The Market @ The Walls Off Washington Manager Eric Schoolcraft was introduced to KAF in 2016 as a part-time bartender in the Foundation’s various stage and theater venues, but it wasn’t until 2024 that he took on his full-time role helping get the Market up and running in time for the 2024 MATI Festival and Conference. He’s been at the helm of the Market ever since as the friendly face patrons are greeted with as they enter to begin a tour of The Walls or purchase KAF venue tickets and merchandise
What drew you to the organization?
Bartending was a good fit as I pursued my fine art efforts more seriously. Meanwhile, I had quickly fallen in love with the KAF mission. Eight years of watching it grow with fierce intent—and grow and GROW—grew into me knowing several venues’ ins and outs, clients and residents. All of that time being a public face for KAF had transformed me into something of an unofficial ambassador. A few “KAFamily” members had been trying to get me to take on a full-time position for several of those years. Running the Market @ The Walls Off Washington seemed like the first good fit for me.
What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?
The enthusiasm and looks of surprise on the faces of the general public when I get to enlighten them about KAF’s mission, upcoming exhibitions, musical performances, theater productions, and/or special events that KAF’s amazing team brings to life is pretty gratifying. Not to mention the variety of possibilities of how they can be a part of it all.
How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?
The murals at the Walls Off Washington are a more immediately accessible form of fine art to most people who may not be regular arts patrons or gallery exhibition attendees. I get to be a public face that welcomes the everyman to the arts, bypassing any perceptions of snooty gatekeepers one might typically encounter in a similar situation. Hopefully they’re enticed or curious enough about all of the other things happening in KAF’s orbit to step further into what’s going on. Even if they don’t, hopefully they’re not as intimidated by the next opportunity to engage the arts.
What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?
I always say there are only two degrees of separation in St. Louis, but I’m forever surprised by the number of artists I meet here on a regular basis. Though there is a broad spectrum of lofty to low-brow creativity in a seemingly endless variety of disciplines, my favorite thing about St. Louis’ arts community is the amazing support and encouragement they share freely with each other.
What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?
I love to see live music and theater, and my husband and I spend a lot of Friday evenings gallery hopping from one exhibition opening to another. However, most of my (outside of work) arts engagement is spent being a visual artist. When asked about my work, I’ll often joke that I call it “Sharpies® On Trash.”. More specifically, I use markers (many kinds) to render urban icons, cityscapes, figures and portraits onto collages of scraps, thrifted, found and repurposed objects that might otherwise end up in a landfill with the (hopeful) intention of turning it into something unique and beautiful. There’s enough junk with potential in the world that I shouldn’t ever be forced into settling to work on canvas.
Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?
There is way too much amazing local talent to choose even a long list of favorites! My recommendation is simply to go see a play from a local company, check out a gallery group show of local artists, and support local music. There is no shortage of amazing art and artists in St. Louis. What’s often missing is you — the local market for all that’s available.
