The Contemporary’s 5^th Annual City-Wide Open Studios has been a whirlwind of a week, and it’s not even time to visit the artists’ studios yet! That starts tomorrow, but St. Louis art enthusiasts have been enjoying the events that have been leading up to the big weekend. Here’s a recap of what’s been going on:

First of all, for those of you who aren’t familiar with City-Wide Open Studios, it’s an opportunity for St. Louis residents to spend a wonderful summer weekend exploring artists’ studios at their own pace. Participating artists work in a wide range of media including painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, fiber arts, ceramics, jewelry, wood, glass, metal, video, new media, and performance art. Being able to visit local artists in their own studios adds a personal and meaningful touch to the art that is being created, and we love the program because it directly connects artists with those that are interested in their work. At the Contemporary, we are all about engaging the public with the most relevant and innovative art being made today, and Open Studios is the best (and most fun) way to do that.

 City-Wide Open Studios kicked off with a Preview Party on Tuesday, July 20^th. Guests started filing in at 6pm sharp and were surrounded by work from over 150 participating artists, and we soon had 720 people joining in on the fun. The colorful, unique pieces lined the walls of the contemporary, and several of the artists were on hand to directly speak with the guests about the pieces they were presenting. St. Louis art fanatics mingled with the artists and each other, and shared their thoughts on the pieces they were seeing. Oh, and you also might have noticed the Pi Pizza Truck and ice cream truck parked outside the museum – they were a little hard to miss.  Party goers were more than excited about the trucks, and soon the courtyard was filled with people happily eating and drinking beer from Schlafly. As one party guest was finishing up his beer, he high-fived his friend, happily shouting, “The Contemporary can throw one heck of a party!”

The fun kept on going last night, July 22^nd, as we held a film screening inside the museum. Herb and Dorothy (dir. Megumi Sasaki, 2008), tells the story of Herbert Vogel, a postal clerk, and librarian Dorothy, who together and with modest means built one of the most important contemporary art collections in history. Admission was free, and so was the popcorn and Schlafly beer. A great time was had by all who attended!

Tomorrow and Sunday from 10 am-4 pm, the public is invited to tour as many artists’ studios as they can fit in. Don’t forget, you can find the map and any other details you may need at OpenStudiosOnline.org. Map your route and enjoy your day of discovering Contemporary Art!

To wrap up the week, be sure to join us on Sunday, July 25, from 4-8 pm for the Open Studios BBQ. Celebrate the end of an art-filled weekend in the Contemporary’s Courtyard with a barbecue from Pappy’s Smokehouse and ice-cold local beer from Schlafly. Enjoy Ted Drewes frozen custard and catch up with friends and artists while listening to the Rum Drum Trio. It’s just $10 to get in, and it’s free for participating artists and children.

There is a lot going on, so hopefully you found or are going to find some way to join in the celebration of art in St. Louis. As always, thank you for your support, and have a blast!