As our city rocked from the upheavals of 2014, a series of quieter changes was taking place in the St. Louis art world.
Several arts organizations debuted, others expanded and a few folded. Some relocated and others featured uncharacteristic fare to appeal to wider audiences. Here鈥檚 a look at eight of this year鈥檚 evolutions in the local arts scene.
- The Pulitzer Arts Foundation staged a drag show, then closed for its own makeover. In January, the launch of the Pulitzer鈥檚 new 鈥淩eset鈥� series a breakdancing event, bamboo fort-building and nail art. Then, in August, the institution of its basement that will The Pulitzer will reopen May 1.
Credit Jazz St. LouisA whole new look
- Speaking of renovation, Jazz St. Louis鈥� was a doozy. The After being closed for nearly five months, the expanded space with Wynton Marsalis as the opening act.
- Bruno David found its Grove on Vandeventer. Bruno David who founded his namesake Grand Center gallery 10 years ago, Called Bruno David Projects, the space focuses on exhibiting women artists.
Credit Provided by Philip Slein GalleryKehinde Wiley, detail, 鈥楢fter Titian's Penitent Mary Magdalene,鈥� oil wash on paper, 90 x 60 inches, Courtesy of Susan and David Sherman
- Gallerists found strength (and speed) in numbers. The launched its first show in February, then in August was among the first arts organizations to respond to the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer. celebrated the city鈥檚 250th birthday. explored issues around events people will still talk about 250 years from now.
- North City gallery was down and out and up again: . But a little over a month later,Another move may be in the works in the future for the space supporting teen artists. They hope to one day own their own space for exhibiting and offering free services to young artists, including instruction, materials and help with their portfolios.
Credit Contemporary Art MuseumA recent show at the Contemporary Art Museum
- Contemporary Art Museum said 鈥淟eave your wallet at home.鈥� In May, CAM charged no admissions fee, thanks to support from the Gateway Foundation organization. Two months later, something the museum says should continue indefinitely.
- The lights went out for The 鈥淥vations鈥� series. 鈥淥vations鈥� announced it will end a nearly 40-year run at The Edison Theatre at Washington University in April with its season finale by the Giordano Dance Company. and it鈥檚 not clear who will pick up the mantle.
- HotCity Theatre went cold. Ten years after HotHouse Theatre merged with the venerable City Players to become HotCity, It鈥檚 concept with which artistic director Marty Stanberry is all too familiar: 鈥淚鈥檓 at the point where the daily battles of running a theater company have just outweighed the fun,鈥� Stanberry said.
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