may-june 2015 happenings

2015M AY - J U N

Get great deals with the Know and Go Discount Calendar (pg. 6-7)

Meet the new President and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony (pg. 3)

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

A&E Grantee, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, celebrates 40th Anniversary (pg. 9)

Maritz Arts & Education Fund for Teachers impacts St. Louis students (pg. 4)

See 0 for A&E’s 2015 Summer Arts Activity Guide for Children of All Ages!

KIDS IN THE ARTS: Creativity, Diversity & Discipline

KIDS IN THE ARTS: Creativity, Diversity & Discipline

GreetingsI

“Play is the highest form of research.”

I have always enjoyed this quote attributed to Albert Einstein.

Why am I quoting a physicist for our arts newsletter, you ask?

Because A&E believes art is play and art is research. The acts of

experiencing and creating art expand physical horizons, open

mental doors, engender a sense of self-worth and encourage

creative expression. Art is research into ourselves as much as it introduces us to

people unlike ourselves – people of different backgrounds, beliefs and perspec-

tives. And isn’t it this worldly understanding and openness to new opportunities

that we wish for all our children?

This issue of Happenings focuses on how the arts enrich our children’s lives; and

explores summer camp activities, classes and events as well as the impact arts

education makes in students’ overall academic achievement. Our Summer Arts

Activity Guide for children can be found on page 10. Plus, we’ve highlighted how

the “Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers” grants are making tangible

improvements in student test scores, school attendance rates and scholarship

opportunities on pages 4-5. I encourage you to get your kids’ hands “dirty” in the

arts this summer and hopefully they continue that play and research when they

head back to school in the fall.

Also, Happenings is pleased to highlight some major reasons for celebration

at two of our larger grantee organizations: Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and the

St. Louis Symphony. Opera Theatre is celebrating its 40th Anniversary during

the upcoming 2015 Festival Season. A&E has supported Opera Theatre since its

founding in 1976 and looks forward to participating in all the wonderful activities

they have planned this year. In July, the St. Louis Symphony will welcome a new

President and CEO and readers have the opportunity to get to know Marie-Hélène

Bernard in our exclusive interview on page 3.

Enjoy your summer! And, I hope your plans include researching, exploring and

playing among the creative arts organizations our community enjoys and that

A&E proudly supports.

Cynthia A. Prost

President, Arts & Education Council

PRESIDENT

Cynthia A. Prost

VICE PRESIDENT,

ADMINISTRATION

& GRANTS

Susan Rowe Jennings

VICE PRESIDENT

OF DEVELOPMENT

Kate Francis

CONTROLLER

Joseph Soer

DIRECTOR OF

DEVELOPMENT

ADMINISTRATION

Patricia Tichacek

DEVELOPMENT

MANAGERS

Heather Edwards

Dorothy Powell

ONLINE GIVING

COORDINATOR

Mandi Hanway

GIFT PROCESSING

ASSOCIATE

Tonya Hahne

COMMUNICATIONS

CONTENT EDITOR

Ellen Futterman

SOCIAL AND DIGITAL

MEDIA COORDINATOR

Christine Blonn

Staff

Centene Center for Arts and Education

3547 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103-1014

p 314.289.4000 f 314.289.4019

2

Letter from the President

2015 Board of DirectorsCHAIR

Terrance J. Good

VICE CHAIR

Leonard T. Eschbach

SECRETARY

Peter Sargent

TREASURER

Ruth Saphian

(Chair, Finance & Facilities)

DEVELOPMENT

Janet W. Newcomb

GOVERNANCE

C. Brendan Johnson

GRANTS

Nicole Hudson

MARKETING & EVENTS

Caren Vredenburgh

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Cary D. Hobbs

MEMBERS

Nora Akerberg

Susan Block

Sheila Burkett

Chris Cedergreen

John Gianoulakis

Kristin J. Guehlstorf

Eric Koestner

Linda Lee

Linda Leonard

Dorte Probstein

Shawn Schukar

Donald M. Senti

Mary Ann Srenco

Susan A. Stith

Andrew Trivers

Carol J. Voss

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Barbara B. Goodman

Kenneth Kranzberg

Michael Weisbrod

EX-OFFICIO

Cynthia A. Prost

stlouis.bbb.org

ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy of

Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design.

Read more about summer camps

and family friendly events offered by

Craft Alliance and other arts organi-

zations in the Kids’ Summer Arts

Guide on page 10.

2015 A&E Campaign Idea Sharing and Campaign Kickoff Event

Dancers from the Robert L. Reed Tap Heritage Institute, an A&E PNC Project Grant recipient,

perform for workplace giving coordinators at the 2015 A&E Campaign Idea Sharing Event.

3

On July 1,

Marie-

Hélène

Bernard officially

joins the St. Louis

Symphony as

President and

CEO, after serving

over eight years

as Executive

Director and CEO

of the Handel and

Haydn Society in

Boston.

A native of Quebec, Bernard

received a law degree from the

University of Montréal and a master’s

degree in arts management from

Concordia University in Montreal.

She is credited with energizing Handel

and Hayden on numerous fronts,

including: substantially growing its

audience, with 30 percent of patrons

now under the age of 44; nearly dou-

bling its original endowment; and cre-

ating community partnership programs

that foster diversity and inclusion.

Bernard has worked in management

capacities with the Philadelphia and

Cleveland Orchestras, and served as

President and CEO of the Canton

(Ohio) Symphony Orchestra.

Happenings sat down with Bernard

to find out more about her and her

goals for the St. Louis Symphony:

Your predecessor Fred Bronstein is

credited with increasing attendance,

ticket revenues, and philanthropic

support as well as improving labor

relations and stabilizing finances to

a point where symphony musicians

could tour again. That seems like

a tough act to follow, how will you

proceed?

I plan to continue the great work that

he started but also take it to the next

level. We have wonderful educational

community programs that need to be

better known so that more patrons,

families and children can enjoy them.

In looking at the next five to ten years

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Meet the New St. Louis Symphony President and CEO: Marie-Hélène Bernard

St. Louis Symphony

President and CEO

Marie-Hélène

Bernard

Matt

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urk

ow

ski

we want to create a very exciting

artistic plan that will position the

St. Louis Symphony as the finest in

America.

Many established cultural institutions

in St. Louis such as the Symphony

have audiences that are mostly

“older.” You had success at the

Handel and Hayden Society in build-

ing younger audiences. How will you

go about doing that in St. Louis?

Getting to know those who come, see

what makes them come and seek out

their support to help us bring more

people. Working in partnership with

other organizations so that together

we can develop younger audiences.

There are opportunities for synergy. I

have built younger audiences by virtue

of capturing their attention in different

venues, at modern contemporary

museums, at the theater, at a dance

show, where you can provide a musical

environment that is very compelling

to them.

Do you see growing the Symphony’s

outreach in terms of music education

in the schools and if so, what will that

look like?

I would imagine that outside the

greater St. Louis area there are some

opportunities where the Symphony

can bring music to underserved regions.

But the point is not just to grow for the

sake of growing but rather to make

sure what you have is quality and can

create an impact.

What made you feel that St. Louis

was the right fit for you?

This is a wonderful community and the

St. Louis Symphony has a great repu-

tation. I’m confident of the Symphony’s

versatility and broad range of reper-

toire they are able to tackle, and their

character.

You went from practicing law to arts

management? What was the impetus

behind that change?

I grew up in a musical family and I

was a musician for a long time before

I practiced law and I just missed it.

(Bernard plays the viola da gamba)

I felt with my business and legal skills

I could help the field and moved to

the U.S. in ’96 to pursue a career in

orchestra management. Music was

my calling – it was my destiny.

What has impressed you most about

St. Louis?

That it’s really proud of its orchestra

and supportive of it. People here want

to see more of it and see it at the level

it deserves because it truly is a world-

class orchestra. I feel very much at

ease here. You breathe well in St. Louis.

What do you like to do besides music

to relax?

I love to read, I like to cook. I’m a dog

lover so I really enjoy taking long walks

with the dogs (a pug and a shiatsu)

and meeting people.

The St. Louis Symphony is an Arts and

Education Council Sustaining Grant recipient. David Robertson conducts the St. Louis

Symphony.

Dili

p V

ish

wan

at

4

RETURN ON GRANT INVESTMENTS: Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers and the Power of Arts Education

For St. Louis area school dis-

tricts, $5,000 can mean the

ability to stage a major student

play or to perform in a large-scale

local parade. Maritz Corporation

understands this. For the past five

years, the Arts and Education Council

and Maritz have partnered to create a

unique arts education funding oppor-

tunity that directly impacts schools

and school-aged children. The award-

winning “Maritz Arts and Education

Fund for Teachers” provides $25,000

in grants annually to projects through-

out the bi-state area. The funding goal

is to support classroom-based projects

and artistic opportunities that engage

students in the creative process.

In the 2014-2015 school year, Maritz

Fund for Teachers supported eight

school-based projects that otherwise

would never come to fruition. Among

them is the creation of a drum line

and spirit squad at Central Visual

Performing Arts High School in the

St. Louis Public School District.

Another has allowed McCluer High

School students and McCluer South

Berkley students to come together to

perform the play Legally Blonde.

“The creation of a drum line and

spirit squad has been such a game

changer for us,” explains Matthew

Turek, the instrumental music teacher

at Central Visual Performing Arts High

School. “It’s opened up avenues for

the students that weren’t there before.

It’s been so impactful for their devel-

opment....and inspires them and allows

them to express their talents that

might have otherwise gone unnoticed.”

Turek says the grant money was

used to buy instruments and other

equipment to make the 14-student

drum line possible this year and in

future years. Another 30 students par-

ticipate as dancers in the spirit squad,

which performs with the drum line.

The groups marched in a unity parade

to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr. Day, and look forward to par-

ticipating in more events.

“The feedback has been fantastic,”

says Turek. “Engagement in their over-

all education has skyrocketed. They

know they have to be in high academic

standing to participate in the drum line

so it’s a great motivator. They have to

maintain a 2.75 grade point average

and have 93 percent attendance,

which so, far, all involved have done.”

Turek adds: “The other intangible is

that it gives them a creative voice that

they didn’t have access to before.

They are writing their own music and

creating their own arrangements as a

team. All those wonderful non-musical

lessons you learn in a musical class-

room are exemplified. Disagreements

sometimes come up but in the end,

but they have to navigate those as an

artist and communicate with each

other. They know they have to work

together collaboratively.”

Doug Erwin, director of theater at

McCluer High School and K-12 Fine

Arts Content Leader for the Ferguson-

Florissant School District, expresses

similar sentiments. McCluer has been

receiving a $5,000 Maritz Arts Grant

for the past four years, which has

helped with every aspect of staging a

major musical production.Students from McCluer and McCluer South Berkeley High Schools perform in Legally Blonde

“(Theater) is the only activity

that students ever participate in

where they have to function as

a team in a non-competitive

environment,” he says. “It

teaches them innovation, team

work, creativity and organiza-

tion. Theater integrates every

other discipline, English, math,

science, social studies and all

their electives, and gives them

a practical application for them.

We know that’s how people

retain information – through

authentic exposure.”

— Doug Erwin, Director of Theater McCluer High School

5

This year, says Erwin, the grant has

provided transportation for student

actors at McCluer to get to McCluer

South Berkeley, where the joint stu-

dent production of Legally Blonde was

staged in March.

“The grant helped with every

aspect of the production except for

staff salaries,” says Erwin. “In addition

to transportation, it provided meals

for students, costumes, wigs, scenic

pieces, props. It really has made an

enormous difference.”

Erwin explains that previously, stu-

dents would sell frozen pizzas to help

raise money for the school musical.

But with the death of Michael Brown

this summer in Ferguson, and the riot-

ing and protesting that has followed,

“parents don’t feel safe with their kids

going door-to-door to fundraise,” says

Erwin, who has been at McCluer for 13

years of his 24 year as a teacher.

Like Turek, Erwin underlines the

importance of the arts to his students,

not only in helping them to achieve

academically but also to build critical

thinking skills.

Erwin has been tracking overall

academic performance for students

participating in the theater program

and the results have been astounding.

In his research, Erwin found that the

average school attendance rate

increased by more than 10% and the

average ACT score and grade point

average increased by nearly 40%.

Moreover, in the past five years

McCluer High School students partici-

pating in the Maritz funded program

received more than $300,000 in col-

lege scholarships.

“At Maritz, we are dedicated to

empowering people to reach their full

potential, and our philanthropic efforts

reflect that same commitment. Five

years ago, we partnered with the Arts

and Education Council to create the

Maritz Arts and Education Fund for

Teachers and the results have been

outstanding. Studies consistently

show the importance of an arts edu-

cation and the positive effects it has

on students and we have seen that

again and again in the programs we

fund,” said Debbie Schirmer, Maritz

community affairs director. “By offer-

ing students greater access to the

arts, the Maritz Fund has provided

unique learning experiences that stim-

ulate creativity and further educa-

tional advancement.”

To learn more about the Maritz Arts

and Education Fund for Teachers, visit

KeepArtHappening.org/money/maritz_2015

Students at Central Visual Performing Arts High School perform in a drumline.

Academic Achievement Linked to Interest in the ArtsStudents with higher participation in the arts have superior standardized test scores than those with low participation.1, 2, 3

67%

Involved in Arts

57%

Involved in Arts

All Students

39%

All Students

50%

Grade 8 Grade 12

Musical Experiences Promote Enhanced Math Skills In math classes, students with a high involve-ment in instrumental or choral classes tend to outperform those with low involvement.1 This outcome is attributed to the inherent spacial and geometric reasoning in sheet music,2 and has the largest impact on low socio-economic status students.

21%

Involved in Music

33%

Involved in Music

All Students

All Students

11%

Grade 8 Grade 12

16%

low

SE

S stu

de

nts w

ith h

igh

math

sco

res

Arts Involvement Inspires Personal GrowthYouth involved in arts organizations were more likely to spend leisure time in community ser-vice or youth groups and had better ratings for self-worth than those who were not involved in an arts organization.1, 2, 3

89%

Involved in Arts

All Students

Performs community service

76%

64%

Involved in Arts

All Students

16%

Feels good about him or herself

1 Catterall, J. S., Chapleau, R. & Iwanaga, J. (1999). Involvement in the Arts and Success in Secondary School. Included in Champions of Change (see below).

2 Asbury, C. & Rich, B. (Eds.) (2008). Learning, Arts, and the Brain: The Dana Consortium report on arts and cognition. New York: Dana Press.

3 Deasy, R.J. (Ed.). (2002) Critical Links: Learning in the arts and student achievement and social development. Washington, DC: The Arts Education Partnership.

For more on the current state of arts education in the U.S., policy recommendations and best practices, see Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future through Creative Schools (2011). Washington, DC: President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

6

ON-GOING DISCOUNTS WITH THE ARTS CARD

JAZZ ST. LOUIS offers 2-for-1 admission

to most of its 9:30 pm shows Wed-Thurs. For

details call 314.571.6000 or go to jazzstl.org

MAY EVENTS

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY

Bolero

WHEN: May 1 & 3; Fri, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm

WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

COST: $30-$109

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card

(excludes box seats)

David Robertson leads a program devoted to

dance compositions recognized for their rousing

arrangements: Bizet’s Carmen, Debussy’s Sacred

and Profane Dances, and of course, Ravel’s

Bolero. 314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

DON’T MISS

CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM

Occupational Therapy

WHEN: May 1-Aug 16; Wed, 10–5; Thur-Fri, 10–8;

Sat-Sun, 10–5

WHERE: Contemporary Art Museum,

3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis

COST: Free

Encompassing a wide range of media from the

1960s to the present, Occupational Therapy

expresses and addresses a variety of psychologi-

cal conditions. Featuring artwork by 19 renowned

artists. 314.535.4660 or camstl.org

SHELDON CONCERT HALL

Cécile McLorin Salvant

WHEN: May 2; Sat, 8 pm

WHERE: Sheldon Concert Hall,

3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis

COST: $40 orchestra, $35 balcony, $15 student


on full price tickets only. (Tickets are

available by presenting the card in advance

at the Fox Theatre Box office at 531 N. Grand

Blvd., or on the night of show at The Sheldon

box office between 7-8 pm)

Rising jazz world vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant

performs imaginative renditions of classic songs

and lesser-known gems. 314.533.9900 or

sheldonconcerthall.org

NEW JEWISH THEATRE

My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding

WHEN: May 7-31; Wed-Thurs, 7:30 pm; Sat, 8 pm;

Sun, 2 & (first two Sundays) 7:30 pm

WHERE: Wool Studio Theatre,

2 Millstone Campus Dr., Creve Coeur

COST: $38-$42


A joyous musical and true story about a journey

of self-discovery in the age of marriage equality.

314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org

ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY

Fanfare for the Common Man

WHEN: May 8; Fri, 8 pm

WHERE: Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

COST: $30-$109


(excludes box seats)

David Robertson takes you on a musical jour-

ney exploring music from around the globe.

314.534.1700 or stlsymphony.org

SAINT LOUIS BALLET

Don Quixote

WHEN: May 8-10; Fri, 7:30 pm; Sat, 2:30 &

7:30 pm; Sun, 2:30 pm

WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center,

One University Blvd., St. Louis

COST: $28-$49

DISCOUNT: $5 off with ARTS Card

For the first time, Saint Louis Ballet presents Don

Quixote, a ballet known for its demanding chore-

ography and technical wizardry. 314.516.4949 or

stlouisballet.org for information, for tickets touhill.org

AMERICAN CHAMBER CHORALE

O For the Love

WHEN: May 9; Sat, 7:30 pm

WHERE: Salem Methodist Church,

1200 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

COST: $18 adults; $15 seniors; $12 students


A concert to honor the women in our lives

featuring music by Paulus, Lauridsen, Willan

and many others. 314.638.0793 or

americanchamberchorale.com

COCAbiz SESSION

Bob Chapman: Truly Human Leadership

WHEN: May 14; Thurs, 7:30–10 am

WHERE: 524 Trinity Ave., University City

COST: $55

DISCOUNT: $15 off with ARTS Card

Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of

engineering consulting giant Barry-Wehmiller,

presents how he championed the transforma-

tion of Barry-Wehmiller’s workplace culture.

314.561.4898 to register, and 314.725.6555 or

cocabiz.com for information.

DON’T MISS

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ST. LOUISAntony & Cleopatra

WHEN: May 22-June 14; nightly except Tuesdays,

8 pm (pre-performances start at 6:30 pm)

WHERE: Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park

COST: Free

Following the assassination of Julius Caesar, Mark

Antony becomes one of the three rulers of the

Roman Empire. In the course of overseeing the

eastern half of the empire, he falls in love with

Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. But then revenge,

battles and tragedy take hold. 314.531.9800 or

sfstl.com

*2-FOR-1 & SPECIAL DISCOUNTS Please present your Arts and Education Council ARTS Card at the ticket counter or box office in order to receive a discount. The 2-for-1 offer is for two people per card; whether it extends to more than two persons is at the discretion of the participating organiza-tion. ARTS Card holder discounts are not recognized by electronic ticket outlets and may not be used to purchase subscription tickets. Expired ARTS Cards will not be accepted. For up-to-the- minute calendar additions, see the calendar on our website: KeepArtHappening.org/schedule.

2015M AY-J U N

Events Key Cinema Classical Dance Jazz Music Speaker Theater Visual Arts

J. D

avid

Levy

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

7

OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS

The Barber of Seville

WHEN: May 23-June 27

WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center,

130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves

COST: $25-$129


for performances in sections 2 and 3, for

8 pm shows May 27, 29 & June 4, 10 (Limited

to two operas per season).

Rossini’s score sets the gold standard for opera

that is elegant, funny and brimming with vocal

fireworks. 314.961.0644 or opera-stl.org

DON’T MISS

GITANA PRODUCTIONS

Black and Blue

WHEN & WHERE: May 22-24; Fri-Sat, 7:30 pm,

Sun, 3 pm at the Missouri History Museum;

May 29-31; Fri-Sat, 7:30 pm, Sun, 3 pm at the

Kranzberg Art Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd.;

June 7; Sun, 3 pm at Greater St. Marks Church,

9950 Glen Owen, Ferguson;

June 19-21; Fri-Sat, 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm at

St. Louis Community College at Florissant

Valley, 3400 Pershall Rd.

COST: Free

An original play about how the presumption of

guilt hurts those who are black and those in blue.

314.721.6556 or gitana-inc.org

CIRCUS FLORA

One Summer on 2nd Street

WHEN: May 28-June 28; Fri-Sat, 1 & 7 pm;

Sun, 1:00 & 5:30 pm; Tue-Thur, 7 pm; Wed,

10 am & 7 pm (no matinee May 29, or evening

performances May 30 & June 13)

WHERE: Big Tent in Grand Center, in the parking

lot adjacent to Powell Hall, St. Louis

COST: $15-$48

DISCOUNT: $5 off Saturday and Sunday

with ARTS Card

Travel back to The Jazz Age – to a time at which

American cities grew rapidly, becoming home to

families from all walks of life and corners of the

map. 314.289.4040 or circusflora.org

STAGES ST. LOUIS

Smokey Joe’s Cafe

WHEN: May 29-June 28; Tues-Sun with matinee

and evening performances

WHERE: The Robert G. Reim Theatre,

111 S. Geyer Rd., Kirkwood

COST: $20-$57


for Tues-Thur evening performances

Relive the glory days of rock and roll with such

pop standards as “Stand By Me,” “Jailhouse Rock,”

and “On Broadway” in this GRAMMY® Award-

winning show! 314.821.2407 or stagesstlouis.org


La Rondine

WHEN: May 30-June 28



COST: $25-$129


for performances in sections 2 and 3, for 8 pm

shows May 30, June 3, 12, and 18 (Limited to

two operas per season).

OTSL music director Stephen Lord brings

Puccini’s music and romantic storytelling to life in

this stunning, new belle epoque period produc-

tion. 314.961.0644 or opera-stl.org

JUNE EVENTS

INNSBROOK INSTITUTE

Summer Music Festival

WHEN: June 5-13, concerts nightly at 7:30 pm

WHERE: Innsbrook Institute,

1 Aspen Lake Circle Dr., Innsbrook, Mo.

COST: $20-$100

DISCOUNT: 2-for 1 admission with ARTS Card

for June 7, 9-11

Artists include Jacob Braun, Grace Park, Jonathan

Swartz, Calidore String Quartet and more.

636.928.3366, ext. 218 or innsbrookinstitute.org

DON’T MISS

WEBSTER ARTS

ART & AIR

WHEN: June 5-7; Fri, 6-10 pm; Sat, 11 a.m-9 pm;

Sun, 11 – 5 pm

WHERE: 475 Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves

COST: Free

Art & Air is a one-of-a-kind fine art fair that

showcases art, food, music performances and

unique creative activities for the whole family.

314.968.6500 or webster-arts.org


Richard the Lionheart

WHEN: June 7-26



COST: $25-$129

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card for

performances in sections 2 and 3, for 8 pm

shows June 11, 13 (at 1 pm only) and 24.

(Limited to two operas per season).

Richard the Lionheart is shipwrecked on the way

to the Third Crusade. One of England’s bravest

kings, he must disguise himself to protect his

future bride and prevent war in a foreign land.

But who can he trust in this all-too-real game of

thrones? 314.961.0644 or opera-stl.org

DON’T MISS

ST. LOUIS FRINGE FESTIVAL

WHEN: June 18-21 & 25-27

WHERE: Throughout Grand Center

COST: Free and various prices

Performing arts of all disciplines including the-

ater, singing, magic, dance, performance art, slam

poetry, vaudeville, clowns, fashion design, theater

for young audience, street performance and more.

314.643.7853 or stlfringe.com


Emmeline

WHEN: June 13-27



COST: $25-$129

DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card for

performances in sections 2 and 3, for 8 pm

shows June 17, 19 and 25 (Limited to

two operas per season).

Inspired by a compelling true story from a mill

town in 19th century New England, Emmeline’s

heart-wrenching saga is created by the same

team that brought St. Louis the unforgettable

world premiere of Champion in 2013. This pow-

erhouse drama receives its first full-scale staging

since its 1996 world premiere. 314.961.0644 or

opera-stl.org


Center Stage

WHEN: June 23



COST: $20-$100


for performances in sections 2 and 3 (Limited

to two operas per season).

Hear the stars of tomorrow in an all-new main

season event celebrating the talents of our 2015

Gaddes Festival Artists and Gerdine Young

Artists. From nearly 1,000 applicants worldwide,

33 were chosen to be part of our 2015 young

artist programs. Usually seen in ensemble roles

throughout the season, these exceptionally tal-

ented artists take center stage in a one-night-only

concert, accompanied on stage by musicians of

the St. Louis Symphony. 314.961.0644 or

opera-stl.org

Circus Flora

8

Power2give.org/GreaterStLouis is a crowdfunding plat-

form supported by the Arts and Education Council

with a lead contribution from the Arthur and Helen

Baer Foundation. To-date, the site has raised over $105,000

for area arts and arts education organizations.

In November 2014, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’

posted their “Changing Young Lives Through Theatre,” proj-

ect to power2give.org and successfully met its $2,500 goal.

Funds donated to the project provided tickets and transpor-

tation to over 150 students from underserved populations

that have little or no access to arts programming.

Participants in the program attended The Rep’s produc-

tion of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in January 2015.

“Having been turned down for a grant to provide tickets and

transportation to student matinee performances recently,

The Rep had some very disappointed students and educa-

tors,” said Lori Moore-McMullen, director of development for

The Rep. “Power2give.org was a great way for us to find the

dollars we needed, especially with the local match funds, to

give those young people the opportunity to see the magic of

live theatre. We are so grateful for the way donors

responded to this request.”.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was an adaptation of the

award-winning film, and explores topics of family, accep-

tance and tolerance – all of which are timely topics for

today’s youth. The premise of Guess Who’s Coming to

Dinner features a conflict when a progressive couple’s proud

liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter

arrives home with an unexpected fiancé. Expectations of

reality are at odds, and questions of race, fear and cultural

beliefs stare them directly in the face.

“Students from rural Fayette High School in Fayette, MO

were grateful beneficiaries of the power2give.org funding.

Fayette is a small city, less than 3,000 people. The entire

high school has 191 students,” said Angela Howard, English,

Speech and Drama teacher. “There is very little to do in

this community; if you want to see a movie, you drive

forty-five minutes to an hour to Columbia. Many [students]

do not have internet or cable. Needless to say, my students

have not seen much, and many have never seen a live

theatre performance.

“As their teacher and a theatre professional, I know the

importance of introducing young people to theatre,”

Howard adds. “Theatre helps students recognize beauty,

become more sensitive, and walk in another’s shoes. For

many, this will possibly be the only time they will see live

theatre. You all gave them a great gift and this teacher

thanks you many times over.”

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is an Arts and Education

Council Sustaining Grant recipient. For more information, visit

repstl.org.

Did you know that power2give.org is the only crowd-

funding site dedicated to arts and culture?

In today’s changing philanthropic landscape,

power2give.org has become a powerful new fundraising

tool. In November 2013, A&E launched power2give.org/

GreaterStLouis with a lead contribution from the Arthur

and Helen Baer Foundation. Since that time, the site has

raised over $105,000 for more than 40 local arts projects

and organizations.

Keep checking power2give.org/GreaterStLouis for

weekly updates and new projects in need of your support.

POWER2GIVE.ORG UPDATE: Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” scene with Richard Prioleau as

John Prentice, Jr. and Leo Finnie as John Prentice, Sr.

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Students watch a performance of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

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9

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

(OTSL) celebrates its 40th

season this summer with

expansions in programming, a new

look for the OTSL brand and website,

a series of special events and an

American premier opera in this year’s

festival season.

Patrons of Opera Theatre of Saint

Louis may have already noticed the

new OTSL logo and website. The new

site, rolled out in April, offers in-depth

information about OTSL’s history and

role in shaping American opera. Also

new this year as part of the 40th anni-

versary celebration, is the creation

and launch of an “Innovation Capital

Fund.” The fund is part of a five-year

strategic plan that aims to help the

organization continue to develop

initiatives designed to bring the com-

munity together. OTSL also plans

to expand its young artist programs

with a new initiative called the

“Gaddes Festival Artist” program,

named in honor of the company’s

first general director.

The first event honoring OTSL’s

anniversary is the 40th Anniversary

Avant-Garde Gala at Hunter Farms on

May 2. All three OSTL General Directors

(past and present) will be in attendance,

as well as major opera stars discov-

ered during each of their tenures. A

portion of the proceeds will support

the new “Innovation Capital Fund.”

The following week, OSTL will host

its second annual Spring Sing! concert

May 9. At the concert, season artists

will sing side-by-side with members of

the community and special guests will

kick off the concert. OTSL aims to

have 400 singers from all around St.

Louis participate. The Normandy High

School choir will be part of the event;

continuing the work that OTSL began

in September with the

#WithNormandy concert.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is also

holding a brand new Center Stage

concert celebrating its highly competi-

tive Gerdine Young Artists (GYA) pro-

gram. This one night only event on

June 23, will be emceed by soprano

Stephanie Blythe, who appeared in

27 last season, and baritone Aubrey

Allicock who appeared in Champion in

2013. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’

Music Director Stephen Lord will con-

duct the St. Louis Symphony on stage

at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the

concert and open the night with the

overture to Don Pasquale, the first

opera OTSL staged in 1976.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis was

founded in the spring of 1976 with

funding support from the Arts and

Education Council. “The Arts and

Education Council supported the effort

to create Opera Theatre of Saint

Louis,” commented Cynthia A. Prost,

president of the Arts and Education

Council. “We are thrilled to celebrate

its 40th anniversary. Opera Theatre

has become an essential part of the St.

Louis arts community not only with

their stellar annual festival but also

with their year-long education pro-

grams and training and development

of young opera singers.”

In addition to events celebrating its

40th anniversary, OTSL is staging four

operas for its summer festival season:

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Puccini’s

La Rondine, the American premiere of

Handel’s Richard the Lionheart, and a

new production of Tobias Picker’s saga,

Emmeline.

For more information, visit

opera-stl.org. ARTS Cards members

get 2-for-1 admission to select perfor-

mances of this year’s OTSL season

festival. See page 6-7.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is an Arts

and Education Council Sustaining Grant

recipient.

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Celebrates Its 40th season

Soprano Sheri Greenawald as Pamina in the

1980 production of The Magic Flute.

(L to R) Dancers with Sean Panikkar as Tamino and Alexandra Parsons as dream Pamina in

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2014 production of The Magic Flute.

Ken

Ho

ward

Ken

Ho

ward

10

Summer is almost here! There’s

no better way to welcome the

warm weather than by enjoying

the St. Louis arts scene. Catch a show,

enroll your child in camp or participate

in a workshop. Here are some of the

family-friendly summer arts activies in

the St. Louis area.

PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

Laumeier Sculpture Park offers a

great space for outdoor summer play

including numerous events, many of

which are free! To kick off the summer,

Laumeier is hosting its annual Art Fair

May 8-10. Tickets are $10 for adults

and $5 for ages 6-11, children ages 5

and under are free. Laumeier is also

offering Teen Pizza and Art night, July

17 from 7-9:30 p.m. For $20, teens

ages 13-17 can experiment with a vari-

ety of materials while enjoying pizza

and the park.

Mark your calendars for five Free

Family Days on May 17, June 21, July 19,

August 16 and September 20 from

2-4 pm. Participants are provided with

activities designed to create art using

a variety of materials. Recommended

for ages 4 and up. For more informa-

tion, visit laumeiersculpturepark.org.

Summer at COCA includes the pro-

duction of Bring It On the Musical,

June 26-27 at the Edison Theatre.

Bring It On the Musical takes audiences

on a journey through complex friend-

ships, jealousy and forgiveness. The

show is recommended for ages 12 and

up. Tickets are $16. For more informa-

tion, visit cocastl.org.

STAGES St. Louis presents a child-

hood favorite, Disney’s The Aristocrats,

June 3-28 at The Playhouse at Westport

Plaza. Audiences will clap their paws

and wag their tails to jazzy beats.

There are games and special activities

one hour before each performance.

For more information, visit

stagesstlouis.org.

Circus Flora returns with a new pro-

duction titled One Summer on 2nd

Street. Audiences will be taken back to

the Jazz Age when cities grew rapidly,

becoming home to families from a vari-

ety of backgrounds and cultures. For

more information visit circusflora.org.

Craft Alliance “Crafternoons” on

Sundays in Grand Center are a perfect

activity for families and students of all

ages and experiences. For a small

tuition and materials fee, participants

explore and work with different media,

including clay, paper piercing, silk scarf

making and fold forming. For more

information visit craftalliance.org.

The Muny also offers a variety of

events for families this summer.

Hairspray, the winner of eight Tony®

Awards including Best Musical returns

to the Muny stage (June 23-30). The

catch the Disney classic, Beauty and

the Beast (July 29- August 3). Tickets

range from $14 to $87. For more

information, visit muny.org.

ART CAMPS

Laumeier Sculpture Park offers art

camp for children ages 4-15 (June

15-July 31). Camps include: Go Green:

Edible Art-able outdoors, which

explores nature through art and food;

Art on the Fringe, exploring under-

ground work of guerilla art; Super You:

Adventures in Animation; Tried & True

or Totally New; and The Good, the Bad

& the Fluffy. Camps are $180, and

include lunch and snacks daily. Scholar-

ships are available. For more informa-

tion visit laumeiersculpturepark.org.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

offers three sessions of Camp

Shakespeare, full-day workshops led

by experienced Shakespeare Festival

Teaching Artists. Campers will train in

voice, movement, stage combat and

physical comedy. Sessions runs from

June 8-26, July 6-24, and July 27-

August 7. Another camp offered by

SFSTL is “Beyond the Bard,” for ages

14-18, which uses classical text and

Shakespeare as inspiration for students

to experiment with monologues and

scenes. Finally, SFSTL partners with

COCA to offer four age-specific sec-

tions to campers: Shakespeare Stories:

Kings and Fairies for ages 6-7;

Shakespeare Explorers: Jesters & Fools

for ages 8-10; Playing Shakespeare for

ages 11-13; and Shakespeare’s Combat

for ages 14-18. Camp costs range from

$350 to $495. For more information

visit sfstl.com.

Craft Alliance is offering 11 one-

week, half-day camps this summer

from June 1-August 14. Put two camps

together to spend the entire day being

creative, with supervision provided

during lunch and before and after care

available. Craft Alliance also offers

teen camps that meet for one week

sessions focusing on creative tech-

niques in glass, metal and clay. One-

week half-day camps cost $180. For

more information, visit craftalliance.org.

Metro Theatre Company offers two

different summer camps for four total

sessions. The first camp, Monster

Camp, is offered June 15-19 and June

22-26 for students in grades 1-5.

Campers will explore drama and visual

art with Metro’s theater professionals.

Creative Arts Camp, the second camp

offered, runs July 27-31 and August

3-7. Campers will play, explore, build

and create through activities that

include yoga, sculpting, drama, story-

telling, water fun and more. This camp

is open to ages 4-11. For more informa-

tion visit metrotheatercompany.org.

KIDS IN THE ARTS: The 2015 Summer Activity Guide

A student at COCA’s summer camp.

A student painting at Laumeier Sculpture

Park’s summer camp.

When it comes to

getting colleagues

excited about

donating to the Arts &

Education Council,

Courtney Strong

believes in thinking

big. Very, very, very big.

The first year she was

involved in an A&E Workplace

Giving Campaign at Edward Jones, Strong helped put

together a flash mob to kick off the Campaign at the

Fortune 500 investment firm. The second year, she helped

coordinate the company’s first-ever campaign music video

with cameos by some Edward Jones partners. The video

got associates talking – and giving. The third year, looking

to top the first music video, she added a dance finale with

more than 150 Edward Jones associates and branch teams

dancing to Fitz & the Tantrum’s song “The Walk.”

When this year’s Workplace Giving Campaign com-

mences at Edward Jones on May 8, Strong promises that

the kick-off video will be creative and impactful. “We have

some great ideas she says. “We’re planning to utilize A&E’s

new imagery and tagline, ‘One Gift. A Million Returns!’”

Strong notes that individuals and companies can feel

good that the dollars they donate to A&E go to fund so

many worthy arts organizations, both big and small.

“Rather than having to choose to give to one or two,

A&E makes sure so many arts organizations here can

thrive,” said Strong. “That’s one thing I tell (colleagues)

when encouraging them to give to A&E. At Edward Jones,

we talk a lot about the return on the investment. Not only

do the arts enhance the overall community, making it a

more vibrant, culturally rich place to live, but when chil-

dren get involved at a young age, arts education also

helps improve their school performance and test scores.”

Edward Jones conducts A&E’s largest Workplace

Giving Campaign, with an associate participation rate of

nearly 70 percent. Edward Jones has donated more than

$7 million to A&E since 1978 with more than $4 million

coming from its workplace giving efforts. In 2014, Edward

Jones partners and associates were honored as “Corporate

Champions of the Arts” at the St. Louis Arts Awards and

received the national Americans for the Arts “BCA 10” award

as one of the ten “Best Businesses Partnering with the Arts

in America.”

Strong, who lives in Webster Groves, explains that she

grew up loving the arts. “I played the recorder in elementary

school,” she said. “Then I decided on the viola. I got my

first one at age 11 and played in the orchestra until college.”

She currently does photography and enjoys going to

art galleries and music concerts. “I really couldn’t imagine

my life without the arts,” she said. “It just gives me such

pleasure.”

11

Circle of Giving February 1, 2015 – March 31, 2015

$10,000 - $24,999.99

Louis D. Beaumont Fund

No. 1 of the Greater

Saint Louis Community

Foundation

$2,500 - $4,999.99

Mr. and Mrs. James G. Berges

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard T.

Eschbach

Ms. Barbara B. Goodman

$1,000 - $2,499.99

John and Dora R. Gianoulakis

Ms. Cary D. Hobbs

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Holton

Linda and Paul Lee

Mr. and Mrs. John Peters

MacCarthy

Ms. Janet W. Newcomb

Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Priest

The following donors have made gifts that enable the Arts

and Education Council to help preserve St. Louis’ legacy of

artistic excellence and enrich its cultural community. A&E

appreciates the continued support from these individuals,

businesses and organizations. Thank you!

Dr. Vicki L. Sauter

Andrew and Kellie Trivers

Ms. Caren A. Vredenburgh

$500 - $999.99

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Doyle

Mrs. Mary Harris

Mr. and Mrs. Venable M. Houts

Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Macon

Mr. Samuel Mitchell

Mr. and Mrs. Robert B.

Offerman

Mr. and Mrs. Zsolt Rumy

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce D. Ryder

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher

Tennill

Correction: In our last issue

Mrs. Joan S. Goodson ($1,000 -

$2,499) was mistakenly listed

as Mrs. John S. Goodson.

We apologize for our error.

WHY I GIVE

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Courtney Strong

Summer camp at Laumeier Sculpture Park. See page 10 for

more details.

To make your gift to the Arts and Education Council, visit KeepArtHappening.org

or contact Kate Francis, Vice President of Development at (314) 289-4003.

2013 Missouri Arts Award-Philanthropy

Centene Center for Arts and Education

3547 Olive Street

St. Louis, Missouri 63103-1014

2012 Spirit of Philanthropy Award

/ArtsAndEducation ArtsAndEducSTL@ArtEdStl/GreaterStLouis

Join the Arts and Education Council’s Chairman Circle

(with a $1,000 or more donation) and receive your invitation

to the exclusive event of the season!

A Night at the OperaWednesday, June 10, 2015

Dinner and cocktails followed by a performance

of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’

Barber of SevilleGioachino Rossini’s Comedic Opera Masterpiece

This event is generously underwritten by Chairman Circle Member

and A&E Board Member, Barbara B. Goodman.

Non-Profit Org.US POSTAGE

PAIDST LOUIS MO

PERMIT NO 3252

Address Service Requested

may-june 2015 happenings

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