KAF’s Visual Arts program saw incredible growth and landmark exhibitions in 2025 across its six galleries and 34 public murals, with an emphasis on artist care, radical welcoming, professional development, community engagement, and regional impact.
The Walls Off Washington added new commissions including a mural by Dominic Chambers in partnership with Saint Louis University and St. Louis Literary Award exploring the underground railroad in St. Louis; a mural expansion by internationally renowned artist Kenny Scharf at The Sovereign and adjacent facades; and a new mural by Brock Seals in the courtyard at The Key.
In conjunction with the 2025 MATI Festival & Conference in September, KAF opened the new Legends’ Gallery with the landmark exhibition “Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps” featuring the art of visionary/artist/music icon and Public Enemy founder Chuck D, who visited the gallery for a highly attended reception and Artist Talk. In December, the gallery partnered with a co-producer of the national tour of The Wiz as it made its return to The Fabulous Fox for the pop-up exhibition “Through Oz: Exploring the role of imagination, fantasy, and joy in times of upheaval,” honoring this timeless classic story.
At Sophie’s Artist Lounge, another landmark exhibition, ‘To STL With Love’ – Celebrating Hip Hop Culture in St. Louis,” opened in the fall, continuing through January 2026. Produced by Kris Blackmon in collaboration with KAF, this thorough, multidisciplinary exhibition documents, celebrates, and uplifts the artists, venues, media, and cultural moments that have shaped the St. Louis hip-hop scene over the past several decades. A diverse offering of exhibitions by KAF visual Artists In Residence and other local talents rotated through the galleries at The Kranzberg, High Low, The Dark Room and the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County Library.
Heading into 2026, more exciting new commissions are planned for The Walls off Washington, expanding its reach further into the district, and major exhibitions are scheduled across KAF galleries, along with the continued restoration and expansion of public art corridors. The first of these exhibitions will be announced shortly after the New Year. Please visit the Visual Arts page of our website for complete exhibition information and gallery hours.
