Renaissance MAY 2024

MAY 2024 - The Soulard Renaissance - 7 Artists from the St. Louis region pushed their limits in Soulard Art Gal- lery’s current “Abstract Unrestricted” show. More than 40 local artists have their abstract pieces displayed in the show, which runs through May 3. “Abstraction allows artists to push their limits,” said curator Destiny Wis- dom, an abstract painter, sculptor and resident artist at Soulard Art Gallery. “The limits the artists have placed on themselves were challenged for this exhibit. It was an opportunity for them to create work outside of their areas of expertise.” Abstract art of all sizes is displayed Abstract artists push their limits at Soulard Art Gallery’s show By Claudia Ruth Burris in the current exhibit, co-curated by Tonetta Fredrickson and Earl Miller. From a one-inch painting, “Red Fox” by Chris Paradowski, to a 4-foot by 4-foot multimedia piece by Zoe Fin- kelstein called “Quilted Sunset II,” the range of artwork was unprecedented for the local gallery, which first opened its doors in 2007. More than 100 guests attended the show’s opening on March 29. In addi- tion to enjoying the art, guests had the opportunity to meet Soulard Art Gal- lery’s two new resident artists: Rowan Behm and Kourtney Hay. Both artists have shown their work throughout the St. Louis area. Their work is now displayed behind the counter at the Soulard Art Gallery. Tiny Artist Award winner Chris Parad- owski shows off his award while visit- ing with resident artist Earl Miller. Tyler “Tai” poses with his mixed-me- dia piece after receiving the Curator’s Choice Award. Anthony Mason received the Award of Excellence for his piece R&RR. While enjoying the artwork and camaraderie of other artists, guests enjoyed music by the Joe Pastor Duo, with bassist Ben Coan. Artwork by each of the 14 resident artists was also on display in the individual gallery rooms. The evening ended with the announcement of the show’s winners, judged by Sherelle Speed, a.k.a. The Art Doll. Winner of the Award of Excellence is Anthony Mason for his multime- dia piece “R&RR.” Zoe Finkelstein won an Award of Merit for her mul- timedia piece “Quilted Sunset.” Julie Malone also won an Award of Merit for her mixed media painting “IMMIX XXXX.” Jocelyn Meyer won Honor- able Mention for her acrylic painting “Abundant Rain.” Elena Rybak also won Honorable Mention for her multi- media painting “It will Pass.” The Tiny Artist Award went to Chris Paradowski for his painting “Red Fox.” The Cura- tor’s Award went to Tyler “Tai” Davis for his multimedia painting “Root Chakra-Muladhara.” Located in the heart of Soulard, at 12th Street and Russell Avenue, the Soulard Art Gallery is consistently voted the best gallery in the St. Louis region by St. Louis Magazine as well as the Riverfront Times. The Gallery is open Thursday evenings through Sun- day afternoons every week. Stop by and check out the abstract art in the front gallery before perusing the work of our resident artists. Tonetta Fredrickson photos