Queeny Park Getting Splash of Color

The Greater St. Louis Art Association will be hosting their Spring Art Fair at Queeny Park in Ballwin this weekend, beginning Friday night and running through Sunday afternoon. The fair will play host to more than one hundred artists from all over the Midwest and the nation at large, but many are St. Louis locals.

“It’s a lovely venue for the show because we’re inside and do not have to worry about the weather,” said Phyllis Roewe, a long-time Ballwin resident and featured artist at the fair.  She has been participating in the fair on and off for 15 years, and said she always is astounded by the variety of art on display.

The atmosphere this weekend will be casual and patrons are encouraged to wander between booths to examine all of the art presented. The fair contains works of nearly every media imaginable, including paintings, sculpture, woodcarving, jewelry and more, much of which will be on sale.

Other offerings of the fair will include live jazz music throughout the weekend and a wine-tasting Friday evening to compliment the fair’s relaxed atmosphere. Organizers also will highlight up and coming artists by awarding art scholarships to local high school students whose exhibits reflect a promising future in the arts.

Finally, Sunday afternoon will contain a “Kids Art Discovery Program” for children ages 5-12 and their parents to learn the basics of creating art and encouraging creativity.

Chrystal Jackson is another featured artist from Ballwin who is extremely encouraging of promoting the arts in young people. She has been painting in watercolor for over 75 years and taught art for several decades. This weekend, she will be adding names to her wait list of potential new pupils.

Jackson said she encourages young artists not to be complacent, and reminds them that sustaining oneself on artwork alone is not always possible.

“Instead of a grain of sand, we should try and be a shell,” Jackson said. “Even if you need to work a day job, at least create during your vacation.”

The is a group of local artists who strive to improve one another’s creativity and to promote art education to people of all ages.

All participating artists are members of the Greater St. Louis Art Association, as it is a requirement to be considered for the show. Many said they’re thankful for the organization.

“I think it is a wonderful group,” Jackson said. “They do everything possible to bring out the best in us.”

What: Greater St. Louis Art Association Spring Art Fair
Where:  Edgar M. Queeny Park in Ballwin
When: Friday, April 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday April 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission:  Tickets are $5 at the door, but go to http://www.gslaa.org/ for a $1 off coupon. Patrons 18 years-old or younger may attend free.