We are proud to feature many St. Louis-based artists in the CAM POP shop, many of whom have created CAM exclusives—just in time for the holidays.

Amy Thompson presents gorgeous calendars, funky coasters, and unique letterpress games from her company, Paper Boat Studios. Amy teaches book design and typography at Maryville University and operates two Chandler & Price letterpress printing presses—Leona and Dolly—out of her Cherokee Street storefront.

Jenny Murphy is the founder and executive director of Perennial. Inspired by objects discarded on the side of the road, Jenny started Perennial as a way to fight back against the consumer culture that leads to such waste. For CAM, she has made amazing “do-it-yourself” kits, including one for making coasters out of wine corks.

Scarves, coasters, and dishtowels from screen printer Amanda Gray-Swain of Sprouted Designs feature natural images that Amanda photographs and then transfers to the screen.

And last but not least, multi-talented Gina Alvarez has created sweet and delicate necklaces as well as gorgeous shadow boxes with small pieces of her art. Look for her pieces under the name Fox and Whale. (I think they are a treasure and own two shadow boxes myself.)

Just for the holidays, several of these artists are making CAM exclusives. Special snow globes, paper garlands made from letterpress remnants, and scarves will be on sale starting next week.

See you at CAM!

Judy Glik, Firecracker Marketworks

One of my favorite “comfort movies”—those special films you can pop in the DVD player anytime or can’t resist finishing out if you catch it on cable—is Alexander Payne’s Election, from 1999. The many snappy lines and inspired comedic acting notwithstanding, it remains a great testimonial to the fact that one vote can indeed make a massive difference. On November 6, those of voting age who haven’t already done early voting will head to the election booths yet again to cast their ballot for congressmen and women, senators, governors, and of course, the President of the United States. While there really isn’t such a thing as an insignificant race in an election—every office signifying in some way a political decision made by the electorate—it is, of course, the presidential election that most visibly and comprehensively reflects the way the nation as a whole perceives itself and where it wants the country to go.

Rather than sit passively on the sidelines of this important election between two rival candidates/parties with often diametrically opposed visions of how the country should be run, CAM has welcomed a provocative work by New York-based artist Jonathan Horowitz–Your Land/My Land: Election ’12–into the lobby as a way for our audience to reflect on, or perhaps even cope with, the forthcoming election. The basics of the installation include the division of the museum’s main entrance space into blue and red carpeted halves; suspended video monitors continuously streaming MSNBC and Fox News broadcasts simultaneously; and portraits of Mitt Romney (leaning on the wall) and Barack Obama (presented above on the same wall), set to change position or remain static depending on the election’s outcome. Beyond the implied sense of participation of being immediately immersed within the work, CAM has held debate screenings and invites the public to watch the results of the elections the night of November 6.

The event will not only fulfill Horowitz’s vision for the work to function in a “public” capacity but offers St. Louisans an opportunity to truly feel part of a larger civic collective on such an important night. I hope you’ll come join to watch the results, but first, be sure to VOTE!!!!

By Dominic Molon, Chief Curator

CAM POP is the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis’s innovative new retail space, consisting of a series of focused pop-up shops that change with each new exhibition season. One: Contemporary Design is CAM POP’s debut shop, featuring products from carefully selected artists and artisans that relate to new trends in contemporary design.

Our opening selection features artists who are creating innovative work right here in St. Louis. Tied to the current exhibition by Jonathan Horowitz, Your Land/My Land: Election ’12, and CAM’s debate watch parties, we thought we’d feature some political items to make you laugh. From Bobbi Nesladeck of Down Zipper, “Barack” and “Mitt” squeek toys for dogs are one of our best-selling items, and we love supporting this witty local artist.

We also asked Brooke Pratt from Sucre Shop make “Barack” and “Mitt” wooden spoons. Brooke’s work has been featured in the national magazines Martha Stewart Living, People, and Redbook, as well as locally in Feast. Wouldn’t it be fun to use these candidate specific utensils at your next political gathering? Which one would you choose? Which toy would your dog choose? Let the debate begin!

For the non-political shoppers out there, local artists Gina Alvarez, Amanda Verbeck, Amy Thompson, Amanda Gray-Swain, and Heidi Neuman lend creative twists to traditional items like dish towels, coasters, and jewelry. As their work has proved tremendously popular, we’re commissioning them to create CAM exclusives for the holiday season. Stayed tuned for fun and unique holiday gifts, only available at CAM.

National artists like Asheville ceramist Heather Knight and Minneapolis jeweler Tia Keobounpheng also bring fresh, cutting-edge design to the mix. And we have toys and items for children too!

One: Contemporary Design is only open through December 30. Afterwards, we’ll make room for our next pop-up shop concept, which will coincide with CAM’s spring exhibition season. We receive new jewelry, gifts, and toys weekly, and every purchase you make at CAM POP supports CAM and the artists we feature. Don’t miss out—come by often!

By Judy Glik, Firecracker Marketworks