









https://autcohome.com/

https://marcchristian.com/

https://wspaces.com/

https://premierplumbingstudio.com/

https://www.kdrshowrooms.com/
InteriorDesignCenterStudios: KellyJohnsonDesign JCRDesignGroup Murphy&MooreDesign YoursByDesign
https://autcohome.com/
https://marcchristian.com/
https://wspaces.com/
https://premierplumbingstudio.com/
https://www.kdrshowrooms.com/
InteriorDesignCenterStudios: KellyJohnsonDesign JCRDesignGroup Murphy&MooreDesign YoursByDesign
Missouri’smosttrusted nameinrealestatearrives thisFall.BHHSAlliance RealEstatewillbecome ReeceNicholsRealEstate.
(ateacherappreciationcontest)
PRE SENTED BY
PUBLISHER
Ian Caso
EDITORIAL
m ANAGING e DI tO r
Ashley Klein > aklein@laduenews.com
DIGI tAL e DI tO r & S tAFF W r I ter Amanda Dahl > adahl@laduenews.com
ASSOCIAte e DI tO r
Emily Standlee > estandlee@laduenews.com
CON tr I b U t ING W r I ter S
Mark Bretz, Bethany Christo, Paige Drazen, Drew Gieseke, Alecia Humphreys, Lauren Leady, Carrson McDaniel, Connie Mitchell, Sheila Oliveri, Nancy Robinson, Andrea Smith, Mabel Suen, Katie Yeadon
SALES
VIC e pre SID e N t OF SAL e S Kevin Hart > khart@stlpostmedia.com
SeNIOr meDIA StrAteGISt Katie Ray > kray@laduenews.com
me DIA S tr Ate GIS t Michelle Brown > mbrown@laduenews.com
S pe CIAL pr OJ e C t S m ANAG er Maggie Peters > mpeters@laduenews.com
CLASSIFI e D ACCOUN t m ANAG er Lisa Taylor > ltaylor@lee.net
ART A rt DI re C tO r
Laura De Vlieger > ldevlieger@laduenews.com
ASSIS tAN t A rt DI re C tO r
Christopher Oth > coth@laduenews.com
CON tr I b U t ING p HOtOG r A p H er S
Diane Anderson, James Andersonx
132N.BrentwoodBlvd.(Clayton) C $9,950,000
544QuailRidgeLane(St.Albans) C $3,850,000
11758WesthamDr.(Town&Country) C $3,100,000
2025WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,770,000
2033WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,745,000
2017WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,525,000
2002WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,455,000
2005WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,370,000
2010WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,285,000
10407WhiteBridgeLn.(CreveCoeur) C $2,275,000
61BriarcliffStreet(Ladue) C $2,250,000
12859ToppingMeadows(T&C) C $1,585,000
789SaintPaulRoad(Wildwood) C $1,200,000
215RosemontAve.(WebsterGroves) C $1,199,000
6912WashingtonAve.(UniversityCity) C $975,000
11VillaCoublay(Frontenac) C $899,000
1121S.MainStreet,#410(St.Charles) C $825,000
911ClevelandAvenue(Kirkwood) C $875,000
1121S.MainStreet,#104(St.Charles) C $799,000
512WhiteRoseLane(Olivette) C $750,000
600SouthBerryRoad(WebsterGroves) C $715,000
130ElmAvenue(Glendale) C $699,900
8162AmherstAvenue(UniversityCity) C $699,900
2341S.12thStreet(St.LouisCity) C $699,000
225W.ManorDrive(Chesterfield) C $689,900
723OakValleyDrive(DesPeres) C $674,999
206TalbotWay(Wentzville) C $639,000
7642CarswoldDrive(Clayton) C $629,000
8154StanfordAvenue(UniversityCity) C $625,000
7332MapleAvenue(Maplewood) C $599,000
7839StanfordAvenue(UniversityCity) C $570,000
7810LafonPlace(UniversityCity) C $549,500 12914NimesDrive(CreveCoeur) C $549,000 67ForestGlenLane(Kirkwood) C $499,000 1439BriarcreekDrive(Kirkwood) C $475,000
4909LacledeAvenue,#805(StL) C $465,000 1121S.MainStreet,#105(St.Charles) C $445,000 218EuclidAvenue(RockHill) C $419,900 10N.KingshighwayBlvd.,#4C(StL) C $325,000 200S.BrentwoodBlvd.,#15C(Clayton) C $324,900 7521ByronPlace,#3E(Clayton) C $282,000 1121S.MainStreet,#209(St.Charles) C $265,000 526SarahLane,#41(CreveCoeur) C $254,900 4220McPhersonAvenue,#303(StL) C $189,900 1773HighSchoolDrive(Brentwood) C $179,900
1. 61BriarcliffStreet•Ladue NEWLISTING! Thisbeautifullyupdated5-bedroom,4fulland2halfbathroomresidenceoffersover6300totalsq.ft.oflivingspaceonaprime cornerlotinoneofLadue’smostsought-afterneighborhoods.Theinviting centerhallfloorplanopenstoformallivinganddiningrooms.Anexpansive den/officewithcustombuilt-insaddsversatilityandcharm.Theheartof thehomeisthestunning,updatedkitchenthatseamlesslyconnectstothe spaciousfamilyroom. $2,250,000
2. 12859ToppingMeadows•Town&Country NEWLISTING! Thismagnificentmanorofferstimelesselegance, exquisitemillwork,andtheepitomeofrefinedtastethroughout.Thecustom chef’skitchenadjoinsadelightfulvaultedbreakfastroom.Thesunroom boastsfloor-to-ceilingwindows,arecessedceiling,andaccesstothe outdoors.Situatedonanacre,thepropertyincludesaresort-stylepool,pool house,stonefireplace,andacoveredveranda. $1,585,000
3. 130ElmAvenue•Glendale NEWLISTING! Sittingatopahill,thisclassiccolonialgreetsyouwith astonewalkwayandlandscapedyard.Inside,thefoyeropenstoasunlit livingroomwithfireplaceandaformaldiningroom,bothwithcrown mouldingandgleaminghardwoodfloors.Abrightfamilyroomwithcustom cabinetryandpicturesquewindowoverlooksthestonepatioandlush backyard. $699,900
4. 67ForestGlenLane•Kirkwood NEWLISTING! This1.5-storyCapeCodhasthemostenchantingcurb appeal.Uponentry,youwillnoticethenewlyrefinishedhardwoodfloors, thecharmingmillwork,andthefunctionalfloorplan.Onyourleftisa spacious,light-filledlivingroomwithahandsomefireplace.Thekitchenhas beenupdatedandoffersupgradedappliances,beautifulCarraramarble countertops,andmore. $499,000
5. 723OakValleyDrive•DesPeres
NEWLISTING! LocatedintheKirkwoodSchoolDistrict,thisranchwas thoughtfullydesignedtosupportsinglelevelliving!Steppinginsideyou’llbe captivatedbythevaultedceilings,hardwoodfloors,andopenlivingspace. Thelivingroomflowseffortlesslyintothecustomkitchen.Thelargefamily roomisfloodedwithnaturallightandviewsofthebackyard. $674,999
6. 544QuailRidgeLane•St.Albans
Discoverthisexceptional&newlyrenovatedhomenestledintheBluffs ofSt.Albans.Completelyreimaginedin2024-2025,thisprofessionally& tastefullydesigned,fullycustomizedhomehasmanyrecentenhancements, makingittrulyturn-key.Everydetailhasbeenmeticulouslycuratedfor elevatedlavishliving,timelessdesign&moderncomfort. $3,850,000
7. 911ClevelandAvenue•Kirkwood
NEWLISTING! Welcometothisnewercustomhomenestledinfabulous Kirkwood!Immediatelyyouwillnoticethetallceilings,hardwoodflooring, andprettymillwork.Thereisaspaciousfamilyroomwithamarblesurround fireplace.Thekitchenofferswhitecabinetrywithalargeaccentisland, Frigidaireappliances,andmore. $875,000
8. 7332MapleAvenue•Maplewood
Bright,beautifullyupdated3+bedroom,3.5-bathroomhomeinMaplewood featuringaspacious2-storyadditionandopen-conceptfamilyliving!The homeoffersacharminglivingroomanddiningroom,plusalargemudroom. Achef-inspiredkitchenflowsseamlesslyintothefamilyroom. $599,000
132N.BRENTWOODBLVD.•CLAYTON•$9,950,000
Thisextraordinary2024-builtresidenceoffersalifestyleofrefinedluxury andeffortlesscomfort.Tuckedbehindasecuredgateonadoublelotinthe heartofClayton,itinvitesyouintoaworldwheretimelessarchitecturemeets moderninnovation.
I shouldn’t pick favorites, but Ladue News’ annual State of the Arts edition is always one of the issues I most enjoy helping to put together. So much talent resides in this metro we call home, and the dance, theater, music and visual arts organizations and events featured starting on p. 41 are only the tip of the iceberg.
Food is easily one of the most fun ways to enjoy the fruits of another person’s creativity. On p. 32, columnist Mabel Suen spotlights an exciting move for SweetArt Bakeshop & Café, now serving up vegan baked goods and more in Midtown.
If you’re inspired to find a new way to express creativity around your own home (and want to have a fantastic bespoke gift idea in your back pocket), check out contributing writer Alecia Humphreys’ roundup of places to take floral arranging classes around the metro on p. 24. Custom décor also makes an appearance in Humphreys’ column on p. 20, which features an heirloom-inspired homeoffice reno by Amy Studebaker Design.
Happy reading,
Ashley Klein, Managing Editor
Enhance your feed with home, style and community news by liking and following Ladue News on Facebook.
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It’s never too early to get the kiddos interested in making and enjoying art. Visit laduenews.com to check out kid-friendly art encounters around the metro.
ByMaggiePeters >PhotoscourtesyofGatewayRegionYMCA
Sportsarea great wayforpeopleof allagesto getout, exerciseandmake friends – andthat chance shouldbe affordedto everyone That’swhy the GatewayRegionYMCAisproudtonotonly have createdits Adaptive SportsComplex, buttobehostingthe2025Miracle League All-StarGamethis fall.
TheGatewayRegionYMCAisoneofthe largestandoldestnonprofitsinSt. Louis, havingbeeninthe communitysince the1850s. With24 facilitiesbetweenMOandIL,the organizationserves roughly300,000peopleannuallythroughprograms andmembershipsandneverturnsanyone away onabilitytopay.
“We have beendoinginclusionservices forsometimebuthadbeen unabletodoitwithsports,so we builttheadaptive sportsprogram,” addsCEOTimHelm.“Youthinkaboutkidswithspecialneeds … being abletobuildthis complex andmake baseballaccessibletopeoplewith disabilitiesissoimportantandsospecial forthem.”
TheGatewayRegionYMCAputinanapplicationwithTheMiracle League – anorganizationthathelpsbuild a barrier-freebaseball programs – tohostthis year’sAll-Star gameandare proudtohave been selected.Beginningon Friday, Sept.12,with a meetandgreetatBusch Stadium,the festivitieswill continueintothe weekendwithbaseball gamesatthe Adaptive SportsComplex allday Saturday, as wellas a dinnerand awardsonSaturday nightattheSaint LouisScience Center.
More than100 youth from26statesand Mexico willflyin,plus 5fromSt. Louis. Helm explainsthatthe Y builtthe event tobeSt. Louis centric,beyondjustthe baseball game “We’re so excitedtodothis inSt. Louis,” hesays.“We havecloseto 700peopleflyinginand we can’t waitto show themthecity.”
Youcanhelpmake this extraordinary eventpossiblein a numberof ways: theGatewayRegionYMCAislooking for volunteerstohelpwiththe game, with concessions,orwiththe eventson Friday andSaturday night. Additionally, thenonprofitis raising fundsto coverthe expensesofthe familiestraveling forthe game.For$500, youcansponsoranathlete andtheir family forthe weekend. Youcan go onlinetolearnmore aboutallthe waysyoucanhelp!
“I wanttothankoursponsors forthe game:CardinalsCare, BonifaceFoundation,DruryHotels,EvernorthHealthServices,Graybar, Rawlings, TogetherCredit Union,” Helm concludes.“They all really steppedup.To beabletodothiskindof workis really rewarding. We encourage peopleto comeoutandseeit.It’s reallymeaningfulto witnessthesekidsand families experience it.”
GatewayRegionYMCA, 2815ScottAve.,Suite D,St Louis,314-436-1177, gwrymca.org
By Paige Drazen
Healthy kids start with a healthy pregnancy. Most new moms have access to lots of resources – more than most previous generations – but sometimes too much information can raise just as many questions as too little. As a prenatal nurse navigator, I work to guide new parents through pregnancy, answering their questions along the way. Here are the most common things moms want to know:
Absolutely! Most birthing centers offer the option of taking a hospital tour to help you become familiar with what you will see when you come to deliver. It is usually best to choose a location by the time you’re 34 weeks along, in case something unexpected happens and your baby decides to arrive early.
I recommend families start the search for a pediatrician around 20 to 25 weeks of pregnancy, although you have until you deliver to pick one! Some online guides suggest scheduling a consult with a doctor to
“interview them” before baby arrives, but it can be difficult for them to find time for these. I love learning about my patients and helping them connect with someone I think would be the perfect fit.
Most insurance companies will partially or fully cover the cost of a breast pump. Typically, you can give them a call to discuss the process. To choose a pump that is right for you, a prenatal consult with a lactation consultant can be incredibly helpful.
Along with answering questions and providing personalized support during pregnancy, I make sure families have the resources needed to prepare for baby and the early postpartum. The program is open to anyone planning to welcome a baby at Mercy.
Pregnancy is an exciting time but also brings with it new experiences and stressors. Make sure you have support – whether a spouse, significant other or parent – who can help you manage when things get tough.
Paige Drazen, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC, is a Mercy Kids prenatal nurse navigator. For more information, visit mercy.net/laduenews.
Wellnessgoesbeyondpreventingillnessand chasingsymptoms–it’saboutunderstanding eachperson’sindividualneedsand circumstancesandprovidingthemthepathway tolivingtheirhealthiestlife.Thisisthemission behindInVitaHealthandWellness:empoweringindividualsto reclaimtheirvitalityandwell-beingthroughpersonalized,rootcause-focusedcare.
“AtInVita,wedecodethebody’ssignalstouncovertheroot cause,”saysfounderDr.SaraFranco,DNAO,CRNA,APRN.“We aretheclinicwhereyoursymptomsareheard,andyourhealing begins.Wearetheclinicthatpatientscometowhentheyfeel liketheirprimarycareproviderisn’thearingwhatthey’resaying. Whileotherwellnessclinicsofferquickfixes,wedeliverprecision medicinethattransformslives–restoringbalance,energy, andvitalityatthecellularlevel.Thisisn’tjusthealthcare.It’sa personalizedblueprintforlifelongresilience.”
AmongtheservicesprovidedbyInVita–medicalweightloss, peptidetherapy,specializedIVtherapiesandmore–thewellness clinicalsospecializesinhormoneoptimization,theprocessof bringingyourbody’shormonelevelsintoahealthy,balancedrange tosupportoptimalphysical,mental,andemotionalfunction.
“Hormonesarelikemessengersinyourbody,”explainsFranco. “Theyregulateyourmetabolism,energy,mood,sleep,weight,sex drive,andmuchmore.Whenyourhormonesareoutofbalance –evenslightly–itcanaffecthowyoufeeleveryday.Hormone optimizationhelpsrestore thatbalancesoyourbodycanfunction atitsbest.”
InVitarecognizeshormoneoptimizationasacornerstoneof functionalmedicineandunderstandsthecriticalroleitplaysin energy,mood,metabolism,andlong-termhealth.Byintegrating advanceddiagnosticswithholistic,evidence-basedtreatments, InVitaassistspatientsinrestoringbalance,preventingdisease,and livingfullyateverystageoflife.
Francoaddsthatoneofthemostimportantthingstoconsider regardinghormoneoptimizationisthatpeoplehaveestrogenand progesteronereceptorsineverysystemofourbodiesandthat goesbeyondjustamenstrualcycle.Optimizinghormoneshelps withmorethansimplystoppinghotflashesandkeepingmenfrom losingtheirhair;itimprovesenergyandstamina,mood(anxiety anddepression),cardiovascularhealth,sleepquality,libido,joint pain,musculoskeletalissueslikefrozenshoulder,andbrainfogand mentalclarity.
“Hormoneoptimizationisn’tjustabouteasinghotflashesor losingweight,”Francoconcludes.“It’saboutgetting you back. It’swakingupwithenergy,feelingclear-headedandconfident, reconnectingwithyourdrive,yourjoy,yourvitality.Atourclinic, wehelpyourebalancefromtheinsideout–soyoudon’tjustfeel better,youfeel likeyourself again.”
ReachouttoInVitaHealthandWellnesstodayandlookforward tolivingyourbestlife.
InVita Health&Wellness, 333 S.Kirkwood Road, Suite 300, Kirkwood and 14422 Clayton Road,Ballwin,314-394-0950,invitahealthandwellness.com
Hormoneoptimizationisn’t justabouteasinghot flashes orlosing weight.It’s about gettingyouback.It’swaking upwithenergy, feeling clear-headedand confident, reconnectingwithyourdrive, yourjoy,yourvitality. At our clinic, we helpyou rebalance fromtheinsideout
– soyou don’tjust feel better, you feel like yourself again.
Families gather each September to experience The Great Forest Park Balloon Race. This year’s festivities are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 19 to 20, with the aweinspiring Balloon Glow kicking things off on Friday evening. Ready Readers has two book suggestions to read with young children in anticipation of the fun.
By Sheila Oliveri
“Curious George’s Up, Up, and Away,” adapted by Marcy Goldberg Sacks and Priya Giri Desai, is a great story to begin learning about hot air balloons. Although it’s a fictional story, there’s a good amount of factual information conveyed, helping children understand basic concepts and vocabulary. As you may anticipate, the story begins with George climbing aboard a balloon tied to the ground. In true George fashion, he mistakenly unties the tether rope, sending George and the pilot ascending unexpectedly. Excitement ensues, but George (as always) ends up safe and happy with his friend the man in the yellow hat.
The second recommended book, “Raccoon and the Hot Air Balloon” by Jill Atkins and illustrator Kristen Humphrey, is a delightful tale of animals caring about
and collaborating with each other. Readers meet the adventurous title character as she rescues a baby eagle that has fallen from its nest. Mother Eagle expresses gratitude for Raccoon’s help in returning the fledgling. Raccoon moves on and sees a hot air balloon land in an open field, and watches the passengers disembark. Raccoon slyly sneaks aboard the balloon basket, chews through the rope, and excitedly rises into the air. After enjoying the aerial view for a bit, Raccoon realizes she has no way of getting back to earth. As Raccoon becomes anxious aboard the balloon, grateful Mother Eagle sees Raccoon’s dilemma and calls other area birds to help. Together, they bring Raccoon safely back to her own tree. Be sure to talk with your young readers about Eagle’s solution to the problem, and why that worked. Then go enjoy the real thing in Forest Park!
Ready Readers is a St. Louis early literacy nonprofit serving more than 17,000 preschool-aged children living in economically suppressed areas of our community. Check out the website to learn how you can share the joy and power of reading with children in need. readyreaders.org
By
tudentsatPrincipiaSchoolhavetakena creativeapproachtoansweringwhatit meanstobeacommunity.Ninthgraders attheTownandCountrycollegeprep dayandboardingschoolcreateda muralthatshowcasedthespiritandhistoryof theircommunity.
Theprojectbeganlatelastyear,guidedby Principia’sVisualArtsandDesignteacherGrace HinthorneandSocialStudiesteacherDonSterrett, andwasunveiledonFriday,August15witha ribboncuttingceremony.
"Wewantedthestudentstoexperience thereal-worldprocessofcreatingsomething impactful,"SterrettexplainedinaNovember interviewwiththeschool.
Thisprojectwaspartoftheeducation structureofPrincipia’sUpperSchool,offering 9thand10thgradestudentstheopportunityto participateinproject-basedlearninginitiatives.
Throughtheschool’sCoLabprogram,students puttheirlearningintopracticethroughprograms thatprovidehands-on,relevantexperiences. Whetherstudentsarecreatingmurals,or presentingtootherlocalcitiesaboutburgeoning habitats,they’realwaysgrowingascreativeand criticalthinkers.
Fortheirmuralproject,students worked inteamsoffive, witheach memberofthe teamhandlingdifferent rolessuch as research, projectmanagement,designandpresentation management.They studiedmuralsthroughout thecityand county, such asthoseinTheGrove andCherokeeStreet,interviewedlocalsabout whattheywantedthe TownandCountrymural to represent,and gainedinsightaboutthehistory, nature, and – mostimportantly –valuesofthearea.
Thestudentswerethenaskedtopresenttheir designstotheTownandCountryboard,and werepraisedforthethoroughpresentations,
impressiveprofessionalismandthoughtfuldesign.
“Wewerelookingforcharacter,citizenship, collaboration,communication,creativity,and criticalthinking,”Hinthornesaidinthesame interview.“Wehitallsixofthosewiththisproject forourbelovedcommunity.”
Additionalreal-worldlearningopportunities canbefoundinPrincipia’suniqueSignature Program,whichincludesseveraltripsthroughout theyearforstudentsintheLower,Middleand UpperSchools.
Whetheronthesportsfield,uponstage,or outinthecommunity,Principiagivesstudents thechancetounlocktheirfullpotential.By helpingstudentsseethegoodinthemselves, they’reinvitedtothinkfearlessly,liveselflessly andlearnpurposefully.
PrincipiaSchool,13201ClaytonRoad,St.Louis, 314-434-2100,principiaschool.org
LiveinstyleintheheartoftheCWE!ThisMUSTSEEsophisticated2,200sqftgroundlevelcondooffers:11ftceilings,carvedmoldings,immense windows,2workingfireplaces,hardwoodfloors,andstunninglightfixtures.Thekitchenfeatures:Carraramarblecounters.Bertazzoni appliances,largeisland,androomforbothtableandcasualseating.Otherstandoutfeaturesaretwoen-suitebedrooms,andanoffice/ thirdbedroomoptionwithcustombuilt-insand2closets.Finally,LLstorageandworkoutspacehaselevatorand/orbackyardaccesswhereonecanenjoybeautifulgardens,alargecovereddeckoverlookingfullyfencedyard.
in style in the heart of the CWE! This MUST SEE sophisticated 2,200sqft ground level condo offers: eleven foot ceilings, carved moldings, immense windows, 2 working fireplaces, hardwood floors, and stunning light fixtures. The kitchen features: Carrara marble counters, Bertazzoni appliances, large island, and room for both table and casual seating. Other standout features are two en-suite bedrooms, and an office/third bedroom option with custom built-ins and 2 closets. Finally, LL storage and workout space has elevator and/or backyard access - where one can enjoy beautiful gardens, a large covered deck overlooking fully fenced yard.
By
What once was a simple guest bedroom is now a classic home office that beautifully blends eclectic elements with an edge of elegance thanks to Amy Studebaker, owner and principal designer at Amy Studebaker Design.
“The initial inspiration for this space was rooted in the client’s desire to incorporate family heirlooms throughout her home,” Studebaker says. “This settee was a special piece passed down and in need of reviving with a fresh take on the timeless, classic frame.”
A mustard-yellow lacquer paired with layered Soane textiles breathed new life into this sentimental settee, and the color is pulled into the fringe on the custom Décors Barbares ottoman and the frame of the artwork on the wall. A marbled yellow wallpaper on the ceiling also complements the settee, and the custom plaid office chair by LeeJofa adds intentional Altogether, these bold pieces “create a cozy and collected space that still feels sophisticated with a touch of the unexpected,” Studebaker says.
She adds: “This client’s unwavering trust in my design aesthetic – and her shared affinity for a pattern-playful, collected, whimsical home – holds a special place in my heart as a forever favorite.”
Amy Studebaker Design, 9749 Clayton Road, St. Louis, 314-440-0853, amystudebakerdesign.com
By Nancy Robinson > photos supplied
Bold metallic and glass accents pair with contrasting dark and light colors reminiscent of old Hollywood luxury.
michael Amini presents the Camellia Field collection in the caramel colorway. the chenille upholstered side chair with oval back showcases champagnegold frame accents and intricate marquetry on mahogany veneers. the dining table is also adorned with marquetry on the mahogany veneer top and anchored by a champagne-gold iron base. (carolhouse.com)
bearing designer barbara barry’s signature X-back, baker
Furniture’s oval dining chair features a refined wood frame and inset upholstered back. the beech hardwood frame is available in a variety of finishes, including gold leaf accents. (kdrshowrooms.com)
Corbett Lighting presents the dramatic Charisma lighting collection constructed of glass and gold-leaf metal. Seven different styles are offered, including two sconces, a semiflush ceiling light and four different chandelier sizes and styles. (wilsonlighting.com)
By Alecia Humphreys
In a world that hurries us toward convenience, there’s something sacred about slowing down to arrange beauty – petal by petal, stem by stem – into a kaleidoscope of color that will bring life to your home or joy to a loved one’s arms. But floral design is more than a craft: It’s living art. Here are four businesses offering floral arrangement classes in the St. Louis area that invite you to step away from the noise and fall in love with flowers, one arrangement at a time.
Join Civil Alchemy’s own Grace Giesler on Sept. 19, Oct. 17 or Nov. 14 to learn the basics of floral care (including how to cut and keep flowers looking fresh). Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to create a stunning table arrangement of your own.
Price: $95
Sign up at: civilalchemy.com/collections/florals
8154 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-801-7577, civilalchemy.com
Local florist Flowers to the People offers private in-home and in-studio flower arranging workshops for groups of six or more people. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions and all the supplies needed to ensure you leave with a lovely arrangement. Workshops are not available in October.
Price: $75 per person ($450 for minimum group of six)
Sign up at: flowerstothepeoplestl.com/workshops
3463 Itaska St., St. Louis, 314-762-0422, flowerstothepeoplestl.com
Hare and Bear is on a mission to bring the community together through flowers – and what better way to create community than through workshops? Take advantage of their private flower event option to include as part of a girl’s night in, brunch, or even at a bridal or baby shower.
Price: $150 minimum
Sign up at: hareandbearco.com/classes hareandbearco.com
Stems Florist invites you to turn your affinity for flowers into a skill worth celebrating. Offering classes for hand-tied bouquets, vase or container arrangements, flower crowns and more, Stems Florist offers tailored workshops every Monday at 6 p.m.
Price: Starting at $100
Sign up at: stems4flowers.com/workshop
210 Saint Francois St., St. Louis, 314-972-7836, stems4flowers.com
FredericSackriderRemington,(1861-1909) TheCheyenne,bronze.Inscribed'Copyright by/FredericRemington'andstamped ROMAN BRONZEWORKS N.Y. 20x23x7inches
09 OCT 10 OCT 24
RogerPerot,Delahaye1932,poster LesAteliersA.B.C.Paris 62x461/4inches
ImpressiveItalianPietraDuraTable, 291/2x96x48inches
Fabulous18KYellow andWhiteGoldBracelet 71/4inches,103g
PatriciaSingsPiaf ft.PatriciaRacette&CraigTerry WorldRenownedSoprano SponsoredbyOperaTheatreofSaintLouis
LoriMcKenna FolkSinger/Songwriter
ArturoO’FarrillQuintet Afro-LatinJazzMaster Leadershipsupportfrom TheStewardFamilyFoundation
CamillePissarro,French(1830-1903)LePereMelonSciantduBois,1879, pastelonpaperlaidonboard.181/4x241/4inches.Thisworkis listedinPissarroandVenturi(Paris,1939),no.1543
friday , september12th at 10 am saturday, september13th at 10 am
Pre vi ew sunday,sept7, 12—4 continuing,sept 8 sept11 , 10—5 previewpartysept11 , 5—7
CharlesMarionRussell,(1864-1926)
AnEnemythatWarns,bronze. InscribedCMRussell,withthe artist'sskulldevice,andstamped ROMAN BRONZEWORKS,N.Y. 5x8x51/4inches
Stunning5.5Carat DiamondRingwith Emeraldssetin18K YellowGold,size7
AFineJohnMorganandSonsPansy LeadedGlassTableLamp,diameter ofshade:18inches
EdgarDegas,French(1834-1917)DeuxJockeys, counterproofonpaper,circa1881-1885, estatestamped,inscribed,91/4x111/2inches
a two-dayauctionFeaturing:WorksofarttoincludeanimportantpastelbyCamillePissarro; a collectionoforiginalRemingto n andRussellbronzecastingsfrom a corporatemuseumcollectioninPhoeniz,AZ; a lithographbyEdgarDegas; a JohnMorgan & Sons"PansyLamp;" a collectionofWesternpaintingsbyPabstandWeber;anoriginal architecturaldrawingofUnionStationbyTheodoreLink;vintageposters;MobyDickillustratedbyRockwellKent;PropertyfromthecollectionofBillandSusanStiritzto includeArts & Craftshandwovenrugs,silkrugs, a monumentalpietraduratable,andpaintingscommissionedforPurinaFarms;finejewelry;Asiandecorativeart;printsby EllsworthKelly;antiquetoMCMfurniture;Southwesternjewelry,andmore
5 00 0 washingtonplace sai nt louis¦missouri 63108 contactusat
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Dr.ShariCohenisproudtoannouncethather daughter,Dr.RachelCohen,hasjoinedher ConciergeInternalMedicinepracticeandis nowacceptingnewpatients.
Forcompleteinformationortoschedulean appointment,pleasecallorvisitourwebsite. visitsharidcohenmd.com orcalltheofficeat314.872.8822
sharidcohenmd.com 314.872.8822 555N.NewBallasRd,Suite250 St.Louis,MO63141
his extraordinary 2024 Slavin Homes-built residence offers a lifestyle of refined luxury and effortless comfort. Tucked behind a secured gate on a double lot in the heart of Clayton, it invites you into a world where timeless architecture meets modern innovation.
Whether you’re hosting elegant gatherings in the stunning designer kitchen and sunlit great room, unwinding in the spa-inspired primary suite, or enjoying wellness rituals in your private wellness area with an infrared sauna and cold plunge, every detail supports a life well-lived. A private elevator connects the lower three levels, while the upper level is a private retreat with a kitchenette and restful guest suite. Outdoor living is equally indulgent with a heated limestone porch, woodburning fireplace, and Mugnaini pizza oven under a pergola-perfect for al fresco evenings. This home isn’t just where you live – it’s where your best life unfolds.
This four-bedroom, four full-bathroom and three half-bathroom home in Clayton is listed for $9.95 million.
The Katie McLaughlin Real Estate Team | Laura McCarthy Real Estate 314-283-8444 (McLaughlin), 314-304-4619 (McDonald), 314-725-5100 (office), lauramccarthy.com
By Katie Yeadon > Photos supplied
Transition into fall with warm Western vibes from suede fabrics, fringe and country florals.
By
Aquinceañera is a rite of passage for young women of Hispanic heritage in which they celebrate their 15th birthday – going from girlhood into womanhood – with an extravagant party. For those planning a quinceañera, contributing toward one, or attending as a guest, St. Louis-area expert Racine Martir shares insight and advice. She’s the owner of Bidi Bidi Bom Bom dress shop, which stocks colorful ballgowns and coordinates outfits for the birthday girl’s court of honor, and Honeybee Photography STL, which specializes in capturing lively events.
How should someone go about choosing the right dress? Are there current trends worth noting?
The most important thing that people often overlook is the timeline that it can take to get the dresses made. It can take up to eight months, so you have to give me enough time to make sure you can get your dream dress. I have hundreds of dresses in store, so sometimes I have the perfect gown, the perfect color and the perfect size waiting for you. As far as colors, styles and cool things that are popular right now: definitely huge bows in the back, see-through corsets where you can see a little bit of skin peeping through, long trains are also huge, and the color fuchsia and the color sage are making a big comeback this year.
When it comes to photos, what are your tips for getting the most out of the day?
The No. 1 recommendation I have is to do a pre-session before your quinceañera for a lot of reasons. The first reason is because most 14- or 15-year-old girls have not been in front of a professional camera before, and on the day of her quince, she can be super nervous. She can have all
of her damas and her chambelanes [court of honor members] around and family around, and it might not be the best experience to also be shoved in front of a camera for the first time. A pre-session is a time where you can meet with your photographer beforehand, you can wear your dress beforehand, you can try out your hair and makeup beforehand, and it’s less pressure and more time where we can get those photographs.
If I’m a guest, what should I wear and bring? What else should I know?
As far as what to wear, go based off of the venue, and also ask the family. Anything from super formal can be recommended to wear, or something more casual like jeans and cowboy boots, depending on the theme of the quince.
Bring a gift. A lot of girls love cash. It’s a really, really simple gift and something easy to bring. It is, at the end of the day, a celebration of a 15-year-old’s birthday.
Most parties tend to run a little bit behind the schedule, so I encourage all the families that go to their first quince to maybe be aware of that. Things might not run exactly on time, but the party is going to run and it’s going to be incredible.
For a list of Martir’s recommended, Latino-owned vendors, visit the style section of laduenews.com.
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, 10428 Lackland Road, St. Louis, 314-656-6260, bidibidibombomstl.com
Honeybee Photography STL, honeybeephotographystl.mypixieset.com
Last spring, beloved vegan bakery SweetArt Bakeshop & Café reached an important turning point. After 16 years in the Shaw neighborhood, chef-owner Reine Keis closed the doors at the South City mainstay, relocating her homegrown concept to a much larger location in Midtown. “I like being really honest about it, because I think people were thinking, ‘She’s getting a bigger space, so she must be really killing it.’ That’s not the case,” she says. Like many small business owners, Keis took a huge hit during the pandemic and has struggled to recover financially ever since. After dealing with an entire staff turnover, the rising cost of goods as well as the limitations of the small storefront forced her to reevaluate how she could make ends meet. Keis signed a lease on Lindell Boulevard in December 2024 to start
fresh in a more centralized location, and the café at The Coronado debuted May 10. Keis says the move felt bittersweet, and she has faith that things will work out for the best. “I’m putting so much trust in God and in my personal belief that this is my destiny and what I’m supposed to be doing,” she says. “I like to think there’s no such thing as failure. I thought if I go through with this, it’s either going to work or not, but that shouldn’t stop me from going for it.”
The new space offers more ways than ever to enjoy SweetArt’s one-of-a-kind vegan treats and savory eats made from scratch “with love and magic.” In addition to all the brand’s signature items established over the years, guests can look forward to extended hours, a spacious dining area and something the previous brick-and-mortar lacked: a daily breakfast menu complete with an in-house coffee program.
I’m putting so much trust in God and in my personal belief that this is my destiny and what I’m supposed to be doing. – reINe KeIS
At the ordering counter, a long display case showcases a range of pastries such as cookies, cinnamon rolls and cakes, including a Southern caramel pound cake inspired by Keis’ Tennessee roots. Her island bread riffs on a breakfast favorite with dark rum, macadamia nuts, lime and coconut. “It’s a banana
bread but with a twist that is a little more in line with some of the flavors I’ve had in my family. Folks in my lineage are from the Caribbean islands and everything is spiced,” she says. Some newer cookies on offer include a double chocolate pistachio orange cookie and a lemon blueberry cookie rolled in SweetArt’s signature spiced sugar.
In the kitchen, Keis and her staff prepare SweetArt’s signature burgers, bowls and sandwiches along with some exciting new options. Highlights include a grilled jerk oyster mushroom taco and the Zora Neale Hurston, a popular spicy buffalo sandwich that was featured on Netflix’s “Fresh, Fried and Crispy” in 2021. Keis’ personal pick for the burger of the moment is the Alice Walker with a black-eyed pea patty, sundried tomato and feta spread, dressed cucumbers, lettuce, red onion and cilantro chutney. “My mission is to have people learn that plant-based food shouldn’t be feared and to just give it a chance. It can actually be pretty delicious,” Keis says. “The goal is just to get people to eat less meat and think they had a really good meal. I do think it impacts the environment in a way that is beneficial.”
SweetArt Bakeshop & Café is currently open Monday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SweetArt Bakeshop & Café, 3701 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-771-4278, sweetartstl.com
By Lauren Leady
Beginning Sept. 12, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis will present “Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection,” a groundbreaking exhibition of contemporary abstraction. Featuring more than 80 works by 70 artists across eight decades, the show highlights women artists whose work has shaped contemporary discussions of abstraction and identity. The collection is made available through the Shah Garg Foundation, which aims to amplify the voices of women artists and artists of color. It is the largest exhibition ever mounted at the museum and a significant moment for both the institution and the St. Louis arts community.
We spoke with Sabine Eckmann, Ph.D., William T. Kemper director and chief curator of the Kemper Art Museum, to learn more about what this exhibition means for the museum and its audiences.
With a collection as expansive as the Shah Garg Foundation’s, how did you decide which pieces to bring to St. Louis specifically?
First, I want to acknowledge how grateful we are to Komal Shah and Gaurav Garg for sharing this incredibly important collection with the Kemper Art Museum, with WashU and with the St. Louis community. I’m also very grateful for the collaboration with Cecilia Alemani, who is the exhibition’s overall curator.
As “Making Their Mark” has traveled, the exhibition has remained consistent at its core, but each venue curator has tailored the show to connect with their own city and institution. In St. Louis … we have particularly highlighted intergenerational dialogues between artists, which are enabled by the depth and quality of the Shah Garg Collection. We’ve also emphasized connections with artists who are represented in the Kemper Art Museum’s permanent collection, such as Charline Von Heyl, Amy Sillman and Rose B. Simpson. And of course, we wanted to shine a special light on Suzanne Jackson, who was born in St. Louis.
Beyond that, we want to introduce St. Louis audiences to artists who have not previously been shown here. These include painters like Laura Owens, Jacqueline Humphries and Julie Mehretu, as well as the sculptor Simone Leigh, who represented the United States at the 2022 Venice Biennale.
We’ve also made a point of introducing emerging artists, including Tschabalala Self and Aria Dean. There’s a very broad spectrum of international artists and artforms, including painting, sculpture, textile, beadwork and ceramics, which come together for this iteration.
What conversations do you hope this exhibition will spark within the St. Louis arts community and beyond?
The intergenerational dialogue between contemporary artists and artists of previous generations is a key theme. Especially wonderful will be the side-by-side presentation of works by Elizabeth Talford Scott and Joyce Scott, a mother and daughter. It has taken far too long for women artists to gain recognition from the art world and to have their work presented at institutions such as ours. So, it’s important for us to recognize both individual achievements and the artistic conversations between older and younger artists.
After spending so much time with these pieces, what is one insight about women’s contributions to abstraction that you wish every visitor could take away?
We come to realize that women artists have taken manifold and polyphonic approaches to abstraction. There is not just one singular methodology that connects to female identity. Instead, we see a multitude of practices and a multitude of identities.
“Making Their Mark” also challenges us to deeply consider what we mean by abstraction. Many of these works blur the boundaries between abstraction and figuration. There’s almost always some element that suggests the experience of reality, whether that is strong sensory and bodily responses by viewers or artworks that mix recognizable and unnameable elements. So: What is abstraction, really? Is there such a thing?
Do you see “Making Their Mark” influencing how the Kemper Art Museum approaches collecting or exhibiting women artists going forward?
I hope so. We’ve long had a focus on collecting women artists, particularly women photographers. I think women artists since the 1990s are to some degree nicely represented in our permanent collection. Where we still have larger gaps is the period between World War II and the 1980s. I hope that exhibitions like “Making Their Mark” will spur, not only us, but the art world at large to begin collecting women artists also more retrospectively.
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, 314-935-4523, samfoxschool.washu.edu/places/kemper-art-museum
The Bach Society of Saint Louis 9450 Clayton Road, 314-652-2224, bachsociety.org
Celebrating 85 years of inspiring, connecting and enduring music, the bach Society of Saint Louis welcomes you to an unforgettable season of choral and orchestral music. throughout this milestone year, you’re invited to experience timeless artistry and moving performances commemorating a rich legacy that embraces the joy and power of music.
The Fabulous Fox 527 N. Grand Blvd., 314-534-1111, fabulousfox.com
“LIFe OF pI,” a theatrical event unlike anything else, is coming to the Fabulous Fox October 7-19. Winner of three tony Awards® and the Olivier Award for best play, the broadway and West end sensation “LIFe OF pI” is “an exhilarating evening of theater” (the Wall Street Journal).
By Maggie Peters
LINK Auction Galleries 314-454-6525, linkauctiongalleries.com
LINK Auction Galleries’ September 12-13 Gallery Auction features important fine art highlighted by a Camille pissarro pastel, “Le pere melon Sciant du bois,” 1879, a lithograph, “Deux Jockeys,” by edgar Degas, Charles russell bronzes, each stamped with the roman bronze Works foundry, and more. preview runs from September 7-11. Go online to learn more!
Saint Louis Ballet 218 THF Blvd., 636-537-1998, stlouisballet.org
An extraordinary triple bill awaits – celebrating musicality, innovation, and range: the jazzy brilliance of Susan Stroman’s “take Five…more or Less,” the striking modernism of George balanchine’s “the Four temperaments,” and the elegant precision of his “Divertimento No. 15.” October 11-12 at the touhill performing Arts Center. Get tickets at stlouisballet.org/take5.
St. Louis Sports Commission musialawards.com
experience the inspiring musial Awards! On November 22, the nation’s best sports will come together in St. Louis for a night like no other. Join the St. Louis Sports Commission as it presents the most important awards in sports – all part of a world-class event celebrating sportsmanship in America and Stan the man.
stagesstlouis.org/beautiful
to celebrate Stage’s 39th Season Finale, tony and Grammy Award-winning “beautiful: the Carole King musical” performances will take place at the ross Family theatre at the Kirkwood performing Arts Center from Friday, September 19 through Sunday, October 19, 2025. tickets are on sale now!
Story and photos by James Anderson
The St. Louis County Library Foundation hosted its first movie night fundraiser, “Popped from the Page,” this past August. Guests gathered at the newly renovated Clark Family Branch for an evening of food truck favorites – Five Ace’s Smokestaq Lightning, Blues Fired Pizza and Seoul Taco – along with a prize punch wall, raffles and sweet treats from Clementine’s Creamery. Attendees aexplored the library’s refreshed spaces and mingled over signature cocktails. As the sun set, screens and projectors played the feature film, “A Knight’s Tale,” with viewings both indoors and under the stars on the library’s lawn. Proceeds from the night support reading literacy, educational programming and community initiatives throughout the St. Louis County Library district.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
We are thrilled to introduce ‘Popped from the Page,’ a new approach to our annual fundraising event. We traditionally host a formal gala, but the idea for this event came about after discussions on how we could bring the work of the Foundation to a broader audience. An outdoor movie night at the beautiful new Clark Family Branch was an instant ‘yes.’ We are always looking for new and creative ways to utilize our beautiful library branches for our events that help to showcase all of the amazing resources we have available, and we think ‘Popped’ does a wonderful job of that.
– Ashley Sexton
At Open Door Animal Sanctuary’s “Paws to Party” gala, the evening sparkled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and great conversation, all set against the spirited backdrop of both silent and live auctions. During dinner, the event recognized those who make a lasting impact: Carla Farrell was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award, KSHE 95’s on-air personality A.D. Rowntree received the Community Partner Award and Flooring Systems was honored with the Don Nichols Compassion Award. Alex Ferrario served as master of ceremonies.
Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter, is dedicated to giving cats and dogs a second chance at life and a fur-ever family. Each year, the organization takes in and adopts out nearly 1,400 animals. Since its founding in 1975, Open Door has provided shelter, food and medical care –plus a safe and largely cage-free environment – to animals while they await adoption.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
‘Paws to Party’ is especially meaningful this year as we celebrate our 50th year of serving the community. With 380 kittens and cats and 100 puppies and dogs currently in our care, this event – our largest fundraiser of the year – ensures we can provide food, shelter and medical care until each animal finds a forever home, while also giving our board the chance to thank our donors for their incredible support.
– Brian Stevens
SUBSCRIBE TOD AYTO GETALLOFTHESTORIE SYOU LO VEDELIVEREDDIRECTLYTOYOURINBOX. Wecov erallthe t opic s thatmatter toyou – from waysto supportsmallbusinessesintheare a, to thehealth ne wsyouneed r ightno w,to humanintereststoriesthatupliftandinspire– so you’llal ways sta y informedand entertained. You’llscoref irstlooksatour f avorit efe ature stories,freshonline exclusivesandsomuchmore.
Everyyear,LadueNews’ StateoftheArtsedition celebratestheSt.Louisarts communityforitsingenuity, neighborlinessandtechnical excellence.Thisyear,wealso recognizeitsresilience.
LifeinSt.Louiswasturnedonits headinthewakeoftheMay16EF3 tornado,whichcausedasmanyasfive fatalitiesand$1.6billionindamageand affectedmanylocalartsorganizations.
TheDelmarMakerDistrict,a stretchofDelmarbetweenUnion andKingshighwayboulevardsthatis anchoredbyThirdDegreeGlassFactory andishometoCraftAlliance,Exodus Galleries,MADEMakerspace,The MagicHouseMADEforKidsandseveral acclaimedeateries,washitwithextreme damagefromthetornadicwinds.At thetimeofwriting,fundraisingefforts arestillongoing;anofficialkickoff celebrationfundraiserisintheworksfor March2026.
Earlier inMa y this year, many arts institutions were metwith a major financialsetbackwhenthe National Endowment fortheArtswithdrew grants rangingfrom$10,000 to $45,000, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.Many organizations lostfundingthey hadbeenpreviously promised,includingCinema St. Louis (host of the St. Louis InternationalFilm Festival), ContemporaryArt Museum St. Louis,LaumeierSculptureParkandthe St. LouisShakespeareFestival.
Somelocalartsorganizations steppedupnotjusttoseeksolutions forthemselves,buttosupporteach otherduringthistimeofneed.For
example,inJuly,theSt.LouisSymphony OrchestraandtheFabulousFoxTheatre announcedtheyhadraisedmorethan $350,000insupportoftheUrbanLeague ofMetropolitanSt.Louis’tornado reliefefforts,withanother$150,000in challengegrantspending,accordingtoa pressrelease.
Alsoin J uly,St. Louis-based Counterpublic,one of thelar g est publicart exhibitionsinthe U.S., announcedin areleaseanaccelerated two-ye ar fello w shipwiththe I nternational I nstitut eofSt. Louis,the metro’s leadingimmigrantservice provider, whichlostall federalfunding e arlierthis ye ar Evolution Festivalis gearingup to hostitsthird annualmusic festival in Forest ParkfromSept.27 to 28, headlined by Sublimeand Lenny Kravitz.This year, allproceedsfromthe festivalwilldirectly benefitvictims of the tornado,with festivalorganizers pledging a minimumdonation of $100,000, according toarelease. Istherealocalartshubthatyou
holdespeciallydear?Nowisanexcellent timetoconsiderdonatingtosupportthe placesthatgiveSt.Louisitsvibrance. Now isalsoan excellenttime to go enjoy art Find comfort, connectionand inspirationfromourneighbors who keep creating,despite whatobstacleshave cometheir way. Thestory of how the St. Louisarts community rebuildsisstill unfolding. Let’s make it a story of triumph. Happyreading, AshleyKlein
ByAndreaSmith >PhotocourtesyofSaintLouisBallet
Histalenthasbeenhisticketaround the world, fromAsia,tothe United States,toEurope. Asthesonofdanceteachers, GenHoriuchilearnedtopliéand relevéaroundthetimemostkidslearntoread. HelefthishomeinJapantostudyattheNew YorkCityBallet’sSchoolofAmericanBalletasa teenager.In1982,GeorgeBalanchine,CityBallet founderandworld-renownedchoreographer, invitedHoriuchitojoinasaprofessionaldancer. By1998,HoriuchihadplayedMr.Mistoffelees inthemusical“Cats”bothonBroadwayand inLondon’sWestEndtheaterdistrict,andhe choreographedtheopeningceremonytothe XVIIIOlympicWinterGamesinJapan.
AsSaint LouisBallet’s executive andartistic director for25 years,heleverageshis expertise andprofessional connectionstocurateeach seasontoSt. Louisans’liking.“Hehas a greatsense ofstagecraftand[a] veryimpressiveresume Hehas contacts,andpeople respecthim,” says Tom Voss,SLBboard president.“We’regettingthe benefitofthat – hisassociationwiththosegreat choreographersthathebringsin every year – and he’sdoingthatagainthis year. Hehimselfis a great choreographer.”
Horiuchihastransformedthe companyfrom a troupeofsevendancersthatstagedjustone annualproductionof“The Nutcracker”into a thrivingorganizationthatemploys 26unionized dancersandstages fourorfive productions every year. Evenduringthepandemic,dancers kepttheir
Oct.18
“FallFête:Angels&Demons,” presentedbyBallet314 ballet314.org
jobsandsafelyperformedunderhisdirection.
“Istartedwithlessthan$200,000 ayear forthe budgetin2000,” Horiuchiestimates.“Currently, it’s more than$2.5million.That’s forproduction costs, payingthedancers,managing a trainingprogram andmore.We arecontinuingtogrow.”
“The Nutcracker” remains a belovedholiday tradition,buteachyearSLBpresents avarietyof choreographic works from NewYorkartistsplus originalcreationsbyHoriuchi.MatthewRusk, who’senteringhis10thseasonwithSLB,describes Horiuchi’sstyleas a bitjazzierthan classical ballet,andheappreciateshow Horiuchitailorsto individualdancers’strengths.
“It’ssomethingthatwillpresent youat your best,whilealsostill challenging you,”Rusk explains.“Gen[Horiuchi]isalways inthestudio. He’salwaysworkingwiththedancers,he’salways observing,andhe’s verymucha partoftheday-todayworkofthe company, whetheritbeteaching, choreographingor consulting.”
Overthelast fewyears,Horiuchihas emphasizedlive music,partneringwithChamber MusicSocietyofSaint Louis,Springfield Symphony Orchestra,jazzbandand composer Toya,andsingerDeniseThimestobring a unique energytoselectperformances.Thisseasonopens the weekendofOct.11withBroadway directorand choreographerSusanStroman’s“Take5… More or Less”andBalanchine’s“The Four Temperaments” and“Divertimento No. 15,”featuringlive pianoand a stringorchestra.
“I wantedto workwithsomebodywhois
Nov.14to16
“48thAnnualPerformance,” presentedbyDancesofIndiaSt.Louis dancesofindiastlouis.org
currentlyactive onBroadway,” Horiuchinotes, referringtoStroman,who’stiedwithBob Fosse asthemost Tony-nominated choreographerin Broadway history. “St Louisissucha musicaltown, youknow, havingTheMuny and[The Fabulous Fox]Broadway series,so Ifeellike that’sanother way to connectwiththis community.”
Thelocals’support – plushisloveforthe Cardinalsbaseballteam –keepsHoriuchiin St. Louis, evenashevisitsJapanand NewYork every year. Hestillperformsatthe Touhill PerformingArtsCenterasoftenaspossible “That honest,supportive, encouragingenergy – that’s what Iwantto continuetobepartofwiththis community,” hesays.“In NewYorkCity,yes,they do getenthusiasticwhenthey seesomething wonderful.ButSt. Louisis a littlebit warmer, in a sense. It’sjustmore personal.”
“CallIt Love!” returnstothe Touhillon Valentine’sDay withanoriginalpiece byHoriuchi – “Saint LouisBlues,” inspiredbybluesandjazz music – plusChristopherWheeldon’s“Liturgy”and PeterMartins’“ChairmanDances”and“Hallelujah Junction.” InApril,Horiuchi’s“Cinderella”provides theseason’sorchestralfinale.
“‘Cinderella’isoneof myfavoriteproductions,” heshares.“Itappealstoallages.Mydaughter, whenshe wasthree, shelovedit.”Now thatshe’s olderandbecoming a ballerinaherself, helooks forward to experiencingitwithheragain.
SaintLouisBallet,218THFBlvd.,Chesterfield, 636-537-1998,stlouisballet.org
Nov.14to16
“FallSeries,” presentedbySaintLouisDanceTheatre saintlouisdancetheatre.org
Nov.21to22
“STAGED:NewWorksinContemporaryand ExperimentalDance,” presentedbyKarlovsky&CompanyDance karlovskydance.org
DANCEST.LOUIS2025-26
60THANNIVERSARYSEASON Allpresentationstake placeattheTouhill PerformingArtsCenter. Nov.14to15,2025: AmericanBalletTheatre StudioCompany
March7,2026: “MOMIX:Alice”
April10to11,2026: “AileyII”(featuringaworld premiereinspiredby ChuckBerryandcommissioned byDanceSt.Louis)
May22to23,2026: “SPRINGTODANCE”Festival
ByBethanyChristo >PhotocourtesyofDanceSt.Louis
Dance,artandcultureneedtomake someroom:It’sstatisticsand numberstakingcenterstagefor DanceSt.Louis’2025–26season. Themostimportantbeing60–nearlythenumberofyearssinceitsfounding in1966inthelivingroomsofasmallgroupof danceenthusiastsheadedbyAnneliseMertz, aWashingtonUniversityinSt.Louisassociate professoranddirectorofdance.
Initssixdecades,otherstatsandfigures standout:thepresentationof30,000+dancers andartists,500+professionaldancecompanies and6,000performances,aswellas3+million performanceattendees.Plus,DanceSt.Louis isoneofonlyfourdance-onlynonprofit presentersremaininginthecountry.
KnownasDance ConcertSocietyuntil theearly’80s,the company startedwith justan$11,000operatingbudgetbutquickly establishedimpressiverootsat a timewhen many iconicdancecompanies were just beginning. Accordingto executive directorRich Dee, 60danceconcerts were presentedinthe first15seasons, featuringAlvinAiley, Merce Cunningham,Joffrey Ballet,JoséLimónand Paul Taylor, amongmany others.“Today,we carrythesamepromise60 yearslater:tobring dance luminaries,cutting-edge artistsandrising stars fromacrosstheglobetoSt. Louisansand visitors,” Deesays.
Deehasbeen executive directorsince 2017;before that,heservedasdirectorof development forsixseasons,duringwhich he partneredwithareaschoolsandteachingartists tohelp youthdreambigindance andinlife via residencies,master classesandperformances –a programthat continuestoday and reaches1,400
schoolchildrenannually Inhis15seasonswith Dance St. Louis,hesays standoutmomentson stage include NewYorkCityBalletMOVES;Alvin Ailey AmericanDance Theater;andCarmina Burana,an“awe-inspiringproductionwith 120 voices,60musiciansand40dancersthat liftedouraudience,” hesays.Inhisprofessional capacity, hallmarksinclude raisingmore than $1milliontocreate20 worldpremieresthat elevated, challengedandgrewawarenessofthe localdancecompanies,as wellas reimagining the “SPRINGTODANCE” festivalunder a circus tentwhiletheaters were shutteredduringthe COVID-19pandemic –reinvigoratingartiststo performandaudiencestoengage.
The “SPRINGTODANCE” festivalstartedin 2008andgrew intowhatitisnow: a two-night buffetofquick bitesof a dozen well-known toup-and-comingnationalandinternational troupesand companiesspanning genres from classicalballet,hip-hop, tapandtango to modern,aerialand contemporary. Theannual festivalis famouswithinthedanceworldand draws thousandsofdance aficionadosand new patronstotheart formeachyearacross Missouri,Illinoisandthewider U.S.
ArtisticdirectorMichael Uthoff, who’s notching20 yearsofinvolvementwithDance St. Louisthis year, says the reason forthe festival’s creation wastwofold. “As wekeptonpresenting dance andthings were becomingmore expensive,wewouldn’tbeabletopresentlesserknown companiesthatcreatethe excitement forthe future,” hesays.“So,‘SPRINGTODANCE’ cameaboutas a solutiontoshowcasethem. Atthesametime, havingdeterminedthatthe localdance sceneneeded a pushtomeetthe standardsoftheindustry, showcasingthem
atthe festivalmadethese companies aware of whatneededtobedoneon a widerstage.”
Uthofflaughswhen reminiscingaboutthat first festivalin2008.“I wasstandinginthemain lobbyandpanicking,as I saw almostnoone,” he recalls.“Frantic, Ichasedafterourmarketing directorandaskedwhat washappening.She smiledandaskedif I hadbeenupstairs –I said, ‘No.’ Shesaid,‘Go, and youwillseeour failure.’I rusheduptoencounter a mobtryingto getinto the LeeTheater –a mobthatgrew andgrew and filledtheAnheuser-BuschPerformance Hall for allthreenightsofthe festival.Phew!”
Dance St. Louis recentlydebuted a new trademark forthenextdecades: “GATEWAY TOWORLD DANCE.” “It wasourintentionto showcasethegreatnessofAmericandance,” says Dee,connectingthephrasetothe threeperformances comprisingthehistoric anniversaryseasonalongwith “SPRINGTO DANCE,” “fromits competence inthe worldof classicalballetwithAmericanBalletTheatre StudioCompany, itstheatricalcreativitywith ‘MOMIX:Alice’andits far-reachingimpactwith theperformance of ‘Ailey II.’”
Hecontinues,“Beingrecognizedasthe ‘GATEWAYTOWORLD DANCE’byartists andpatronsfromaroundtheworldwillbe synonymouswithDanceSt.Louis’futureaimed atelevatingourcityasadancedestinationand strengtheningtheregion’svibrancyasaplace tolive,workandvisit.”
Adds Uthoff:“Ifthegrowthofthelocaldance scene continues,it freesDance St. Louistobegin tolookattheentireworldasourcanvas.”
DanceSt.Louis,314-534-6622, dancestlouis.org/60th-anniversary
ByEmilyStandlee >RenderingcourtesyofSaintLouisSymphonyOrchestra
Imaginenurturing a creative vision for a decade,watchingittake shapeandfinally seeingit cometo fruition.Thisisthecase forSt. LouisSymphony Orchestra President andCEOMarie-HélèneBernard,who steppedintoher roleback in2015. Now, in2025, thedreamof arevitalized PowellHall –a place notjust formusic,butanall-encompassing center forthearts,education,music,history andthe future ofSt. Louis – is comingtrue. Builtin1925astheSt. LouisTheatre, PowellHall,oneofSt. Louis’mostbelovedand revered venues,becamehometoSLSO in1968. Architecturally, itsGothic RevivalandVictorian
detailscreateanotherworldlyatmosphere, like steppingback throughtime Inside, the venue’s sweepingarchesandelegant gold,whiteand redaccentsset a perfectstage aglowforthe symphony orchestra.“Thespiritof returning issucha strongdriver,” Bernard says.“It’s extraordinarily rewardingtoknow thatthis communitylovesits symphony, and we’re one ofthebestinthe country –we have somuch to offer.We hopethis reopeningwillshine a light onSt. Louisas a globaldestination. We have amazingassetsandculture here.”
The64,000-square-foot expansionincludes betterbackstage spaces forartists,access
tonew practiceroomsandinstrument storage, and recordingandvideostudios.As acomplementtotheseassets,the expansion boasts a brand-new 3,660-square-foot Educationand LearningCenter:anarea designed for rehearsals forSLSO’stwochoruses and YouthOrchestra,educationalprograms and community events.“The expansionis really a wraparoundthisbeautiful PowellHall,which providesmorerestrooms,barsand concessions – somore opportunitiestomingleand connect before, duringandafter concerts,with a large plazaandlotsofbeautifulgreenspace and landscaping,” Bernard says.Guestswillalso findaccessibleentryways andelevators,more legroomandlargerseats,spaceforwheelchairs andstrollers, family rooms,new carpet,new drapes, revampedcustomerservice optionsand otherusefulamenities.
“Therewasoncea timewhen,if youcame tosee aconcert – andespeciallyifthehouse was very full –youhadtomakeachoice between waitinginlineto get a drinkor waitinginlinetousethe restroom,” Bernard
remembers.“Now, there are differentbarson everylevel.If you’re atthetopofthe concert hall, youcan go to a landinginthenew expansionthat connectstothatlevelandhave accessto restroomsand a barthere, [where youcan]order acoffeeorglassofwine. These areasare pepperedthroughoutthehall.The spiritofthisis[that]peoplehave busy lives; we wantedtomake iteasyforthemto cometous.” It wasjustasimportant fortheteam,whom Bernard calls“thebestintown,” tocreate a space that wouldappealto everyone, nomatter theirmusicalpreferences.“We’re anointing a new spaceforallofustosaywe havefaithin the future,” Bernard says.“We’re nurturing a love ofmusic,how it connects generationto generation.” Sowhetheraudiencesare inthe mood forjazz, achildren’sfilm featuringmusic playedby a live orchestra, Tchaikovskyand Rachmaninoff, holiday specials,ormusicby Chuck BerryandDolly Parton – onthe roster forOctoberandJanuary,respectively – the orchestra candoitallat PowellHall.“Wewant peopleto feellikewe are their symphony…
butultimately, iftheywanttosay, ‘Hey, let’s goget a drinkat PowellHall,’ they can come havea drinkwiththeir friendsandstayforthe concert,” Bernard says.
PowellHall’sfirstshowinginallitsnew glory, “Fanfarefor PowellHall,” takesplace onSept.26at10:30a.m.,withadditional performancesonSept.27at7:30 p.m.andSept. 28at 3p.m.“It’sunusualtoopen aconcert hallduringtheday,” Bernard laughs.“But[we wantittobe]ourthank-youtoanaudience thathasbeenloyaltousand verypatient;they showedupwhile wewereawayfortwoyears. And every concertisattachedto acelebratory mealpeoplecanpurchase, which will go to supportartisticeducationalendeavors. We wanttounfoldthreedays of celebration:This is a moment forustolauncha new era and welcome everyoneback that weekend.”
Theopeningweekendwillinclude performancesbyaward-winningmezzosopranoJoyceDiDonato,whohasgracedthe MetropolitanOperastage,makingherPowell Halldebut.Thevenuewillalsowelcome AmericancomposerandGrammywinnerKevin PutsbacktoSt.LouisasSLSO’scomposerin residence.“OurMusicDirectorStéphaneDenève andteamhavebuiltaseasonthat[centers] aroundthethemeof‘home’–so,community, family,returninghome.It’sanopportunityfor theorchestratoshowcasetheirmagnificence andsendastrongsignaltotheaudienceand communitythatthey’rebackintheirspace,” Bernardsays.“Webringartistsfromaround theworldtoourstage–thefinestpianistsin theworld,wholiveinNewYork,London,Paris, Vienna–theycometoSt.Louistoperform withourorchestra.…Ifeelsoinspiredby thismoment,whichisnotjustaboutusand PowellHallandthesymphony,butalsoour entireregionandthepotentialforeconomic andpopulationgrowth;we’repartofalarger communityofinstitutionswhocanmakea difference.It’sallinserviceofcommunity,and it’soneofthecatalyststhatIseeascontinuing toadvanceSt.Louisasaglobaldestination.”
SaintLouisSymphonyOrchestraatPowellHall, 718N.GrandBlvd.,St.Louis,314-533-2500,slso.org
MusicinspiredbySt.Louis’sistercities,silentfilms andmorepopulatethe2025-26season.
ByCarrsonMcDaniel >PhotobyJacksonHacket
Forits17thseason,theChamberMusic SocietyofSt. Louishasmuch tooffer concertgoersandmusiciansalike.
CMSSL’sMichael F.Neidorff ChamberConcertSeriesofficiallybegins Sept.22with“MastersofVienna”at Washington University’sPillsburyTheatre.Featuringselections such as Ludwig vanBeethoven’s“Sonata Pathétique”andJohannStraussJr.’s“Kaiser Waltz No. 437,” the eveningwillinviteaudiencesto experience thetitularcity’smusicalheritage.
Theseason continueswiththree concerts celebrating Lyon, France;Bologna,Italy;and Stuttgart,Germany onOct.13,Oct.27and Nov. 17,respectively Thelineupofcitiesisnot a coincidence, says Marc Gordon,CMSSL executive andartisticdirector
“Eachyear,we trytohave an overridingtheme, andthis yearit’s celebratingSt. Louis’sistercities,” hesays.The concertdedicatedto Lyonwill celebrate French musicas wellasthecity’s connectiontotwo formerSaint LouisSymphony Orchestra directors,as Leonard SlatkinandDavid Robertsonboth formerly servedasmusicdirectorsoftheOrchestreNational
de Lyon.The concertdedicatedtoBolognawill highlightthecity’suniquemusicalheritage, andthe concert celebratingStuttgartwill featurecomposers fromacrossGermany.
OnDec.15,theCMSSLwillstepintothesilent filmera with“SilentisGolden.”Aconcertheldin partnershipwithCinemaSt. Louisatthehistoric Hi-PointeTheatre, the eveningwillseelive performancessetto a double feature of1910’s “A ChristmasCarol”and1924’s“Sherlock Jr.” starring Buster Keaton.
Intothenewyear, the fun continueswith “UnfinishedBusiness”onJan.26.Theprogram willshowcasepiecesthat were neverfinishedby their composers.
Love willbeintheairon Feb.16with“Love Notes,” an eveningdedicatedtomusicinspired by romance.
OnMarch 9,Grammy-nominated harpsichordistand composerandCMSSL favorite NicholasMcGeganwillheadline “AnEveningWith NicholasMcGegan.”
“[McGegan]lovesto comeandplay withus becauseoftheenvironment we have, andour
musicianslove toplay his concerts,” Gordonsays. RoundingouttheseasononMay4 is“May the4thBeWith You,”aconcertdedicatedto thenumber four Althoughthe concertwillnot feature any music from“Star Wars,” Gordonsays composerJohnWilliams’ chambermusicwill certainlybe representedontheprogram.
As foraspiringmusicians,Gordonsays they canlook forward toseveraleducationaland performance opportunitiesthis year. Thismonth, CMSSLwilladdanotherelementtoitsseveral educationalprograms: a studentprogramcalled Chamber Academy, which mentorsstudentsages 13to18whoare interestedin chambermusic. Studentsenrolledintheprogramwillalsobe offered valuableperformance opportunities.
Initsinaugural year, Gordonsays the responseto theprogramhasbeen exciting fortheorganization.
“We’re pretty fullupwithstudentapplications, sothat’sgreat,” hesays.
ChamberMusicSocietyofSt.Louis, 9292DielmanIndustrialDrive,St.Louis, 314-941-6309,chambermusicstl.org
Nov. 1
“LaLaLandinConcert,” presentedbyTheFabulousFox fabulousfox.com
ByDrewGieseke
FromMilesDavistoScottJoplin andChuckBerry, St. Louis’musical heritage isundeniable. Essential tothisstory, too, isJazzSt. Louis, anorganizationthatpresentsand advancestheart formthroughoutthemetro area.
JazzSt. Louis celebratesits30thanniversaryas a nonprofitthis year, markingitsongoinglegacy of maintainingand expandingtherich jazztradition sodeeplyembeddedinourcity.
Theorganization’s2025-26Subscription Seriespaystributetotheseeffortswhile embracingwhat’snextforthegenre.
“IhaveseenthegrowthofJazzSt.Louisover time,”JazzSt.Louispresident&CEOVictor Goinessays.“Andrightnowisanexcitingtime tobeinvolved.”
JazzSt.Louis’2025-26SubscriptionSeries includesadynamicrangeofmusicianssure tokeepaudiencesentertained.Featuredacts includeseven-timeGrammyAward-winner ChuchoValdés;Grammy-nominatedJamaicanAmericanpianomasterMontyAlexander;New OrleansgreatHerlinRiley;andvocalistsMary Stallings,LucianaSouza,andBriaSkonberg. AlsofeaturedthisseasonarethegenrepushingTheBadPlus,altosaxphenom
GraceKelly,andtheKindofBlueSextet. ComplementingtheSubscriptionSeriesis theSTLMadeSeries,whichspotlightslocal andregionalartiststhroughouttheyear. SubscriptionSeriespackageswentonsalein June2025;atthetimeofwriting,singletickets areavailableforpurchase.
Oneofthecornerstonesoftheyearlong celebrationwillbehonoringMilesDavis’ 100thbirthday.BorninSt.Louis,Davisleftan unmatchedlegacyintheworldofjazzthat reverberatesintoday’ssound.
“WecantalkaboutMilesforever,and wewouldn’tbefullyabletocoverhis contributions,”Goinessays.“Onevery instrument,whenyouplay,there’ssomeMiles Davisinthere.Foranyonewho’sastudentof music,whateveryouinterpret,youdoitthrough alensofhavingcheckedoutMiles.He’san influenceonusall.”
TheorganizationwillcelebrateDavis’ birthdayandmemorywith“HappyBirthday Miles:TerellStafford&TimWarfield”(May 26to29,2026),featuringtwoofthemost accomplishedmoderninterpretersofthe musician’slegacy.TheMilesElectricBand willalsoperformaspartofthesubscription
series,payingtributetothetrumpeter’s groundbreakingfusionperiod.
TheSubscriptionSerieskicksoffwitha previewpartyandparadeonSept.16from 5:30to8p.m.TheroutewillstartatCompton andWashingtonAvenuewiththeprocession travelingwestalongWashington,reaching StraussParkinfrontoftheHarold&Dorothy StewardCenterforJazz,homeofJazzSt.Louis. It’sopenandfreetoall,andwillfeaturethreeof themostnotablebigbrassbandsinthecity.
Lookingahead,GoinessaysthatJazzSt.Louis aimstocontinueexpandingitsimpactnotjust inSt.Louisbutworldwide.
“Wewanttokeepmovingforward,”Goines says.“Wewanttobemorepresentwith collaborationsinourcommunity.Theworld hasgottenbiggerforallofus.So,asaresult,we havetoevolvewiththatandmakeourvisionfor theorganizationbigger.Wewanttocontinue tobringinartistsfromaroundthecountry andworld,butalsomakesureourSt.Louis musicianshaveopportunitiestospreadthegood newsthat’sgoingonhere,too.”
JazzSt.Louis,3536WashingtonAve.,St.Louis, 314-571-6000,jazzstl.org
ByMarkBretz >PhotocourtesyofTheBlackRep
HadtheCOVID-19pandemicnot wreakedhavocin2020and canceledprettymucheverything, TheBlackRepwouldbecelebrating its50thseasonthisyear.Asitis, thecompany,foundedbyRonHimesin1976, officiallybeganseason49onSept.3thisyear when“Raisin”openedatEdisonTheatreon WashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis’campus.
“Raisin”–themusicaladaptationofLorraine Hansberry’saward-winningdrama,“ARaisin intheSun”–isthestoryofawoman’sdream inthe1950stomoveherfamilytoabetter neighborhoodonChicago’sSouthSide.Winner ofthe1973TonyAwardforBestMusical,it featuresmusicbyJuddWoldin,lyricsbyRobert BrittanandabookbyRobertNemiroffand CharlotteZaltzberg.Theshow,whichTheBlack Reppreviouslystagedin2004,willbeperformed throughSept.21.
“Raisin”featuresstrongfemalecharacters, andforits2025-26season,TheBlackRepis highlightingfemaleprotagonists.“Divas,queens andstrong-as-steelfemalecharactersshine brightlythroughoutthislineup,takingyou forarideacrosstimeperiods,geographyand artistry,”thecompanysaysinitsbrochure.
TheBlackRep’sseasonwillcontinuewith Samm-ArtWilliams’darkcomedy,“Danceon Widow’sRow,”performedJan.7to15,2026,at EdisonTheatre.It’saboutfourwealthySouthern widows“withdeadlyreputations,”whohost agatheringtogetclosertothetown’smost promisingbachelors.TheBlackRepproducedit in2001and2007.
FromFeb.4throughMarch1,thecompany
willpresentLisaB.Thompson’snewwork,“The BlackFeminist’sGuidetotheHumanBody,” intheHotchnerStudioTheatreatWashington University.TheBlackRepcallsit“ajoyous, raucous,spiritualevent,butalsoaloveletterto Blackwomenandtheirfamilies.”
“Flyin’West,”byPearlCleage,willbe performedMarch11to29intheRossFamily TheatreattheKirkwoodPerformingArts Center.The1992drama,previouslyperformed byTheBlackRepinits1993-94season,isabout agroupoffemalepioneersaftertheCivilWar whotakeadvantageoftheHomesteadActsand moveWesttosettleintheall-Blacktownof Nicodemus,Kansas.
Thecompany’sseasonconcludeswitha productionofJamesIjames’play,“FatHam,” whichwonthe2022PulitzerPrizeforDrama andcentersonaqueer,Southerncollegestudent inamodern-dayadaptationofShakespeare’s “Hamlet.”ItwillrunMay20throughJune7at EdisonTheatre.
Inadditiontothemainstagepresentations, TheBlackRepwillalsopresenttwonewworks initsPhoenixRisingseries,whichhonorsthe company’soriginalname,PhoenixTheatre Troupe,whenitwasfoundedin1976.Phoenix Risingisdesignedtobringdifferentformsof creativeBlackexpressiontoTheBlackRep’s season,includingdance,filmandmore.
Thefirstofthetwoworks,incorporating live musicwithdance vignettes,willbe“In theSame Tongue,”choreographedbyDianne McIntyre, withoriginalmusicbyDiedre Murray, andpoetrybyNtozake Shange, the authorbehindtheplay “ForColoredGirlsWho
Have ConsideredSuicideWhentheRainbow Is Enuf.” Itwillbeperformed Nov. 21and22atthe Ross FamilyTheatre atKirkwood Performing ArtsCenter
ThesecondshowinthePhoenixRisingseries willbeanItalianversionofAugustWilson’s drama,“Jitney.”Setinthe1970s,itistheeighth inhis10-partAmericanCenturyCycle,whichis aboutAfrican-Americanlifeinthe20thcentury, primarilyinPittsburgh’sHillDistrict.Thisshow isaboutBlackmeninPittsburghrunningan illegaltaxioperation.
AccordingtotheBlackRep,thisisthefirst timeanAugustWilsonplayhasbeentranslated toItalianandperformedinSt.Louis.Thecast, directedbyRenzoCarbonera,willbemadeup ofItalianactorsfromAfricafromtheTeatrodi Sardegna.ItwillplayMay1to3withEnglish supertitlesintheStraussBlackBoxatthe KirkwoodPerformingArtsCenter.
Overthelast49seasons,HimeshasbuiltThe BlackRepintooneofthemostrenownedand respectedAfricanAmericantheatercompanies intheUnitedStatesandbeyond.Thevision forthecompany,accordingtoitswebsite,is“a moreequitabledistributionofopportunitiesand resourcesforBlackprofessionalsandstudents inthetheatre;improvedrepresentationonand backstageinthetheatreindustry;andafostered communitycultureofsupportandmentorship forthosewhowillfollow.”
Thecompanycelebratesthatandmoreon thecuspofitsgoldenanniversarywithamixof newworksandperennialcrowd-pleasers.
TheBlackRep,314-534-3810,blackrep.org
ByDrewGieseke
InMarch2025,theOperaTheatreof St.Louisannouncedthatitwasunder contracttopurchasea6.67-acreparcelof landat8300MarylandAve.designatedas thefuturesiteofanewstate-of-the-art performingartscenter.Whileinitialplanning andfundraisingareunderway,theteamatOTSL isnowevaluatingthefeasibilityofacapital projectwiththehopeofafinalsaleifeverything fallsintoplace.
Formanyatthetheatre,theprojectisalong timecoming–anditcouldsetthestageforthe futureoftheorganization.
“Tobetotallyfrank,Ithinkthatanew performingartscenterhasbeenadreamofthis company’ssinceoursecondseasonin1977,” OTSLgeneraldirectorAndrewJorgensensays.
Severalsteps remainbeforeOTSLcan confirm and close a transactiononthesite, which is currently ownedbyCaleres.Opera Theatre’s multi-monthduediligence processtoassessthe feasibilityoftheprojectincludessitestudies, design work, costestimatesandearly fundraising.
Forthelast50years,OTSLhasoperated atWebsterUniversity’sLoretto-HiltonCenter (130Edgar).Jorgensensaysthat,althoughthis homeandtheorganization’spartnersthere havebeeninstrumentalinitssuccess,thefact isthatOTSL’scurrentvenuewas“neverbuiltto supportoperaticperformances.”
“Itwouldbeadreamcometruetooffer oursingerstop-notchacoustics,tobuildan orchestrapitworthyoftheSt.LouisSymphony
NowthroughSept.14
“AMidsummerNight’sDream,” presentedbySt.LouisShakespeareFestival stlshakes.org
Orchestra(whichaccompaniesallour productions)andtohavethebackstagefacilities thatwouldallowustoattractandtrainthe verybestyoungtechniciansanddesignersfrom aroundthecountry,”hesays.
Jorgensenaddsthat,inadditiontoimproving theexperienceforperformersandbackstage talent,anewtheaterwouldbeacrownjewel forthosewholiveandworkinSt.Louis.The thinkingisthatthenewbuildingwouldn’t justhouseopera;OTSL’svisionistocreatea multidisciplinaryandmulti-genreperforming artscenterthatsupportsawiderangeofarts organizationsacrossthemetro.
“We hopethiswillbe a space that excitesand delightsallwhoenter,” hesays.“TheCaleressite isintheheartofthe central corridor, easily accessible frommultiplehighways as wellasthe
Nov.13to16
FlyoverComedyFestival flyovercomedyfest.com
Nov.18to23
“LesMisérables,” presentedbyTheFabulousFox fabulousfox.com
MetroLink,within walkingdistance ofseveral hotels,andissurroundedbygreatdiningand shoppingoptions.”
Thetimingofthisprojectisalsosymbolic: OTSLjustcelebratedits50thfestivalseasonthis pastspring.
“ItisthankstotheSt.Louiscommunity thatOperaTheatrehasthrivedandgrowninto aleaderamongAmericanoperacompanies,” Jorgensensays.“So,itfeelsverysymbolicthat aswecelebrateourfirst50years,wehavean unprecedentedopportunitytocreateaboldnew visionforournext50yearsandsimultaneously givebacktoourwholeregion.”
There’sstillalongpathaheadbeforeanew homecanbecomereality,buttheOTSLteam’s hopesremainhigh.
“We’regratefulforOTSL’sextraordinary boardofdirectors,whoareguidingourdue diligenceworkandleadingcapitalfundraising efforts,”hesays.
OTSL’s50thanniversarycelebration continuesthroughoutthe2025-26seasonwith severalspecialconcertsandevents,allofwhich areopentothepublic.Then,onMay23,2026, OTSLwillopenits2026FestivalSeasonatthe Loretto-HiltonCenter,offeringamemorable lineupoftitles,including“ThePiratesof Penzance,”“TheLightinthePiazza,”“A StreetcarNamedDesire”and“RomeoandJuliet.”
OperaTheatreofSt.Louis,314-961-0644, experienceopera.org
Nov.20toDec.7
“KenLudwig’sBaskerville: ASherlockHolmesMystery,” presentedbyNewJewishTheatre jccstl.com
ByLaurenLeady >PhotoscourtesyoftheRegionalArtsCommission
Thisyearmarksthe40thanniversary oftheRegionalArtsCommissionof St.Louis,anorganizationdedicated tosupportingthearts,driving positivechangeinthecommunity andinspiringpeopletovisittheregion.Asthe leadingpublicinvestorinartsandcultureinSt. Louis,RACawardedmorethan$3.7millionin fundingthisyearalone.
Sinceitsfoundingin1985,RAChasprovided nearly7,500grantstotalingmorethan$118 million,fundingtheartsandsponsoringthe workofplaywrights,musicians,visualartists andcreativesacrosseverymedium.
ReflectingonRAC’simpact,communications
andpartnershipsdirectorJayScherdersays: “Timeandagain,artiststellusthatsupport fromtheRegionalArtsCommissionofSt. Louishastransformedtheircareers.Our ArtistSupportGrantschampioncreativity,fuel innovation,encourageentrepreneurshipand strengthentheenduringpracticeofthearts. RACishonoredtomakeadifferenceinsomany liveseveryyear.”
LNspokewithfivevisualartistswho receivedRACgrants.Theysharesomeoftheir currentworkandcreativeexplorationsbelow.
RegionalArtsCommissionofSt.Louis,4220 DuncanAve.,St.Louis,314-863-5811,racstl.org
“I’mgratefultoRACtohavebeenawardedtwoArtistSupportGrantsformyongoingprojectcalled ‘CrossCountryCamera.’It’sanationalprojectthatdocumentsartistsatworkintheirstudiosand placesofinspiration.Sinceitsinceptionin2021,Ihavetraveledto48U.S.statesandphotographed 161artists.RAC’ssupporthasgivenmesomebreathingroomtostartanewprojectthat’sentirely localinnature.It’scalled‘STL100.’[Withasociologicalperspectiveand]usingthemediumof photography,[Iamdocumenting]placeswithinallofthe100municipalities,citiesandghosttowns ofSt.LouisCounty.Overthecourseof115daysin2024,Itraveledtoeachofthese100places,which weredocumentedwithmycamerausingananalogapproachandmoderndigitaltools.Sincethen, I’vebeenbacktoalloftheplacestodeepenmyobservations.Currently,thefirstbatchofimages isonexhibitatthe437COGalleryatColoradoMesaUniversityinGrandJunction,Colorado.In additiontotheonlinehomeoftheproject,Ihavealsopublishedabookthatincludesaphotograph fromeachofthe100places.” stephenkennedy.com
“Recently,I’vebeenworkingonanewline ofcolorsandpatternsformytextilework.In additiontothis,I’vebeenexperimentingwith blindembossedchine-colléprints.Theprocess involveshand-cuttingcoloredpapers,adhering themtoabackingsheetandthenembossing thesurfacewithcutchipboardandstringusing anetchingpress.I’mreallyexcitedtocontinue exploringthepossibilitiesofthismedium.” lillianstephen.com
“Thisspring,Icompletedanewseriesofwork duringmyresidencyattheresearchgardenin Miami,Florida,attheMontgomeryBotanical Center.ThisopportunitywasfundedbyRAC throughanArtistSupportGrant.Iamgetting readyforanexhibitoftheworkwithHouska GallerythatisopeningSept.12.Rightnow,I ambusyworkingtofinishalargecommercial commissionandgettingreadyformyfallart shows,includingseverallocalshows:Queeny ArtFair,ShawHistoricArtFairandtheUnique BoutiqueatJohnBurroughs.” sarahlorentz.com
DAVION“DISMOCLEMA”COLEMAN “I’mcurrentlydevelopingamultifacetedproject thatweavestogetherpainting,poetryand music.Atitscore,theworkexploressuffering causedbysystemicfailureandtheprofound emotional,physicalandspiritualscarsitleaves –particularlyinmarginalizedoroverlooked communities.Theprojectwillculminateinan exhibitiontitled‘LawdChild!EmptyCansRattle TheMost…’AlthoughIhaven’tsetareleasedate justyet,it’ssomethingI’mlookingforwardto sharinginthenearfuture.” thekre8iveshop.com/portfolio
“Lately,I’vebeenexploringwaystotie mybackgroundinjewelrydesignwithmy blacksmithingskills,especiallythroughmy handmadeknives.I’mparticularlyfocusedon howmaterialsandtechniquesoverlap,from handledesigntosurfacetreatmentsonsteel. Rightnow,I’minGeorgiatakingamasterclass withBetteBarnettattheWilliamHolland SchoolofLapidary,learningtofusegoldand othermetalalloystosteel.I’mhopingtohave examplepiecesreadyforanupcomingshow–theMidwestMetalsmithsArt&JewelryShowon Oct.17to18attheFirstCongregationalChurch ofWebsterGroves.” kimstahldesigns.com
ByConnieMitchell >PhotocourtesyofSaintLouisArtMuseum
When avenerableinstitutionlike theSaint LouisArtMuseum meets a groupofcreative teens tocreate eventsandprograms with afreshtake onart,magic happens.Since 2012,SLAM’s TeenArtsCouncil bringsideasandenergytothemuseum,curating exhibitionsof youngartistsandplanning events that reflecttheirpeers’interests.
“The TeenArtsCouncil changes every year becauseit reflectsthepassions, concernsand creativityoftheteenswhomake itup,” says Erica Richard,SLAM’sassociateeducator for youthand familylearning.“Today’steenscare deeplyabout the world – they thinkcriticallyaboutissueslike socialjustice, mentalhealth,theenvironment and representation – andthat commitmentshows intheprojectsthey createhere.”
Createdas a specialprojectby aformer Romare Beardengraduatemuseum fellow, the TACworksto expandSLAM’saudience,reaching
more teenswhilegivingthem areal voice in shapingmuseum experiences. “Atits core,TAC isbuiltonthebeliefthatteensknow bestwhat willengage theirpeers – andthattheirideascan make themuseummorerelevantand welcoming for youngaudiences,” Richard says.
About15areateensserve onthe council, andSLAMstaffstrive to representcultural, geographicandeducationaldiversityamong thegroup. Studentsapplyonlineand come fromprivate, publicandhomeschoolprograms, meeting everyother weekduringtheschool year. Richard describesthemeetingsas a mix ofbehind-the-sceneslearningaboutmuseum operationsandhands-onbrainstorming forteencentered events.
“Membersdreamupprograms, fromlive ‘fake’ varietyshows tomobileescape rooms,and workwithstafftomake themhappen,” Richard says.“Eachyear,TAC alsocuratesthe Young ArtistsExhibition, choosingthetheme, issuing
thecall forsubmissions,selectingartworksand planningtheopening celebration.”
Theannual exhibitiondraws enthusiastic audiencesandpraise, andRichard creditsit withhelping“make themuseum feellikea place where teensbelongandhaveavoice.” The current councilisalso workingon acollaborative projectwith a localartist forthenext Teen Takeover, scheduled forJan.23.
“Whetherit’scuratingthe YoungArtists Exhibitionaround a themethatspeakstotheir generationorplanning aTeen Takeoverthat fosters connectionandinclusion,their work isneverjustabouthaving fun,thoughthere’s plentyofthat,too, Richard says.“It’sabout makingthemuseum a place whereyoung peoplecanseetheir values reflected,their voices amplifiedandtheir communities celebrated.”
SaintLouisArtMuseum,1FineArtsDrive, St.Louis,314-721-0072,slam.org
HowSaintLouisWatercolorSocietybuilds
ByAleciaHumphreys >ArtworkbyJanineHelton
Whatbeganasasmallgathering ofpaintershasblossomed intoanonprofitoffering artisticenrichment,creative growthandathrivingsenseof community.Now,asitapproachesnearlythree decadesinexistence,theSaintLouisWatercolor Society’scelebrationunfoldsasalivingcanvas –layeredwithhistory,passionandtheenduring promiseofartstillyettocome.
“Thesociety was formedtoprovide educationand exhibitionopportunities toartistsinterestedin watercolor,” says MirkaFetté, vice presidentand exhibits co-chairofSTLWS.“We’ve grown from afoundinggroupofjust sevenartiststomore than200active members,rangingfromprofessionals tobeginners,educators,collectors andenthusiasts.”
MembersofSTLWSareinvited toamonthlymembershipmeeting featuringguestartistprograms andlivedemonstrations,offering membersregularinspirationand insightintoarangeofwatercolor techniques.
notethatonedoesn’thavetobeanartisttobe involvedwiththeSTLWS.
“Youcansupportthesocietybyattending ourgalleryshowsandspreadingthewordabout whatwedo,”saysJaneHogg,STLWSsecretary. “Oncesomeoneexperiencesthemagicof watercolor,they’reoftenhookedforlife.”
Thenextopportunitytoexperiencethe exceptionalworksbySTLWSmembersisatBig
FirstCongregationalChurchofWebsterGroves.
“This combinationof acelebrated exhibitionandan expert-led workshopis whatSTLWS doesbest,”Fettésays.“Creating opportunitiestoelevateandengage watercolorartistsofalllevels.”
Forexample,itwasatonesuchworkshopin 2013thatJanineHelton–whoisnowalocally, nationallyandinternationallyrecognizedartist–believeshelpedcatapulthercareer.
“Westrivetocreateaspacewhere artistsatalllevelsfeelwelcomeandsupported,” saysDebDey,STLWSpresident.“Eachmeetingis notonlyachancetolearnsomethingnew,but alsoachancetoconnectwithfellowartists.The realheartofourorganizationisthepeople.Our membersoftenbecomelifelongfriends.That kindofconnectionispartofwhatmakesour groupsospecial.”
Inadditiontomonthlymeetings,members alsoreceiveinvitationstojuriedexhibitions, accesstoprivateonlinegroupstosharework andmuchmore.However,it’simportantto
NowthroughDec.15,2025
“RenataCassianoAlvarez:Passage,” presentedbyLaumeierSculpturePark laumeiersculpturepark.org
Splash2025onSept.13from10a.mto2p.m.at Norton’sFineArt&Framing.
The exhibitionwillofficiallyopenwith a receptionand awards ceremony onSaturday, Sept.20, from4:30to 6p.m.,where thepublic canmeettheartistsand celebratetheir work.The exhibitionwill remainondisplay throughOct.25, offering achanceforthe communityto explorea wide varietyof watercolorstylesandsubjects.
ComplementingtheexhibitionisafourdayworkshopstartingSept.15withnationally acclaimedwatercoloristMichaelHolteratthe
Sept.5,2025toFeb.1,2026
Fall/winterexhibitions, presentedbyPulitzerArtsFoundation pulitzerarts.org
“ThefirsttimeIattendedabignameSTLWSworkshopwithCarl Purcell,Iwasintroducedtoawhole newworld,”saysHelton,whobegan taking watercolorlessonsin2009. “IlearnedsomuchfromCarlthatI followedhimtoUtahwhereIspent twomoreweeksstudyingunderhis direction.Sincethen,I’vetakenmany STLWS-sponsoredworkshopsand learnedfromallofthem.…Themore Iinteractedwithotherartists,on socialmediaandthroughin-person workshops,themoreIlearnedabout theworldofwatercolor.”
Themedium,whichcanbemore unpredictableandexpressivethan othervisualartforms,offersaspecial appealtoartistsandviewersalike.
“Watercoloraskstheartisttoletgoof control,”Fettésays.“Thatspontaneityis challenging,butalsodeeplyrewarding.”
STLWSiscurrentlyacceptingnewmembers, regardlessofexperiencelevel.
“We’vebuiltsomethingreallymeaningful here,”Fettésays.“It’smorethanan organization.It’sasupportive,creativeand evolvingcommunity.”
SaintLouisWatercolorSociety,stlws.org
Sept.5,2025toFeb.8,2026
Fall/winterexhibitions, presentedbyContemporaryArtMuseumSt.Louis camstl.org
Sept.9toOct.31,2025
“AnnualTDGPumpkinPatch,” presentedbyThirdDegreeGlassFactory thirddegreeglassfactory.com
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