While KAF’s venues and work are primarily based in the Grand Center Arts District, the Foundation is committed to reaching beyond its physical footprint to bring arts programming into the broader St. Louis metro community. To that end, in 2022 KAF formed a partnership with the St. Louis County Library to bring free arts-based programming and cultural enrichment to County Library branches.
The programming is made possible by a $200,000 endowment from KAF to the St. Louis County Library Foundation in order to develop and utilize library spaces as artistic venues and provide an arts based approach to community development. The KAF Gallery inside the beautiful new Clark Family Branch on Lindbergh Blvd. currently features nearly 50 artworks from Nancy and Ken Kranzberg’s Collection. This new space is now a permanent extension of the gallery spaces at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation.
Kranzberg programming at SLCL includes the Kranzberg Jazz Jam the first Thursday of every month at the Lewis and Clark Branch (9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd), an extension of the original weekly Jazz Jam that has been held at The Dark Room for the past 13 years. Hosted by musician and educator Harvey Lockhart, this vibrant monthly gathering brings jazz within reach for people of all ages and backgrounds, while celebrating St. Louis’ jazz legacy and future. The Jazz Jam continues to grow and thrive, becoming not only a fixture of the library, but a beloved staple in the broader community.
The Music Mondays series at the Florissant Valley Branch (195 New Florissant Rd., South) takes place on the second Monday of each month, showcasing musical performances from a range of Kranzberg-connected artists. Since its inception, Music Monday has featured Kranzberg Artist in Residence Drea Vocalz, local staples like Laka Soul, dynamic ensembles such as Kinfolk and Them, and powerful vocalists like Lady J Huston, among others—demonstrating the deep musical talent rooted in our region.
Kranzberg Arts Foundation, in collaboration with St. Louis County Government and St. Louis County Library, also supported civic engagement efforts across three branch locations, which served as open community meeting spaces to gather public input on the design of the newly released St. Louis County flag. The flag was created by Hayveyah McGowan and José Garza, both current visual artists in the Kranzberg Artist in Residency program.
“The partnership between KAF and SLCL is a powerful tool for developing dynamic relationships and meaningful community engagement. The alliance has created an opportunity for artists and musicians to connect with an audience of diverse people,” says KAF Community Engagement Director Arica Foster.
