The city of St. Louis is a stealthy artistic town. Beginning with the iconic Gateway Arch, the historic Saint Louis Art Museum, to the glam Contemporary Art Museum (CAM), the city is quietly but powerfully making a name for itself in the American art community. But none of these institutions has quite the impact on the city art scene like the St. Louis Artists’ Guild.
Image: St. Louis Artists' Guild
Located in the thick of the luscious greenery of Oak Knoll Park in the middle of St. Louis, the Guild was founded in 1886, and the organization serves dual of purposes of providing a meaningful meetinghouse for artists while fostering the growth of the local artistic community. The organization has over 700 members and its current location is in an old brick restored 1920’s mansion.
One worthwhile event definitely worth the price of admission that kicks off on May 2nd at the Guild is the “Collector’ Choice XIIIl” fundraiser. The annual events takes place on May 2nd and May 18th, and for $150 (one ticket admits two guests and the guarantee to get one piece of artwork displayed) artists over the age of 18 are invited to peruse the outstanding pieces from local artists. It is an ideal way to network with local artists and to immerse oneself in the local art community.
The Artists’ Guild also offers a slew of educational art classes and workshops that are available for established as well as young artists. Some of the informative art classes available are “Right Brain Drawing for Adults,” “Portrait Painting” and “Still Life Painting.” Classes are in the affordable $110-$185 range, and are discounted for Guild members. Single day workshops are open to the public typically lasting in the three-hour range and available at an even lower price point. The public is also encouraged to rent the Guild’s topnotch print shop and darkroom.
By Steve Goble, VP of Marketing Communications for Navis Pack & Ship. When he's not spilling packing and shipping secrets, he's spending time with his family at a San Diego Padres or Chargers game. Connect with Steve on Google+ and LinkedIn.
