There were two gallery openings on McPherson on Friday, June 24, the same day as the early morning fire that shuttered multiple businesses a few doors west at the corner of McPherson and Euclid. While it was hard to process that the once bustling corner was sitting empty while steps away the galleries were teeming with patrons, it was uplifting to view the art and the large turnout for so many artists who seemed thrilled to be recognized for what they had created.
At Houska Gallery 4728 McPherson:
Charlie Houska, in black shirt, is the proprietor of the gallery as well as an artist—one of his paintings is in the current exhibition across the street at Duane Reed Gallery. The main gallery at Houska features Two Feet, a selection of works that are two feet in size. Participating artists are listed in the photo below:
The upper gallery features watercolors by Melissa Wilkinson, who earned her MFA in painting at Southern Illinois University and now lives in Warwick, N.Y.
Houska Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 to 4. If you don’t have time to visit before the current exhibits close on July 30, you can also take a virtual tour via the website.
At Duane Reed Gallery 4729 McPherson:
Small Works Invitational features works from “the wealth of talent working in the St. Louis regional area. The show welcomes over 60 artists each interpreting one simple prompt: work fitting within a 14” x 14” square.”
Here’s a “who’s who” link for information about the artists participating in the exhibition and their art.
Former CWEnder Sun Smith-Foret, above, in her artist’s statement described her sculpture as: “3D amuletic sculptural work, is a recent acquisition in her skill set and came from direct observation of the work of another CWEnder, Jane Sauer a former studio mate and decades-long friend and colleague. The work is sourced by an invitation for an outdoor installation at the Audubon Center at Riverlands in W. Alton, MO. …”
Jane Sauer, mentioned above, is also participating in Small Works.
Colored porcelain baskets, 3″ x 3″ x 2.75,” were crocheted by artist Jeremy Brooks.
The second gallery features ceramics by Sasha Koozel Reibstein, above. Top right: Reibstein’s Budding,#3, 2022, ceramic, electro optical suspension.
Many of the artists were at the opening including Tiélere Cheatem, aka “The Rusty Artist,” center.
Duane Reed, right, is photographed with Alex Johnmeyer, who also participated in the show.
Duane Reed Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 4.
There is still time to visit both galleries before the exhibitions close on July 30. Triple the experience this Saturday, July 16, when CWEScene is sponsoring a neighborhood Art Stroll and Sidewalk Sale from 10 to 2.