Come explore why the Central West End is at the heART of it all! On the third Saturday of each month, you can experience the neighborhood’s vibrant arts district on McPherson with DIY craft workshops, live music, street performers, artist demonstrations, and more!  

-Explore World-Class Galleries  

Duane Reed Gallery is pleased to present the newest work by St. Louis figurative artist, Victor Wang, along with ceramic sculptor Janice Jakielski, through October 16. Both artists have an emphasis on a strict and masterful process through the use of their materials. According to Wang, “My path through life has been adventurous, exciting, and dream-like. My experience of settling into America in search of better opportunities has been both challenging and inspiring. I use the human face as a vehicle to paint human experiences — worry and wonder, sadness and pleasure — which reflect the emotional stage directly tied to my immigration experiences.”  

Over at Houska Gallery, you can view new work by Craig Carlisle in their main gallery, while Andrea Coates’s work is on display in their upstairs gallery. The idea of meditation and contemplation play a major role in the paintings of artist Craig Carlisle. His paintings articulate indelible images which evoke an emotional response from the viewer. The series of heads are generally large canvas’s deliberately created on a scale that will empower a room. Each expression Carlisle creates in his paintings are meant to pull from one’s subconscious.  

According to Andrea Coates, “As a child, dressing up in costumes, wearing masks, performing, and playing make-believe were all ways I explored my imagination and alternate realities. Its real application grew my confidence and allowed me to experiment with identity and creativity. Using fashion and beauty images as a vehicle for idealized pretend, and family members’ clothing and accessories as a personal medium, I create works that investigate make-believe.” Both exhibitions will be on display through October 16.  

Philip Slein Gallery is known for showing paintings; their mantra has been that they are “a painting gallery.” But to start the Fall season, they are breaking from the past and presenting a wide range of contemporary works on paper. Often called by the generic term “drawings,” works on paper span drawing, collage, photography, watercolor, and plain painting on paper.  

As much as paintings challenge us, these smaller works often reveal a more sensual, and sometime more direct application of an artist’s hand. By having to approach smaller works “up front and personal,” one engages more deeply than viewing from afar. “Works on Paper” will be on display through October 23.  

Barrett Barrera Projects is pleased to announce 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴, a new group exhibition curated by Jennifer Seas taking place at projects+gallery. 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴 is an exhibition that highlights expressive mark-making as a means to explore the material in the maternal and the experience of having a body and therefore a mother. Representations in painting, drawing, photography, fiber, sculpture, and ceramics reveal bodies in transitional states, stretching themselves, often reaching through time toward other bodies that precede or continue their own material existence.  

The artists in this exhibition investigate subjects that include the experience of being a mother; our relationship to the Earth; materiality and tactility; abjection and the grotesque; portraiture and self-portraiture; domestic space; familial relationships; cultural identities; and feelings of love, horror, faith, and loss as they relate to maternal bodies. 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴 will be on display through November 20.

Plus, take a stroll down to Maryland to visit the World Chess Hall of Fame, where they have three different exhibitions on display:  

• Pawns & Passports: Chess Sets from Around the Globe features chess sets from over 30 countries, demonstrating how people from different regions have transformed the pieces to reflect their culture and history. Discover the stories behind the World Chess Hall of Fame’s diverse collection, and learn about how chess has captured the imagination of people around the world.
• Check, Please! Chess Dining & Decor highlights over 150 artifacts including food and drink-themed chess sets, chess-inspired tableware, utensils and decor from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame. Explore immersive environments, including a chess-themed bar and diner, that display artifacts as they were originally intended to be used.
• Masterminds: Chess Prodigies is an exhibition that tells the stories of notable chess prodigies including Bobby Fischer, World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen and the Polgar sisters. Through photographs, videos and mementos of important chess matches and tournaments from the collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, visitors will learn more about these talented young players as well as their later accomplishments. The exhibition will also highlight the achievements of players who took up the game later in life and still made a mark on the world of chess.

-Shop Local Boutiques  

While you’re on McPherson, stroll through Centro’s curated showroom, offering high-design home furnishings, or pop into The Silver Lady to shop a unique selection of sterling silver jewelry. For a feel-good shopping experience, head to Enchanting Embellishments to browse unique gifts, accessories, designer jewelry, and clothing. Click here for a full CWE shopping directory.  

-Experience DIY Craft Workshops  

Don’t miss an opportunity to bring out your inner artist! Each Saturday during the Art Stroll, Perennial will be on-site from 12-4 p.m., leading DIY craft workshops for anyone to participate in (free of charge)! Established in 2011, Perennial is a St. Louis non-profit dedicated to creative reuse — the process of artistically transforming discarded goods into objects of worth. They turn trash in to amazing items and teach the community to do the same!  

On Saturday, September 18, join the creative folks of Perennial to craft magnetic art using upcycled materials! We’ll use upcycled bottlecaps, non-toxic glue, and papers salvaged from reclaimed books + more to craft custom magnets to adorn whatever surface your heart desires! Tables will be set up along the sidewalk on McPherson. Stop by anytime to start creating. (Please note: seating is first-come, first serve).  

-Listen to Live Music  

–Enjoy Street Performers, Artist Demonstrations, and More!  

Plus, if you work up an appetite, there are plenty of nearby restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Pi Pizzeria, Mission Taco Joint, Salt+Smoke, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Up-Down STL, Cocina Latina, and Evangeline’s Bistro are all within walking distance from McPherson. For a full list of neighborhood restaurants, click here!