The following article is reprinted from the March 2023 issue of CWEA Griffin. A flipbook version of the entire issue can be viewed here.
When Sarah B. Cunningham and her family moved from Boston to St. Louis 7 years ago, they decided to settle in the Central West End. It was close to Washington University, where her husband David Cunningham had joined the Sociology Department (and is now Chair), and New City School was within walking distance for their two young children. Sarah also realized that the house could function as a gallery for her business, Walker-Cunningham Fine Art.
When Sarah came to town, she knew absolutely no one. She made it a point to introduce herself to people in the art world from museum directors to other gallerists. “People have been so collegial and welcoming,” she said. “The really great news about St. Louis is that it’s a city that loves art. I’ve met an incredible community of art enthusiasts, artists, and collectors here. In the 24 years I’ve been in the art world, my attitude has been that ‘Rising Tides Lift All Boats,’ and that idea has definitely played out here and with colleagues all over the country.”
“It was wonderful to have the gallery at home with pop-up exhibitions, so people could visualize how the art would look on their own walls,” Sarah explained. “Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit, and at the same time a few house renovations fell into place. Being cooped up at home with all that going on, made me realize it was time to find new walls.”
She found a 335 s.f. space in the Pierce Arrow Building at 4814 Washington Avenue, similar in size to the Boston gallery. Though small, it illustrates that you don’t need a huge place to display art effectively.
Having a quiet presence several blocks from other established galleries on McPherson, and being a little bit under the radar, allows Sarah flexibility and independence. “I’m tucked away here and people are surprised and wowed by the space, and excited to see new artists.” The gallery is open by appointment, but “that doesn’t mean it’s exclusive, l love having people stop by to see the art. Being open by appointment makes it easy for everyone.”
Originally from Rhode Island, Sarah moved first to Providence, then to Boston after graduating from Duke with a liberal arts degree. “I grew up in a family of art appreciators, there were artists on both sides of my family. After my time at R.I.S.D.I. (Rhode Island School of Design), I knew I wanted to be in the art world but turns out the path of the artist was not where my journey would take me.” In 1999, she reached out to her mother’s cousin Richard C. Hagan, the manager of Alfred J. Walker Fine Art in Boston. Sarah started interning there after her normal work hours.
“I felt an immediate connection to the gallery, which specialized in American and European art. It was really exciting. Tragically, just 2 months after I started, Richard died in an accident. Two months later, his life partner and gallery owner, Alfred Walker, asked if I’d like to work full time. “There I was at age 24, with no clue what I was doing. I got tossed into the deep end of the pool and absolutely loved every minute of it.”
She was gallery manager until 2006, when she and Walker became business partners and Walker-Cunningham Fine Art was established. Walker retired in 2008 and Sarah took on full ownership of the business. “Al is now 85 and continues to be my mentor. There have been lots of ups and downs, but it’s been mostly positive. I love the business and being in this new space keeps me inspired.”
Grace Munakata’s Cloud Reflections, above
Sarah continues to deal in American and European art, and is currently exhibiting paintings and collages by Berkeley-California artist Grace Munakata, above. “It’s a complete joy to see people’s reaction to her work,” Sarah said. She has sold 4 of the paintings to St. Louis collectors, and one to a client in London. She also shows the work of Daniel Jefferson, aka Bipolar Holiday, a self-taught St. Louis-based street artist who has a new body of abstract works. 
Daniel Jefferson aka Bipolar Holiday Sigma Incentives, above
This fall, Sarah is planning a group show of Mid-Century St. Louis Modernists, including works by Belle Cramer, Werner Drewes, Charles Quest, and Fred Green Carpenter among others.
Walker-Cunningham Fine Art, 4814 Washington, is open by appointment. Email: [email protected]. Also on Instagram and Artsy.