Stepping into World Chess Hall of Fame for the opening of Charles Houska’s Master of Play exhibition on Thursday, May 1, provided just what the large crowd who attended was looking for— an impressive pop of color after weeks of rain and chill, and playful art at a time when we all needed some cheer.
Master of Play is a 25-year retrospective of Houska’s work featuring more than 75 pieces. The program notes state that the exhibition, which is displayed on two floors, also explores Houska’s community projects and corporate collaborations with St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Herman Miller HQ, Absolut Vodka, and more.
Photographed above is artist Charles (Charlie) Houska with Kaleidoscope Management Group’s CEO and CWEnder Cabanne Howard.
Houska’s 3-D printed chess set.
Large-scale Houska-themed chess pieces are also displayed on the walls, see above, and sculptures occupy every available surface.
World Chess HOF’s extremely talented Chief Curator Shannon Bailey and Curator Emily Allred installed a magical immersive room, which was the site for many photo ops throughout the evening.
Guests took a cue from Houska’s art in their choice of attire too, including World Chess HOF Marketing Manager Brian Flowers, above. Flowers explained that he assisted Houska with marketing of the exhibition and selection of related merchandise that is offered in the museum’s Que Boutique, including t-shirts, luggage tags, and magnets.
Houska’s signature fishbowl was replicated in Fishbowl Cocktails provided by the CWE’s Brennan’s, above right.
More examples from the exhibition, above and below.
To tie in with Master of Play, the AC Hotel CWE on York Ave. is featuring a Fishbowl Houska-politan at the hotel’s bar. (Thanks to Cabanne Howard for sharing the photo.)
Master of Play at World Chess Hall of Fame, 4652 Maryland, Open Mon. through Sat. 10 to 5 (or 9 on Weds., Thurs., Fri.). Sunday hours: Noon to 5. Exhibition will remain on view until April 2026.
“Magical! A major moment for the CWE!