The first weekend in June always has a star on my calendar: Lafayette Square House Tour. But many others have noted the better-than-average chance for good weather that prompted the neighborhood to select that date. Add the tradition of galleries being open in the evening on the first Friday of the month and no one has an excuse to stay indoors (barring storms, that is).
Art & Air The Friday-through-Sunday event that combines art, music and food is in its 11th year. Set on the grounds of Eden Theological Seminary, the art portion features 110 juried artists and an emerging artists gallery. In the air, you’ll hear the sounds of such performers as North of the Quarter, Autumn’s Child and Ralph Butler; and you’ll inhale the aromas from Naked Bacon, Zia’s, Milagro Modern Mexican and more. The fair runs from 6-10 p.m. June 6, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 7 and noon-5 p.m. June 8.
Deuces Wild: If you haven’t noticed the work of Peat Wollaeger, open your eyes, or eyez, as he would say: The man has left his mark throughout the city. Now he will have his own gallery – Two Two Two Two – at 2222 S. Jefferson Ave. The opening celebration will start at 7 p.m. Friday night with a balloon launch at 7:30 and an auction at 8 p.m. The money raised will support a new mural on Jefferson.
Urban Wanderers: A couple of years ago Elizabeth Harris Krasnoff wrote about being an artist in the exhibit and auction that benefits Stray Rescue. The opening reception runs from 5-8 p.m. June 6 and the works will be up through July 27 at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art, 3633 Lindell Blvd. 63108.
So what should you expect atthis atypical exhibit? You will find works by those who make their living with paints or cameras and you will find, well, here’s what the website says: “Dogs and cats join in the fun too, creating paintings with their paws, tails and noses.” Once the exhibit opens, the artwork will be available for online bids.
Elsewhere in Grand Center: The major spaces do not have openings, but what a great time to go see what is there. Take an art walk between 5-9 p.m. to see what you can discover. And remember the Contemporary is free all summer, thanks to the Gateway Foundation. And read more aboutPXSTL and the shows at the Kemper and the Contemporary
Bruno David Gallery: Chris D. Smith | Interaction; Martin Lang | Forever Untitled (names sake)
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis Great Rivers Biennial: Brandon Anschultz, Carlie Trosclair and Cayce Zavaglia
The Sheldon Art Galleries: Imagining the Founding of St. Louis; St. Louis Camera Club Centennial Exhibition; The City at 250: A Citywide Celebration in Photography (opening)
International Photography Hall of Fame: Decisive Moments | 20th Century Street Photography Prints from St. Louis Collections (wrapping up)
Pulitzer Arts Foundation: Art of Its Own Making
The Kemper at Washington University has an inviting twist with a gallery talk at 6 p.m. by associate curator Meredith Malone on the exhibit, "Moving Parts: Time and Motion in Contemporary Art," with music by Scarlet Tanager starting at 7 p.m.
If that's not enough check out Cherokee Street on Saturday, where Fort Gondo and Beverly are opening shows by Lyndon Barrois Jr., Gary Noland & Peggy Noland; and PHD Gallery presents Selfie STL.
