare performance together at the two-day fundraiser for the longtime nonprofit entertainment spot. Visit laduenews.com to see inside the event.

Editor photo by Christina Kling-Garrett; Facebook photo by Mabel Suen; Instagram photo by Keshon Campbell, courtesy of The Black Rep; X photo courtesy of Hungry Planet; LN Online photo courtesy of Brad Beenders

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By Ashley Klein

Sure, shopping the garden section of your local big-box home improvement store or flipping through the pages of a catalogue can be convenient – but plant markets, held by local organizations and garden societies, offer a different experience entirely. Not only do you know that experts have tended to the seedlings and plants on offer up until the moment they enter your care, but markets are also a great way to talk to the pros while you shop – setting you (and your new plants) up for success.

Here are some metro-area markets popping up this spring.

Missouri Botanical Garden

MISSOURI ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY

„ When: Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

„ What to know: Receive a free Missouri native tree sapling (while supplies last) with garden admission. Experts will be on hand to answer any tree-care questions.

ST. LOUIS HERB SOCIETY HERB SALE

„ When: Thursday, April 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (members-only preview); and Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

„ What to know: With 6,000 herbs from over 125 varieties available to choose from, you can stock up on your favorite herbs to grow from home.

WEST COUNTY DAYLILY CLUB SALE

„ When: Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

„ What to know: The metro’s top growers offer new cultivars and classic favorites for you to consider adding to your garden.

ST. LOUIS HOSTA SOCIETY SHOW AND SALE

„ When: Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

„ What to know: The St. Louis area’s top growers are bringing their best cultivars for you to peruse, purchase and take home.

Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, 314-577-5100, missouribotanicalgarden.org

Shaw Nature Reserve

SPRING 2024 WILDFLOWER MARKET

„ When: Online sale starts Wednesday, April 10 at 9 a.m. at snrshop.org. Onsite market is Friday, May 3, from 3 to 7 p.m. (MOBOT members only); and Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

„ What to know: Admission is $5 per person or $10 per vehicle. MOBOT members enter for free. Orders placed online will be available for onsite pickup.

Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pinetum Loop Road, Gray Summit, 314-577-9555, snrshop.org

Seed St. Louis

SPRING SEEDLING SALE

„ When: Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Seed St. Louis Carriage House (3815 Bell Ave., St. Louis)

„ What to know: Seedlings on sale will include varieties of bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce and misome. All will be sold in packs of four for $3.50 each, and a planting guide is included.

SUMMER SEEDLING SALE

„ When: Saturday, May 11.

„ What to know: Visit seedstl.org/plant-sales for updated information.

Seed St. Louis, 5501 Delmar Blvd. No. B270, St. Louis, 314-588-9600, seedstl.org

St. Charles County Master Gardeners

2024 MASTER GARDENERS PLANT SALE

„ When: Saturday, April 27 starting at 9 a.m. (by appointment only – sign up at stcharlescountymastergardeners.com); and Sunday, April 28 (no appointment needed)

„ What to know: Available plants will include vegetables, herbs, natives, perennials and annuals.

St. Charles County Master Gardeners, 260 Brown Road, St. Peters, 636-875-7457, stcharlescountymastergardeners.com

Webster Groves Herb Society

WEBSTER GROVES HERB SOCIETY HERB SALE

„ When: Saturday, April 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Webster Groves (10 W. Lockwood Ave.)

„ What to know: According to the Herb Society, this is the largest herb sale in St. Louis! Offerings include familiar herbs like basil, oregano and thyme as well as more unusual and hard-to-find varieties. Heirloom tomatoes, pepper plants, Alpine strawberries, ground cherries, perennials and natives will also be available.

Webster Groves Herb Society, wgherbs.org

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JUST GETTING STARTED

By Brittany Nay > Images supplied

Works by 158 budding artists in the area are being spotlighted by St. Louis Artists’ Guild.

The annual Young Artists’ Showcase, a juried, all-media exhibition of artwork created by high school students aged 15 to 19 residing within a 150-mile radius of the Guild, is on display in its main gallery through March 30.

Zackary Petot, executive and artistic director of St. Louis Artists’ Guild, says the 138-year-old art organization started the showcase more than 70 years ago “to give young people the opportunity to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery and learn what it takes to get art ready for display, as well as showcase the amazing work of great young artists in the region.”

The exhibition is a prime opportunity for young people in the area “to get a start on their art career,” Petot says. “For many students, it’s their first time having their work displayed in a professional gallery.”

Among more than 400 student submissions from almost 30 high schools in the St. Louis metro area and southern Illinois region, 158 works were selected for display by juror Nancy Grimes. A local artist and instructor, Grimes has taught art to young adults for 40 years and served for 14 years as an AP reader for the College Board, evaluating thousands of student portfolios.

“Students are always thrilled to have their work on display,” Petot says. “The competition is high, and the students are competing to impress the juror, so it is an honor.”

The chosen works include Gracie Giles’ painting, “Self Reflect,”

(Webster Groves School District, instructor Jocelyn Reiss); Aubrey Heins’ colored-pencil piece, “Hippity Hoppity” (Belleville East High School, instructor Mark Lasley); Charlie Robinson’s white earthenware clay, glaze and resin creation, “Ramen” (Parkway West High School, instructor Ashley Drissell); Lily Schnuck’s ceramic pot, “Basket of Trial and Tribulation” (John Burroughs School, instructor Mike Gesiakowski); and the oil painting, “Girl in the Sun,” by Vivian Wang, who took private lessons from STLAG instructor and local art professor Dan Wine.

“[Wang’s] piece was created on-site at the Guild and ended up getting selected, so it was really nice to see her growth and an exciting process to watch her working on it [and eventually seeing] it on display in the gallery,” Petot says. “Painting a portrait of someone can be extremely difficult, and to get proportion down and the likeness of the individual is truly a learned skill.”

The decades-long annual exhibition has been the starting point for many area artists, Petot shares: “A lot of our adult artists at the Guild will say, ‘My very first show was the Young Artists’ Showcase’ – and for some, that was 50 years ago.”

STLAG is a place where budding artists begin building bridges to their art community, including learning different disciplines from local adult artists at hands-on Saturday Studio Showcase sessions, Petot details.

And for artists and audiences alike, he says “the Young Artists’ Showcase highlights what regional students are creating, and what area instructors are teaching.”

Find more Young Artists’ Showcase artwork at stlouisartistsguild.org/yas24-artwork.

St. Louis Artists’ Guild, 12 N. Jackson Ave., St. Louis, 314-727-6266, stlouisartistsguild.org

Young Artists’ Showcase Award Winners:

„ Frani Weinstock Scholarship ($1,000): Sophia Simanowitz, “Emotion”

„ Louetta Buechler Scholarship ($1,000): camryn houk, “Late Night”

„ 1st Place ($500): raelyn McNelly, “relief”

„ 2nd Place ($250): Vivian Wang, “Girl in the Sun”

„ 3rd Place ($150): Evie Dalton, “Brother asleep”

„ Joanne Stemsterfer Prize ($50): ari Golinghorst, “Warped”

„ Jim Firestone Memorial award ($50): rebecca Yee, “Invertebrata”

„ honorable Mention ($25): Eva Busker, “Flyaway Thoughts”

„ honorable Mention ($25): charlie robinson, “ramen”

„ honorable Mention ($25): Ben Gingrich, “Deflection”

„ honorable Mention ($25): rad Fulstone, “Fiber art composition”

“hippity hoppity” by aubrey heins

“Basket of Trial and Tribulation” by Lily Schnuck

“Girl in the Sun” by Vivian Wang

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into S pring ACTION

By Lauren Leady

It’s no surprise that giving is strong during the holidays for food pantries, but when the weather turns warmer, that support can decline, often when local charitable organizations need it the most. These organizations are running low on food and household items and could even use some volunteer help. Here are three local organizations helping fight hunger in the St. Louis area where you can help by donating or getting involved.

CIRCLE OF CONCERN

Circle of Concern is a St. Louis food pantry that serves approximately 2,000 people each month, more than one third of which are children. Currently, the organization needs dry pasta, pasta sauce, breakfast cereal, dinner helpers, granola bars, snack crackers and condiments. In addition, the pantry is always in need of feminine hygiene and incontinence products.

Circle of Concern knows that families with food insecurities typically also need additional aid. “When an individual or family needs food, they often need other support, too,” says Cyndi Miller, executive director of Circle of Concern. “We offer wholesome foods and wraparound programs –emergency financial assistance, counseling, career mentorship, college and trade scholarships, kid programs, community referrals and more.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, email nancy@circleofconcern.org. Volunteers meet with clients, answer phones, stock the warehouse, manage bookkeeping, mentor job-hunting clients and much more. Additionally, you can host a food or personal-care drive by contacting circleofconcern.org.

There are Walmart and Amazon wishlists available that Circle of Concern regularly updates, along with a current needs list on the organization’s homepage at circleofconcern.org.

OPERATION FOOD SEARCH

Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization focused on providing food and services to families in 40 counties across Missouri and Illinois. With help from a network of 330 community partners, the agency aims to end childhood hunger and increase access to healthy and affordable food.

At present, the organization’s highest priority donation needs are shelfstable protein, such as peanut butter, cans of chicken, meat and fish, and meals in a can with protein, such as soups, chilis and stews. Additionally, OFS is looking for volunteers to help with April Showers, a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri program that helps collect millions of personal care items that help families throughout the region. OFS is a distribution partner for April Showers at no cost to families in need, and donated items include shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, paper towels, toilet paper and more.

All volunteer opportunities are posted on operationfoodsearch.galaxydigital.com.

THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE MINISTRY FOOD PANTRY

The Emergency Assistance Ministry Food Pantry is a nonprofit charitable organization helping families in need in the FlorissantHazelwood areas. Currently, TEAM needs pasta, tomato products, snacks and personal care items, including bar soap, razors, shaving cream and cleaning products.

In addition to donations, this organization needs volunteers to help in the warehouse sorting donations and stocking pantry shelves. Volunteers must be able to lift 40 pounds of product to work in the warehouse. TEAM also needs van drivers to pick up items from various stores, restaurants, schools and churches, and pantry workers to bag groceries in carts. Instead of donating items, you can also make financial donations that help the organization purchase food items tax-free. To volunteer or donate, contact team63031@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Operation Food Search

Photo courtesy of circle of concern

Passions GROWING YOUR

Retirementmeanstimetoenjoyyourselfandlive yourlifetothefullest.Italsomeanstimetodevote tofavoritehobbies–orevenpickupnewones.At TheGatesworth,younotonlyhavethefreedomto startorcontinueyourfavoriteactivities,butalso opportunitiestosharethemwiththecommunity.

Lastmonth,The Gatesworthhostedanartshow and reception, showcasingartcreatedbyitstalented residents.Opentothepublic, friendsand familyofthe residentsas wellasthe general community saw art from16 residents,including TerryMoore Shepley,a St. Louis native whohasbeeninvolvedintheartsallherlife.

“Ihavealwayslovedart;Istartedlovingtodraw,andthen begandoingoilpaintingsandportraits,”sheexplains.“NowIlove todolandscapesandclouds.Ialsohavestarteddoingpaintingsof [otherresidents’]dogs.Peoplereallyenjoythat.”

Before movingtoTheGatesworth,Shepley hadbeeninvolved intheSt. Louisarts communitybytaking coursesat Washington Universityandrunninganart gallery forfiveyearsinthe Laclede’sLandingdistrictofDowntownSt. Louis.Since moving, shehas continuedtopursueherpassionbyattendingThe Gatesworth’sart classes.

“Ireallyenjoyit,”shesays.“Wemeettwiceaweekandhavea teacher.Wedowatercolorandacrylicpaintings.”

Shepleyaddsthatmanyoftheresidents– includingseveral whowereintheartshow–arejustpickingupthehobbyforthe firsttime.“Ithink[theshow]waswonderful,”shesays.“Wehada lotofnewartistsinthegroup.”

Andit’snotjustartclasses;TheGatesworthoffersaplethoraof differentclassesandclubsforpeoplewhowanttolearnsomething newandsocializewiththeirneighbors.You’llfindexerciseclasses, bookclubs,lectureseries,tripstolocalmuseumsandtheaters andsomuchmore.Ontopofthat,thecommunityalsohasseveral regulargatheringsformusicandentertainmentinitsatrium.

“Myapartmentisinawonderfulplace–rightabovetheatrium –andsoanytimethereisentertainment,Icanstepoutandhear everything,”Shepleysays,addingthatshelovesinteractingwith bothotherresidentsandthekindandpersonablestaff.“Everyone hereissonice.”

Howeveryouwanttospendyourretirement,TheGatesworth makesiteasytolivethoseyearstothefullest.

“Ilovethatit’smyhome,”Shepleyconcludes.“BeforeIgoto sleepeverynight,IthankGodIamhere–safe,secureandhappy.I couldn’tbehappier.”

TheGatesworth,OneMcKnightPlace,314-993-0111,thegatesworth.com

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Friendship Village

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at Friendship Village, Easter is a season of spiritual reflection and renewal. Experience uplifting worship services in the community’s chapel or invite friends and family to enjoy spring blooms on its resort-style campus. Speak to a Senior Living Specialist today and see how memories are made at Friendship Village.

McKnight Place Assisted Living & Memory Care

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McKnight Place assisted Living & Memory care is the right place for seniors who wish to remain independent but need extra care. With licensed nurses available 24 hours each day, daily activities, exceptional amenities, beautiful surroundings, and chef-prepared meals, McKnight Place offers residents and family members peace of mind within a worry-free, all-inclusive price.

Parc Provence

605 Coeur de Ville Drive, 314-542-2500, parcprovence.com

Parc Provence – an assisted living and skilled nursing community –offers an entire village dedicated to providing the best memory care possible. a community of well-being with 60+ activities and leading-edge memory care provided in a household setting, Parc Provence provides a safe, supportive village atmosphere for both residents and families.

St. Louis photo by Mark Gilliland; Friendship Village photo by Barkley Edison Photography; McKnight Place a ssisted Living & Memory c are Westrich Photography

SA LU TE AHERO

Showyourappreciation forthosewhoserveor haveservedourcountry.

CHARM Classic

By Nancy Robinson > Photos supplied

Old-world designs, timehonored materials and superior craftsmanship make for classical treasures.

Inspired by ancient roman art, currey and company’s cristos marble bust is carved from various types of Italian marble. The sculpture is 27.5 inches tall, 21 inches wide and 10 inches deep. It weighs 168 pounds. (wilsonlighting.com)

hickory chair’s French-inspired Francis side table is part of the Suzanne Kasler casegoods collection. The mahogany table is 24 inches tall and noteworthy for its compact size and sleek black finish with rich gold highlights. (shubertdesign.com)

chaddock’s Josephine cabinet is an impressive piece designed by Mary McDonald. It is available in maple or oak and with antique brass or nickel hardware. The interior has four adjustable shelves and customizable paint. Soft-closing drawer glides are also available. (designanddetailstl.com)

Youcareabouttheirsafetyandhealth,solearnhowwellour

WEATHER THE STORM

By Drew Gieseke

With spring officially in bloom, homeowners are no doubt searching for ways to prepare for the rainy season. Here are some of the best ways to ensure your home is prepared for April showers.

1. GUTTER CLEANING

Since 1946, local business Woodard has helped St. Louis-area homeowners stay on top of all the ins and outs of home care.

Woodard experts recommend cleaning out your gutters by removing leaves and other debris. Doing so can help keep your gutters from clogging and overflowing during heavy rains and storms, which could lead to flooding. Likewise, the professionals tasked with cleaning out your gutters may spot cracks or issues during the process.

There are a few ways to upgrade your gutters to ensure better efficiency. One simple solution is installing gutter guards, which cover your gutters to prevent debris from flowing in. Another option is to expand the size of your gutters, which can help with water flow and drainage.

Woodard, woodard247.com

2. OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT PREP

There’s a good chance that your outdoor furniture has been left untouched during the winter season. As you prepare for warmer temps (and rainier days), make sure to bring furniture inside before rain or use waterproof coverings to keep your seating looking its best (and prevent sitting on a soggy cushion once the sun is back out).

If you have a grill, smoker or other large outdoor appliance, remember to place it somewhere dry. The same goes for any mowing equipment or gardening tools.

3. DOOR AND WINDOW INSPECTIONS

Another tip that Woodard suggests is to inspect your doors and windows. Check to see if they shut correctly and are firmly sealed when closed. It’s common for foundations to shift from one season to the next, particularly in older homes. This can cause crooked doors and leaky windows if not treated properly.

The team at Foundation Recovery Systems has treated issues just like this since 1992. Plus, they cover a wide range of territory, so even if you have property in southern Missouri or Illinois, these folks have you covered.

Foundation Recovery Systems, foundationrecoverysystems.com

4. ROOF WORK

Never neglect your roof. Missing shingles, sagging and other signs of aging could lead to indoor leaks (and incredibly costly repairs) depending on the damage. Hire a roofer to inspect your home and ensure it’s up to snuff for the spring season.

For more than 40 years, Hulsey Roofing Co. has served people with roofing needs throughout the metro. They offer a variety of services depending on need, including 24-hour emergency roof repair, which can be particularly helpful after severe storms.

Hulsey Roofing Co., hulseyroofingstl.com

5. GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Landscaping can be tricky to protect from stormy weather. Thankfully, there are a few best practices you can follow to keep plants safe.

First, consider covering plants if you can. This can protect against damaging winds which could destroy flowers and other delicate greenery. Farmer’s Almanac recommends putting down extra mulch in flower beds to keep soil from compacting during powerful rainstorms. And if hail is expected, try overturning buckets, Tupperware and other tubs to keep plants from getting hit. Your plants will be thanking you when they’re still standing tall after the storm.

1 TOPPING LANE • DES PERES

By Maggie Peters

This home is a hidden gem! Located on a private street, the exterior of this two-story home grabs your attention instantly – from the multiple pitched rooflines to the covered front porch to the spacious nearly 1-acre mature setting including two patios. Inside, a classic and chic vibe persists with ceilings that are high and rooms that have symmetry. Custom features include millwork, numerous built-ins, on-trend cabinetry, and custom finishes. The spacious kitchen will have you eager to cook and entertain, featuring quartz countertops, a huge island and top-of- the line appliances. The elegant main floor primary suite has huge marble-like bath, and you’ll find three additional bedrooms on the second floor. The recently finished walk-out lower level is another excellent space for relaxing and entertaining with a media room, exercise room, rec area with bar, 5th bedroom and full bath.

This five-bedroom, four full-bathroom and one half-bathroom home in Des Peres is listed for $1.685 million.

Jill Malley Cohen | Laura McCarthy Real Estate 314-277-9568 (direct), 314-725-5100 (office), lauramccarthy.com

in 1944,

Rainbow

Roulette

We’ve all asked ourselves: “Does this look good on me?” You may even already have an idea of what colors look good on you and which ones to avoid at all costs. As it turns out, you’re onto something – but it goes much deeper. Seasonal color theory challenges you to find the colors that make your skin, hair and features radiant.

Anna Palmer, a local stylist with the UK-based House of Colour franchise, takes a scientific approach to defining clients’ seasons and teaches them how to dress their best accordingly. LN spoke with Palmer about this unconventional approach and how it can make a difference in your everyday life.

WHAT IS THE COLOR ANALYSIS PROCESS LIKE?

The whole appointment takes about two hours for one person and about an hour for each additional person. This service is done in-person and in natural daylight.

Each individual fits best within one of four seasons (spring, summer, fall or winter). We use a series of precision dye drapes and do a series of comparisons.

WHAT CAN CLIENTS EXPECT FROM THIS EXPERIENCE?

You come in makeup-free, bare skin. We put five products on your face to show you [what looks] the absolute best on you – least amount of product, most amount of impact.

HOW CAN WEARING A “WRONG” OR UNSUITABLE COLOR IMPACT YOU?

It can create “issues” in your skin that aren’t really problems. For

instance, as you get older, you have things that are sitting there under the surface. In the wrong color, you’ll see in the mirror [that age spots or dark circles under your eyes] now stand out.

WHERE DO NEUTRALS FALL IN THIS EQUATION?

Each season has its set of neutrals. Each set of neutrals is specific to what’s going to look good with every other color in your season.

TELL ME ABOUT “POINTS OF INTEREST.”

Points of interest are details in your outfit, and those are what make people’s outfits look intentional. Examples can be jewelry, collars, glasses, makeup and hair. We kind of give you a range within your style.

WHAT ARE YOUR RATES, AND HOW CAN POTENTIAL CLIENTS BOOK YOUR SERVICES?

A private appointment is $350, and a double appointment (you plus a guest) is $300 per person. We give you this fan with swatches of colors within your season. It gives you direction. We are curators of confidence, and we celebrate your individuality.

I want people to be creative in their look if they want to – take it home and use it however you want. The experience just might take you out of your comfort zone and give you confidence like you’ve never had before.

I release appointments 30 to 60 days at a time. My booking site is houseofcolourstl.as.me.

House of Colour – Anna Palmer, 1001 Boardwalk Springs Place, No. 111, O’Fallon, Mo., houseofcolourstl.as.me

By Amanda Dahl > Photos by Sarah Bowlin Photography, courtesy of House of Colour – Anna Palmer

MILQUE TOAST BAR

Milque Toast Bar recently debuted its new expanded home down the street from its original location in South City. The beloved southside eatery re-opened last weekend in Benton Park as a full-service concept with new and improved seasonal breakfast, lunch, dinner and drink menus.

Milque Toast Bar originally opened in McKinley Heights nine years ago. During this period, chef-owner Colleen Clawson dedicated her career to cooking casual, wholesome fare for the community, all while hosting art exhibits and concerts, rolling out pop-up Anglo-Indian concept Baba Xavi and experimenting with prepared foods and unique themed dinners at the cozy hygge-inspired café.

“All of this dovetailed into just now moving down the street and having [the] proper space to do all the things we’ve been dreaming of,” Clawson says. “It’s a very exciting time.”

Found artifacts from the building’s past adorn the walls, including a donut roller from the ’50s, vintage photos and old checkbooks and stamps. In addition to preserved historical elements, artwork from local artists like Cbabi Bayoc adorns the walls.

Unlike its past iteration, Milque Toast Bar will now feature a fullservice menu in a decidedly casual, bistro-like setting. Clawson describes the food as “everything from Norway to North Africa, including the Americas.” Her opening menu embraces Scandinavian and Alsatian cuisine as well as comforting dishes from Morocco, Tunisia, Portugal and Spain. “In the spring, we’ll move into other parts of the world and will continue that as seasons change and products become available,” she says.

Popular carryover items from the previous menu include avocado toast with housemade crunch mix and cucumber salad as well as egg salad with black pepper, white truffle and greens. New signatures include salt-roasted beet toast with feta, walnut, toasted caraway greens and dried fruit as well as a Danish hot dog with curried remoulade, braised red cabbage and

crispy fried onions. Nordic blueberry soup is a vibrant new breakfast item featuring blueberries stewed in warming spices and topped with honeyed yogurt and toasted pepitas.

Smørrebrod options for dinner harken back to Milque Toast Bar’s original foundation, inspired by Clawson’s Scandinavian background. Rugbrød, a Danish rye bread, comes topped with colorful pâté, apple, sauerkraut and pea shoots. Plate options include tarte flambée featuring flatbread topped with pork belly, crème fraîche and Gruyère. To drink, choose from a new menu of mocktails, housemade Italian and French sodas, coffee, tea, fresh juices and draft options from Confluence Kombucha.

A colorful old toy race car track that Wolk found onsite and painted during the space’s rehab process serves as a fitting centerpiece for the new dining room and community gathering place. “My idea there kind of is like infinity and life cycle and history coming full circle – the term ‘doing donuts,’” Wolk says.

“I’ve been driving a race car on a go-kart track,” Clawson adds. “Now I’m on the racetrack, and that’s what I’m most excited about. I just want to rev my engine.”

Milque Toast Bar’s current hours of operation are Friday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Milque Toast Bar, 2924 Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, instagram.com/milquetoastbar

Story and photos by Mabel Suen

A Story

Retold

By Drew Gieseke

In January 2024, producers of “Florence,” a film-in-development about America’s first Black female classical composer, Florence B. Price, announced local musician Fred Onovwerosuoke as the winner of an international competition to find a composer for the film.

Onovwerosuoke – known to friends as FredO – is proud to have his name attached to such an inspiring story and feels ready to tackle the challenge. The fact that he was awarded by a jury of his peers makes the entire experience that much sweeter.

“Like any creative project, it is taking some time to find the producers who see the value in bringing Price’s story to life,” Onovwerosuoke says. “I know the screenwriter, Glenford Noble, is actively searching for someone to greenlight the film. But for me, I’m proud Glenford wanted to lead the development of the film with a composer first. I am also extremely proud that I was not hand-selected but was awarded the honor based on the judgments of my music peers.”

Produced by independent studio Noble Productions, “Florence” tells the story of a true trailblazer in American culture. Born in Arkansas in 1887, Price was the first Black female

composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. Although she was underappreciated in her time, recently discovered works prove that Price had produced more than 300 classical compositions. This prolific output left a mark in American music and continues to inspire artists today. Noble describes the project as the “Hidden Figures” of classical music in America.

“Despite her many struggles professionally and in her personal life, Florence B. Price remained relentless in her push for recognition and relevance in the male-dominated world of classical music at that time,” Onovwerosuoke says.

Onovwerosuoke is uniquely suited to take on the project. His influences range across time and region, but the composer says he’s urgently intrigued by a variety of African, Caribbean and Black dance rhythms. He also believes that, in the future, schools of music will benefit from a paradigm shift toward a greater focus on the study of new rhythms. This vision is what impacts and drives his work.

“As a composer, I have been intrigued by Florence Price’s incorporation of the Juba, an African American dance form, into her work,” Onovwerosuoke says. “That has been encouraging in my own writing, as much of my

The proposed movie will be an endearing tribute to friendships, family and the value of tireless work.

– FrED ONOVWErOSUOKE

work tends to be inspired by a variety of African dance forms.”

Onovwerosuoke’s works have been featured in audio recordings, films (such as Robert DeNiro’s “The Good Shepherd”), documentaries, radio and more. He has won numerous awards, including multiple ASCAP awards and an American Music Center Award. Onovwerosuoke also published “Songs of Africa: 22 Pieces for Mixed Voices,” a popular book among choral directors around the globe.

Onovwerosuoke says that writing for a movie like “Florence” will require a deep dive into Price’s compositions and how her life influenced her work. However, this process involves more than just listening to the music.

“I’ll need to do more reading and research – lots of it,” Onovwerosuoke says. “I say more reading because I’ve always been fascinated by, and conversant with, African descent pacesetter composers of classical music such as Florence B. Price, William Levy Dawson, William Grant Still and of course, the works of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.”

“Florence” is still a ways away from reaching the big screen. Yet as the project takes shape, Onovwerosuoke can’t help but reflect on the opportunity he has to help bring Price’s story to life for audiences around the world.

“The proposed movie will be an endearing tribute to friendships, family and the value of tireless work,” he says. “It is quite telling that a St. Louis-based composer, with African roots, would be selected [from] a large pool of composers through a blind competition.”

Photo by Joyce Liu

ST. LOUIS MUSE Taylor Swift’s

By Amanda Dahl > Photos courtesy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Take a brief look at 14-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift’s immense catalog, and one might assume her inspiration is strictly heartbreak. But ask a fan (there are 100 million of them, according to her number of Spotify listeners alone), and they will point to hits such as “The Man” (Swift’s “Lover”-era feminist manifesto) or “Shake it Off” (the self-empowerment anthem that launched her into the pop sphere) to remind you of the diverse subject matter found throughout her work.

“The Last Great American Dynasty,” a song off the megastar’s 2020 album “Folklore,” pays tribute to a notorious heiress who hails from St. Louis. Ahead of Swift’s highly anticipated new album drop, we’re digging into the truth of Rebekah Harkness and her connection to the pop star.

According to Kristie Lein, an editor at the Missouri History Museum, Harkness (née Semple West) attended John Burroughs before graduating from a South Carolina finishing school. In the song, we’re introduced to the native St. Louisan as she’s about to marry the heir to Standard Oil, William (Bill) Hale Harkness:

“And the town said, ‘How did a middle-class divorcee do it?’” croons Swift.

Harkness, though divorced, came from wealth, having grown up at 48 Westmoreland Place in the Central West End. Lein describes the heiress as mischievous from an early age, reporting that Harkness and her brother were sent on a cruise by their parents who hoped their children might return posh.

Where to research Rebekah Harkness and other noteworthy St. Louis women

Kristie Lein, editor at the Missouri history Museum, encourages you to discover more scintillating stories at the museum’s Library & research center on Skinker Boulevard, where you’ll find “a repository of millions of newspapers, documents, photographs, maps and artifacts.” Lein continues: “The Lrc has absolutely fantastic, knowledgeable people ready to help in the search.”

Library & Research Center, 225 S. Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, 314-746-4500, mohistory.org

After Bill passed, just seven years into their marriage, his wife moved to New York where her presence in society gained infamy. As Swift writes, Harkness “blew through the money on the boys and the ballet; and losing on card game bets with Dalí.” The Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí designed the “Chalice of Life,” per Harkness’ wish, the urn in which her ashes would someday reside.

“The siblings were kicked off the ship in Singapore,” writes Lein in a museum blog post.

“Among their many infractions was a salacious poem Harkness wrote about the cruise director. They were nearly shot in Spain on their return trip home, after putting on military uniforms for the fun of it.”

As the song details, Harkness and her new husband bought a 12,000-square-foot residence in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and dubbed it “Holiday House.” Lein describes on the museum’s website how the home’s pool was once “scrubbed and filled with Dom Pérignon.” Stories like this made Harkness notorious; she once dyed her neighbor’s cat lime green out of spite (referred to as a dog in Swift’s song).

“There goes the most shameless woman this town has ever seen,” Swift sings. “She had a marvelous time ruining everything.”

Aside from the obvious wealth – and social commentary on how these famed women spend it – what association does the former St. Louis socialite have to the world’s highest-earning female musician? Swift, who draws the connection between herself and Harkness in the final verse of her tribute song, is the current resident of the rumor-sparking Rhode Island property.

“I was so fascinated by how Rebekah remained the same rebellious person from when she was a kid until the day she died – nature definitely outperformed nurture here,” Lein says. “She wanted to be a dancer, but her father forbade it. So, instead, Rebekah spent millions sponsoring dance companies and renovating theaters. Later in life, she made it known that she wanted her ashes to go inside a rotating goblet – her way of dancing for eternity, still rebelling against ‘Dad.’”

Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-746-4599, mohistory.org

A Fetching Affair: Paws for Mental Health Gala

Duo Dogs invited animal lovers to The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis for its annual “A Fetching Affair: Paws for Mental Health” gala this month. Organization assistance dogs gave guests a warm, tail-wagging welcome as they explored silent auction offerings, soon after enjoying dinner and a live auction. Emcee and auctioneer Randy Karraker kicked off the fundraising portion of the evening as guests listened to heartfelt stories from across the community.

Donations go toward future funding, allowing Duo Dogs to continue training touch therapy dogs, assistance dogs and facility dogs that provide emotional and physical support to people nationwide. This year’s gala co-chairs were Dan Horner and Patricia Manhart. Photos

This year’s Duo ‘Fetching Affair’ is all about coming together as a community of caring people to provide new and refreshing ways to support youth mental health. We thrive on building extraordinary bonds between people and dogs that can do this. We’re grateful to all our supporters and especially so to our 2024 corporate honoree, Purina.

– Dawn Van Houten DUO DOGS CEO

Jayne Jaramillo, Trish Wilkinson, holly Brooks, Kristin rapp

Naso Ginos, Daniela Vidal

carol Gravens, Dan Koehler, Bambi, David Gravens

Dawn Van houten, Dan horner, Patricia Manhart

Nicole and Tal Sant, Jon Snow

YOUTh IN NEED

Celebration of Youth

Photos and story by Bryan Schraier

This year, Youth In Need hosted a very special Celebration of Youth: The event honored its founding 50 years ago as well as its focus on upholding children’s health and wellbeing as high priorities in the greater St. Louis area. Youth In Need’s programs range from infant, child and family development and street outreach to unhoused individuals, to foster care case management and more. Today, more than 400 full- and part-time staff serve more than 8,000 of the area’s most vulnerable children, teens and families at nearly 100 locations in six counties in eastern Missouri.

Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >

We’re thrilled to honor Youth In Need’s 50 years of impact, community and potential. To be able to celebrate this milestone with so many wonderful people who helped get us here is incredible. And as we look toward the next 50 years, our focus remains on empowering the children, youth and families who need us most.

Pat Holterman-Hommes YOUTH IN NEED PRESIDENT AND CEO

Lashea Lock, Darrell Williams

Kim and Steve Priest, Poonam and rathod Sudhir

Jilian Bueltmann, Lindsay Devero, Kristi Borglum, rachel amador

Matthew and aJ Moehlman

Tommie and Lourdes Bugett

andrea Koenig, Lauren roberts, carolyn Koenig

rick and Mary Leach

Lauren and Matt Tosh

allison Schmidt, Steve higdon

Dazzlingphysicality, technicalmastery, stunning performersand contemporary choreography are thehallmarksofBODYTRAFFIC –a relatively young LosAngeles-baseddance company thatisheralded worldwideandappreciatedby bothdance loversandnew audiencesalike. OnSaturday, April6,St. Louiswill getto experience BODYTRAFFIC’s cutting-edge performancesonstage atthe Touhill PerformingArtsCenter

“BODYTRAFFICisacompanythathasbeenonmy radarforquitesometime,”DanceSt.Louisartistic directorMichaelUthoffsays.“It’snotveryold,onlyabout 15yearsinexistence,andtheyrepresenteverythinggreat aboutAmericandance:thevision,thepassion,thedesire toshowcasethebestdancerspossibleandencouragenew choreographersandnewdialoguestohappenthroughthe presentationofdance.”

UthoffhasworkedwithDanceSt.Louisfornearly20 years.WhatcaptivatedhimmostaboutBODYTRAFFIC wasthecompany’sfocusonaccessibilityanditsuniversal approachtotheartsthroughadiverseculturaland internationallens.Throughthismission,BODYTRAFFIC providesviewerswithanuancedglimpseintothe complexandmulticulturalworldofdance.

“Audiencesshouldexpectanincredibleamountof physicality,energy,interpretationandathleticability beyondwhatthey’reusedto,”Uthoffsays.“BODYTRAFFIC, sinceitsinception,wasalwayslookingforyoung choreographersandyoungtalent–stillunknown andperhapscomingintotheirown–andshowcasing somethingspecialaboutthegenreandaboutthequalities thatmakeAmericandancesuchanunusualone.

“BODYTRAFFIChascreatedasenseofshowcasing everythingthatisverydifficulttechnically,buttheydo itinsuchafluidwayandwithsuchease,”hecontinues. “Andthat’sthewholepoint:Wedon’twanttoshowyou howdifficultitis;wedon’twantyoutoseetheeffort andallthethingsfactoredin–wewantyoutogoandbe amazedaboutwhat’shappeningonstage.”

Uthoffsayshisresponsibilityasartisticdirectoristo bringeye-opening,world-wideningconceptstothestage thatguidethecityintothefuture.

D anceSt. L ouispresentsBODYTRAFFIC

W hen: Saturda y, April 6 at7:30p.m.

W here: Anheuser-Busch P erformanceH all, Touhill P erformingArts Center

“HereinSt.Louis,inthemiddleofthecountry,we’ve beenisolated–thisnotionofthegatewayand‘passing through’–nothingstays,”hesays.Inthelast20years, though,Uthoff hasseenmore avant-garde ideasstarting totakeholdin St.Louis’dance community.

T ickets: $25 to $69via M etroTix

M ore info: dancestlouis.org/bodytraffic

“DanceSt. Louishasbeen instrumental inmakingthat happen,”headds.

DanceSt. Louis’58thseason–whichkickedoffwithTrinityIrish DanceCompanyinNovember,followedbyAileyIIatthe beginningofMarch–willconcludewiththe16th-annual SpringtoDanceFestivalonMay24and25.Eachnight showcasessix15-minutepresentationsofknownand

up-and-comingcompaniesandtroupesfromacrossthe country.Uthoffisparticularlyexcitedaboutthereturn ofCollageDanceCollectiveclosingoutSaturdaynight,as wellasartistsassociatedwiththeNewYorkandKansas Cityballetsandtheuniqueprogramofmixed-ability dancersinTheDancingWheelsCo.

“TheideaofSpringtoDance isto getpeople excited aboutdifferentpossibilities,”Uthoffsays.“Youmightnot like them,andthat’sperfectlyalright.Just relax for afew minuteswhile you wait forthenextone. It’slikea potpourri ofappetizersofeachwork –we hope you’regoingtoleave satisfiedbutalsohungry for afullmealofthewholething.”

More thananything, a triptothe Touhillspotlights a celebrationofdance andmovementinallofits forms. “Dance andmusicinthetheaterare like nothingelse,” Uthoffsays.“Thebeautyofart isthere isalways that riskit won’t work.Andthat’swhatmakesit exciting –theunexpected.”

DanceSt.LouispresentsBODYTRAFFIC, dancestlouis.org/bodytraffic

Musical Excellence

ByConnieMitchell >Photossupplied

Meetlocalstudent J erryChang , one off iv e nationwide to benamed a 2024 YoungArtsWinnerwithDistinction.

JerryChangsoundslikeatypicalteenager.AsophomoreatJohnBurroughs HighSchool,heispoliteandenthusiasticashespeaksabouthisupcoming springbreakandtheadventofhisschool’stennisseason.Butwhenthe conversationturnstomusic,Changsuddenlyseemsmaturebeyond hisyears.

NotonlydoesChangspeakeloquentlyaboutmusic,buthealsospeaksa differentlanguage–thelanguageofmusic.Hisremarkabletalentonthepiano recentlyearnedhimoneoffivenationalawardsasa2024YoungArtsWinner withDistinctioninClassicalMusic.Atjust16yearsold,heisthefirstMissouri highschoolstudenttowinintheClassicalMusicandPianocategoryinmore than20years.

Changbeganplayingpianowhenhewas4yearsoldandpracticesupto fourhoursperday,dependingonwhetherhe’spreparingforacompetitionor performance.Henotesthatschoolwork,sportsandotheractivities–likethe interviewpodcastheproduceswithagroupoffriendstitled“TheFacetoFace,” availableonSpotifyandApplePodcasts–keeptherestofhisweekoccupied withabout90minutesofpianopracticeinthemix.

FortheYoungArtsaward,Changsubmittedrecordingsoffourpieces.Each representsadifferentstyleofmusic,includingaselectionofChopinPreludes. “Thepiecesareindividualgems,eachwithitsownuniquefeelingormood,” Changsays.“Alotofthemaretellingstoriesorconveyinganimage,sowhen youputthemtogetherasacollection,it’sreallybeautiful.”

Onthelighterside,Changlaughsashedescribesthecontemporarypiece hesubmittedfromagenre hedoesn’ttypicallyplay.“I’mmostlyaclassical musician,butthiswasasuperfun,[jazzyclassical]piece,”heexplains.“Atfirst, it’sveryfastandflashy,andinthemiddle,it’sslowerandreallybeautiful,and thenitgoesbacktotheflashierstyle.Youcandefinitelyhearacatchasinga mouse.It’scalled‘TheTomandJerryShow’byHiromiUehara.”

Interpretingthemusicandallowingthepassionandemotionofapiece toflowthroughthekeysisoneofthethingsChanglovesmostaboutplaying piano.“SometimeswhenI’mplayingandthere’sareallybeautifulsection…I experiencesomethingthat’shardtodescribeinwords,”Changsays.“It’slike aflowstatethroughmusic.It’sprettyrare,butit’sareallyamazingexperience whenithappens.”

Sometimeswhen I’mplayingandthere’sa reallybeautifulsection …Iexperiencesomething that’shardtodescribe inwords.It’slikeaflow statethroughmusic.It’s prettyrare, butit’sareally amazingexperiencewhen ithappens. –JERRYCHANG

YoungArts,anationalfoundationfortheadvancementofartists,chose winnersbasedon“exceptionaltechnique,astrongsenseofartistryandan extraordinarycommitmenttodevelopingtheircrafts.”Theorganization welcomed150WinnerswithDistinctionacrossninedisciplinestoNational YoungArtsWeek,heldinJanuaryinMiami.Changreferstoitas“oneofthe bestweeksofmylife.”

Assignedtoachambergroupwithtwootherwinners,oneaclarinetistand theotheracellist,Changandhiscohortshadtoquicklychooseandpreparea piecetoperformbytheendoftheweek.Whilethegrouppreparedapieceby Beethoventoperform,theyalsobondedovermusicingeneral.

Changrecallsplayingsomeof“TheTomandJerryShow”forhistwo collaboratorsandbeingawestruckwhentheclarinetistbegantoimprovisealong withhim.“Itwasoneofthemostincrediblemusical,collaborativemoments I’veeverhad,”Changsays.“Hewasjustmakingituponthespot,butIwasalso partofit,anditjustfeltlikeacommunityofourgroupofthree,allconnected throughmusic.”TheYoungArtsWeekparticipantsmaintainanactivegroupchat sincereturningtotheirhomesacrossthecountry.

Changisn’tsurewherehismusicwilltakehim,andheisawarethat “musicperformanceiskindofariskycareerchoice.”Butheknowsthatbeinga musicianwillalwaysbepartofhislife,nomatterwhatelsehepursues.Without hesitation,henotes,“Musicisahugepartofmylife,andthatwilljustgo onforever.”

YoungArts,youngarts.org

M akingWaves

in Sustainable Swim we ar

ByMadeleineAckerburg >PhotoscourtesyofCoraleeSwimwear

CORALEE’S SWIM

COLLECTIONSPOTLIGHTS

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLYSWIMWEAR THATDOESN’TJUST MAKEAFASHION STATEMENT–ITALSO MAKESADIFFERENCE.

ClaireForrestknewshehadfoundher passionthefirsttimeshesawacoral reefupclose.Itwas2008,andForrest –just19yearsoldatthetime–had startedajobworkingonaboatasa snorkelinstructorintheFloridaKeys.Tenyears later,whenForrestbroughtherhusbandtosee thecoralreefs,shearrivedintheKeystoseemuch ofthevibrantanddiverseecosystemsheloved destroyedbybleachinganddegradation,leaving marinelifestrugglingtosurvive.

“Whenwegotthere,thecoralreefswereall dead,”Forrestsays.“Ithadonlybeen10years. Icouldn’tbelieveit.Coralreefscantakeupto 10,000yearstogrow.Toseeitdestroyedinsuch ashortamountoftimewasdevastatingtome.”

ThisprofoundexperienceinspiredForrestto takeactionbyfoundingCoralee,aswimsuitbrand withamissiontosavethereefs,oneswimsuit atatime.Butinthebustlingworldoffashion, wheretrendscomeandgoasoftenasthetides, maintaininganunwaveringcommitmentto sustainabilityandenvironmentalstewardship canbechallenging.Toupholdthevaluesthathad encouragedhertoopenherbusinessinthe first place,Forrestembarkedonameticulousjourney toensurethateveryaspectofCoralee’sproduction processalignedwithenvironmentalpreservation andethicallaborpractices.Fromselecting sustainablematerialstoforgingpartnerships withlike-mindedcompanies,Forrestsparedno effortwhencreatingswimwearthatisnotonly fashionable,butalsosafefortheplanet.

Thestatisticssurroundingoceanpollutionare staggering.Eightmillionpiecesofplasticenter theoceaneveryday,and50percentoftheworld’s coralshavebeendestroyedinthelast30years aloneduetorisingoceantemperaturesandcoral bleaching.IntheheartofCoralee’smissionliesa simpleyetpowerfulconcept.Foreveryswimsuit sold,ababycoralisplantedthroughCoralee’sreef partnerprogram.Thisinnovativeinitiativefosters coralrestorationandadeepconnectionbetween Coraleecustomersandthemarineenvironment thatneedsourhelpnowmorethanever.

“IwasabletofindapartnerintheMaldives ...andthey’replantingacoralforeveryswimsuit thatwesellatarateIcanafford,”Forrestexplains. “Everytimewesellaswimsuit,weplantacoral andaregivenaGPScoordinateofwherethecorals areplanted,whichwecangivetoourclients.”

TransparencyiskeyforCoralee,bothinits manufacturingprocessandinitspartnerships. ForrestensuresCoralee’sswimsuitsarecrafted fromrecycledmaterials–includingplastics,nylon andwastecollectedfromtheocean.Byusing

high-quality,UVandchlorine-testedfabricsmade fromrecycledoceanplastic,thebrandminimizes itsenvironmentalfootprintwhilestilloffering stylishanddurableswimwearoptions.Coralee’s manufacturingpartner,Econyl,alsohelpsto ensurethatethicallaborpracticesareupheld throughouttheproductionchainbycreating regeneratednylonsourcedfromwastepolluting theplanet,suchasrecycledfishingnetsand industrialplastic.

Coralee’scommitmenttotheenvironment extendsbeyondcoralpreservation.Thebrand alsostrivestoleaveapositiveimpactonthe planetbyadoptingazero-wastephilosophyinits manufacturingprocess.“Atitscore,thefashion industryisawastefulindustry,”Forrestsays. “That’swhyCoraleedoesn’thaveaverydeep inventory.Weonlybuyfiveofeachsizewhenwe orderashipmentofsuits,andthenwehavethem untiltheysellout.Wedon’twanttobewasteful, soItrytocomeupwithnewdesignsslowly,so wehaveroominthewarehouse.”

Asthefashionindustrygrappleswithits environmentalimpact,Coraleeservesasabeacon ofhopebyprovingthatstyleandsustainability cangohandinhand.Witheveryswimsuit purchased,customerscanadornthemselvesin chicattirethatalsocontributestotheongoing effortstoprotectandpreservethemarine ecosystemsthatForrestfellinlovewithwhen shewas19yearsold.

“Oneimportantwaytocombatfastfashionis tobealittle choosierwiththepiecesthatexist inourclosets,”Forrestsays.“I’mhopingthatby designingpiecesthatmakewomenfeelsupported andsafe,andthatmakeapositiveimpactonthe environment,wecanencouragepeopletotake bettercareoftheirsuitsandwearthemagain andagain.”

CoraleeSwimwear,coraleeswim.com

Ev erytime we sell a swimsuit, we plant ac oralandar e given a GPS c oordinat eof wher e the c oralsar e planted,which wec an giv eto ourclients.

–CLAIREFORREST

To place an ad, call: 314-269-8810 or email: ltaylor@laduenews.com

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