All posts by Kranzberg Arts Foundation

20 Nov 2025

New Winter Hours at The Walls Off Washington and The Walls Market

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With the days growing ever shorter, The Walls Off Washington and The Market at The Walls Off Washington are changing to winter hours, open Wednesday through Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. at 3333 Washington Avenue in the Grand Center Arts District. The holiday season is a magical time to experience the incredible murals of The Walls with family and friends—especially those visiting from out of town. 

Experience over 33 thought-provoking murals by renowned local, national, and international artists painted on (and off) walls between Josephine Baker Blvd. to N. Leonard Ave. and Locust St. to Sam Shepard Blvd. The Walls recently added two new murals by renowned artists Kenny Scharf and Brock Seals. Stop by The Market and pick up a self-guided tour map at the counter to begin your tour. 

In addition to serving as the gateway to The Walls, The Market is a central hub for information, local artisan goods, KAF venue merchandise and a full-service box office selling tickets to performances and events at all KAF venues—great holiday gift options that celebrate our local artists. The Market is offering a special holiday discount of 25% off all KAF venue, MATI*, and Elemental merchandise from Black Friday through New Year’s Eve!

*Excludes For The Ville Boots On The Ground fundraiser T-shirt.

14 Nov 2025

St. Louis Arts Scene Gets a National Spotlight

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Forbes art and travel writer Chadd Scott recently put St. Louis’ art scene back in the national spotlight with his article, Why St. Louis Is A World-Class Art Destination. The article delves into the Saint Louis Art Museum’s landmark exhibition, Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, running through January 25, 2026, as a major get for St. Louis. It also explores the bevy of free art experiences offered by St. Louis institutions including the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, The Pulitzer, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and KAF’s own Legends’ Gallery and the Walls Off Washington. 

 

This isn’t the first time Scott has touted St. Louis, and the Grand Center Arts District in particular. In June 2023, Scott published his article titled, America’s Most Exciting Emerging Arts District is in…St. Louis?, in which he touted everything the district has to offer from the Angad Arts Hotel to Powell Hall, CAM, The Pulitzer, Jazz St. Louis. The Walls Off Washington, High Low, MATI and more. With his enthusiasm, Scott let the world in on the “secret” many in St. Louis already know—that the arts thrive here. 

 

“Two years ago, Chadd called Grand Center the most exciting ‘emerging,’ arts district in America. Since that time, I believe we have grown further into the most exciting arts district period,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “We are no longer ‘emerging’ – we are here and drawing attention and visitors throughout St. Louis, across the region and from around the country. Our arts scene currently rivals those in any major U.S. city and the passion of our artists is unmatched.”

 

In its fifth year, the newly expanded MATI Festival & Conference also received national attention, with stellar write-ups in Essence and PopCulture.com. MATI’s new format brought the entire Grand Center Arts District community together to offer programming spanning music, visual arts, poetry, theatre and more.

 

“As our arts institutions and artists continue to move forward in the spirit of collaboration, there is no limit to the heights we can reach,” Hansen says.

14 Nov 2025

Visual, Architectural and Cultural Histories of St. Louis Meet in Motion at The Key

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Stepping into The Key Burger Bar & Boogie, patrons are greeted by a dynamic illustrated universe created by St. Louis based Cuban artists splashed across the walls, but the story doesn’t end there. Displayed on the side of the building at Olive and Compton, and the interior walls of The Boogie, revived and reframed tifos from St. Louis City SC’s inaugural season act as Polaroid portraits of players in action, expanding the definition of what constitutes civic art. 

Inside the elevated Gallery Lounge, historic photographs honor seminal St. Louis performers, including Josephine Baker, Katherine Dunham, Tina Turner, and Dan Coleman, whose choreography and teaching shaped generations. These works serve as the opening chapter of the visual narrative, situating the venue within a continuum of movement-based cultural legacy. 

Displayed elsewhere in the venue are additional significant items from supporter groups and the Vogt Family archive, offered on generous loan and in collaboration with artist and supporter B.j. Vogt. Together, these artifacts highlight the depth and endurance of St. Louis fan culture and its indelible role in the expressive identity of the city.

“The curatorial vision for this venue is anchored in the belief that movement in all its forms—dance, sport, music, gathering—is a core language of the city. The Key’s visual identity draws from this lineage and continually reimagines it for the present,” says Gina Grafos, KAF Chief Curator and Director of Visual and Literary Arts. “Like many of KAF’s venues, the identity of The Key is not fixed, but rather intentionally conceived as an additive curation process. Installations will shift with the seasons, inviting new artists, artifacts, collaborations and activations from both local and international voices. Over time, the venue will continue to engage in dialogue with its community, allowing each visual layer to build upon the last.”

“The Key is envisioned as an evolving cultural environment shaped within two historic buildings preserved from demolition and given a new purpose,” Grafos continues. “Its curation honors where STL has been, celebrates where the city is now, and remains open to the new rhythms yet to arrive. And somewhere in that constellation, there will always be a disco ball or two.”

07 Nov 2025

David Kirkman “GONZO” Artist Reception & Screening, Friday, November 14, 6-8 p.m. at High Low Gallery.

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Join St. Louis filmmaker and Kranzberg Artist in Residence David Kirkman for a special artist reception and screening of episodes 1 and 2 of his series, “GONZO,”  a coming-of-age story set in 2005 following a college student who invents a groundbreaking algorithm that could reshape the world. As his creation threatens powerful industries in this high-stakes drama, the price of innovation is steep, and the fight to protect it even steeper. The first two episodes, starring Jordan Walker and Shawn Roundtree, Jr., will be playing on a loop in the gallery.  

“I wanted to make GONZO because when I learned that Black people only make up four percent of the entire tech industry, I couldn’t stop thinking about what it means to create something world-changing when the odds are already stacked against you,” says Kirkman. “The support from the Black Studies department at Washington University helped ground the series in real history and cultural memory, so even as the narrative evolves, it’s tethered to truth. GONZO is about what happens when that brilliance goes up against global empires and systems designed to keep progress out. It’s a story I’ve never seen told from our point of view.”

07 Nov 2025

High Noon – Martha’s Daughter: Writing About Saint Louis and its Environs with David Haynes, Professor Emeritus of English, Southern Methodist University

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Join us for the weekly High Noon lunch and learn series as author David Haynes discusses a piece of advice he often gives the writers he works with: “Think about how you can give your readers a better sense of where the story takes place.” 

The characters in Haynes’ stories and novels are strongly influenced by the places they live, be that the streets of Saint Paul lined with craftsman cottages, or in most cases, many and various neighborhoods of Saint Louis City and County. He urges writers to consider how they think about evoking a place, and how the places we live in and love shape our imagination. Haynes will share some examples from his most recent collection, Martha’s Daughter: A Novella and Stories.

Haynes is the author of seven novels for adults and five books for younger readers and is an emeritus professor of English at Southern Methodist University, where he directed the creative writing program for ten years.

07 Nov 2025

Staff Spotlight: Director of Community Engagement Arica Foster

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When Arica Foster joined the KAF team back in 2013, the Foundation had not even assembled as an organization and the Kranzberg Arts Center on Grand was its only activation. Residing in the Metropolitan Artists Lofts across the street, Foster was seeking ways to become connected to the Grand Center Arts District community and attended an event at the Kranzberg Arts Center, where she became connected to KAF staffers. The rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward to 2025, and Foster is now the Foundation’s Director of Community Engagement, working daily to build bridges between KAF and the community it serves.

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

My favorite part of my job is to be in position to lift and support artists. I love the opportunity I have to curate programs that create a platform for expression. I also love the way I have grown and have been exposed to amazing culture.

How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?

My role directly supports the KAF mission in so many ways. The fact that I am able to go out into the community and meet people where they are provides the accessibility and inclusiveness that is required to sustain community partnerships and relations.

What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?

I love the rich heritage and legacy that the St. Louis arts community possesses. We are a very diverse, multitalented and authentic community.

What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?

Outside of KAF, I am the founder and producer of PACE STL. PACE is an acronym for, Perform-Arts-Create-Expression. PACE STL celebrated its 10th year of serving the community through free family oriented programming and showcases in February 2025. PACE is a platform that was created to bring an opportunity for artists/creatives to be showcased while providing a cultural experience for the family.

Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?

BeBe the NeoSoul, Root Mod, Lamar Harris and Anita Jackson.

03 Nov 2025

The Sovereign Celebrates Opening with an Official Ribbon Cutting

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The Sovereign Celebrates Opening with an Official Ribbon Cutting

St. Louis’ newest Independent concert venue, The Sovereign, celebrated its recent opening in the Grand Center Arts District with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 29. Created in partnership with and operated by Old Rock House, The Sovereign is the brainchild of Lawrence Group and New + Found CEO Steve Smith, KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen, and Old Rock House Managing Partner Tim Weber.

In addition to the partners, local dignitaries and VIPs including St. Louis Alderwoman Laura Keys; Saint Louis University Provost Mike Lewis; Grand Center, Inc. President and CEO Peg Weathers; Ken and Nancy Kranzberg; and Brooks Goedeker, Executive Director of Saint Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation gathered at 3306 Washington Blvd. to cut the ribbon and officially welcome The Sovereign to St. Louis.

“My singular goal with The Sovereign is to embody the independent spirit of musical artists through a physical venue,” said Weber. “This place has been an absolute labor of love, and I am thrilled to finally introduce it to the great music community in St. Louis.”

The Sovereign Celebrates Opening with an Official Ribbon CuttingWeber said he hopes to have at least 40 shows booked at The Sovereign by the end of the year, with artists Josh Meloy, Josh Ritter, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Pieces of a Dream, Black Stone Cherry, Noise Pollution: The AC/DC Experience, Android Paranoid, Voodoo Tom Petty, and Dr. Zhivegas among the artists already scheduled for 2025.

The Sovereign occupies the former Pavyer Printing Machine Works building, constructed in 1922 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lawrence Group, in collaboration with general contractor Integrate Construction Partners, worked to transform the century-old building into the state-of-the-art, 1,200-capacity concert venue featuring a 40 ft x 32 ft stage, two dedicated green rooms with bathroom/shower, hospitality suite, large lobby area, and two full-service bars and portable bar. 

Designers worked to incorporate elements of the building’s original interior into its redesign, from its exposed brick walls, historic wood-framed storefront, mezzanine, and grand staircase to its high ceilings and classic white mosaic tile floor.

Completion of The Sovereign rides the wave of recent, positive economic development in The Grand Center East area, which recently witnessed the $125 million renovation of historic Powell Hall, home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; the Angad Arts Hotel joining Hilton’s Tapestry Collection; a new tenant in the former Bulrush StL Restaurant; and development of The Key  Burger Bar & Boogie, now open in two historic Olive Street properties that once faced demolition.

For more information about upcoming concerts at The Sovereign, please click here

Photo Credit: Tom Paule Photography

03 Nov 2025

Last Chance to View ‘Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps,’ Through November 12 at Legends Gallery

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This is the final week to experience the landmark art exhibition featuring original fine art by Chuck D inspired by his heroes, legends and peers that serves as a visual deep dive into society and culture. Known worldwide as the founder of Public Enemy, Chuck D ignited a movement with his politically charged lyrics and remains one of the most influential figures in contemporary music. 

Presented by KAF and XYION with Soul Kitchen and curated by Lorrie Boula and St. Louis native Adrian Miller, ‘Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps’ includes standout pieces such as a pair of diptychs: “Black Legends,” which features portraits of Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone presented in mixed media, and “Public Enemy Number One,” featuring a self-portrait of Chuck D alongside his longtime collaborator Flavor Flav. 

These and other works by Chuck D are on view and available for sale at Legends Gallery and on the gallery website through Wednesday, November 12. Legends’ Gallery, located at 3318 Washington Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

03 Nov 2025

“Who’s She To U?”: An Evening of Brandy, Monica & 90s R&B with The DJ JMO; Wednesday, November 5, 6-10 p.m. at Sophie’s Artist Lounge

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Step into a night of smooth harmonies and soulful nostalgia with DJ JMO, spinning the timeless sounds of Brandy, Monica, and the golden era of 90s R&B. From slow jams to sing-along favorites, this evening is all about celebrating the voices and vibes that defined a generation.

Enjoy a curated menu by Chef Terri, crafted to complement the mood — warm, familiar, and full of flavor—and check out Sophie’s new Happy Hour cocktails and special until 7 p.m. Enjoy $6 martinis, $6 rails and $7 House of Brown wines by the glass. 

 Whether you’re catching a groove or reminiscing on love songs past, this night promises nothing but good energy and unforgettable sound.

31 Oct 2025

Murals by Kenny Scharf and Brock Seals Help Bring New KAF Venues to Life

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KAF’s recently-opened venues, The Sovereign and The Key, are not only spaces to enjoy great music, drinks and food, but are now also part of The Walls Off Washington, thanks to two new murals by legendary artists Kenny Scharf and Brock Seals. 

Los Angeles-based artist Scharf returned to St. Louis to create a new mural titled “Kranzbergville: Forever and Ever For Eva to Infinity ∞” on the side of the Sovereign—a riff on his existing mural, “Kranzbergville,” across the street on the side of High Low. The new mural features a village of faces, gestures, and fluttering butterflies (named Mothra and Mothro), reflecting humanity’s  joys, storms, and hope. Each figure and each color stretches toward infinity in a vision of reflection, renewal, responsibility and boundless possibility.

Scharf’s inimitable graffiti paintings gained him notoriety and fame in the New York downtown art scene of the 1980s, where he developed close friendships with other notable artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. He has painted street murals across the country and around the world from New York to L.A., Miami, Philadelphia, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Denmark and more.

“Every project I undertake is building on my past experiences. One very important and guiding principle to my work is to reach out beyond the elitist boundaries of fine art and connect to popular culture through my art,” Scharf says of his work. 

As construction began on The Key, KAF approached Seals, a renowned St. Louis-based artist and musician, about creating a mural for the back of the historic building. “At the time, I’d been working on a lot of music to get people to move and dance, so it was the perfect chance for me to illustrate what I was making musically in an art form,” Seals says.

The mural, titled “The Way We Move,” recalls decades of different dances and movements, from 1950s-60s swing all the way up to present day dance moves — inviting visitors to keep moving and celebrate the enduring heartbeat of this new space. A backlit mini-version of the mural hangs inside the venue’s elevated lounge and gallery.

“To have that same energy living inside of the building is super dope and I love to see it every time I’m in there,” says Seals.”

Guided by KAF trustee and co-curator Mary Ann Srenco, alongside artists and countless collaborators, every façade in The Walls Off Washington honors what has been built, fortifies what remains, and celebrates the dreams still to come.

“What a tribute to STL and to the unwavering vision of The Walls off Washington, that international legend Kenny Scharf and St. Louis’ own regional force of creativity, Brock Seals, have lifted new murals this month that awaken our senses, lift our spirits, and celebrate the rhythm, resilience, and imagination woven into this neighborhood,” says KAF Director and Chief Curator of Visual and Literary Arts Gina Grafos.

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