may-june 2015 happenings
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ÂTRANSCRIPT
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 Page 10 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
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
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
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
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
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
(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
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
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
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
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
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
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
OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS
La Rondine
WHEN: May 30-June 28
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center,
130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves
COST: $25-$129
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
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
OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS
Richard the Lionheart
WHEN: June 7-26
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center,
130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves
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
OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS
Emmeline
WHEN: June 13-27
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center,
130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves
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
OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS
Center Stage
WHEN: June 23
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center,
130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves
COST: $20-$100
DISCOUNT: 2-for-1 admission with ARTS Card
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.
Jerr
y N
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Students watch a performance of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Th
e R
ep
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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