Duane Reed, middle above, was the real superhero Friday night for donating his gallery to the CWE's Youth Learning Center for a fundraiser titled, "Paintings of a Superhero." Duane Reed Gallery was packed with excited young artists whose paintings were on view, their families and friends, neighbors, and several CWE artists who've exhibited at Duane Reed, including CWEnders Nancy Newman Rice and Jane Sauer.
Youth Learning Center, located at 4481 Olive St., provides after-school enrichment classes for children in the St. Louis community. Learn more about the programs available here. YLC's after-school program will continue to operate when the new charter school, The Biome, opens in the same location this August.
Eight-year-old Brannon was more than happy to show me that many of the paintings on the wall for the youngest artists were hers.
Older students, like 8th grader Nakai Woods, above, had their own exhibition space for their larger paintings. Nakai confirmed that he had purposely coordinated his shirt with his painting.
To encourage sales of the artwork for this fundraising event, each student had a chance to speak about his or her painting and what inspired them.
The youngest students presented their work first, above.
Next, YLC lead teacher and artist Myles Keough, above, introduced the older students.
You may have to turn up the volume to hear this charming 8th grader's heartfelt pitch for her painting of the Eiffel Tower.
Thanks to Duane Reed for being such a good neighbor and generous supporter of budding artists in our town.
Duane Reed Gallery, 4729 McPherson Ave.
Thank you for the inspiration 🦋❤️🫂
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