Tag Archives: St. Louis

20 Oct 2025

Grandel Square Studios & Workspaces Now Open for Artists and Nonprofits

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A new multipurpose development from KAF, Grandel Square Studios & Workspaces, is officially open at 3701 Grandel Square, offering studio spaces for visual and multidisciplinary artists and workspaces for nonprofits. KAF purchased the building from The Urban League of St. Louis in order to support their purchase of a new headquarters. For the past couple of years, the space has been divided into two suites – one occupied by the St. Louis Story Stitchers, and another utilized by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra during the renovation of Powell Hall. 

With the Symphony now back in its renovated home, the building is now operational in its intended purpose of supporting artists and social service nonprofits. Over 20 workspaces and studios offer shared amenities, including conference rooms, co-working spaces, and common work areas outside of private studios, as well as 24-hour access and provided internet/utilities. 

“We’re very excited to open this new space and offer St. Louis artists exceptional private studios and workspaces. Our goal is to create a vibrant environment that fosters connection, encourages collaboration, and supports each artist’s creative growth,” says Brandon Anschultz.

Studio artists will have opportunities to display their work in common areas as well as organize Open Studio events and markets in the building, and take advantage of other KAF venue amenities, such as the scene shops at 3333 Washington and printing at The Kranzberg. 

“In addition to our entertainment venues and gallery spaces, KAF is focused on providing the day-to-day infrastructure our artists and small arts and social service nonprofits need to grow and thrive,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “Developing properties like the Grandel Square Studios & Workspaces helps fulfill that promise.”

To learn more about space availability, please email info@kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

15 Oct 2025

“Roll Call Most Of My Heroes Don’t Appear On No Stamps” September 12 – November 12 in Legends’ Gallery

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Roll Call: Most Of My Heroes Don’t Appear On No Stamps is the first major Midwest art exhibition by visionary artist, music icon, and Public Enemy founder Chuck D. Curated by Lorrie Boula, the show features over 30 original fine art pieces—all available for sale—that offer a visual deep dive into society and culture. The collection pays tribute to the figures who shaped him, with standout works including mixed-media portraits of legends like Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone. The exhibition gives audiences a rare opportunity to experience Chuck D’s political charge and creative genius through a visual medium, with the artist noting that the show is a “doorway into my mind and lyrics told through visuals.

15 Oct 2025

“Cave of Bones” October 10 – December 13 in The Kranzberg Gallery

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October 10 – December 13
Artist Reception: October 17 from 6 PM – 8 PM at The Kranzberg Gallery
501 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 631o3
Gallery Hours: Saturdays from 12 PM – 4 PM

About Jose

José Garza is multimedia artist and educator working within a socially engaged practice based in St. Louis. He draws inspiration from a wide range of cultural and subcultural sources, and his work encompasses traditional and new media, including photography, video, sculpture, drawing, curated exhibitions and screenings, ad hoc libraries, performances, and co-creations. Garza has exhibited his work nationally and internationally, including at the 2017 Biennale di Spazio Pubblico in Rome, the 2019 Counterpublic Triennial, and Border Control at Stamps Gallery at the University of Michigan. Currently, he is the Museum Academic Programs Coordinator at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, a part-time faculty member in Photography and Social Practice at Saint Louis University, and a board member of the Tarble Arts Center, Latinx Arts Network, The Luminary, and New Music Circle. Before pursuing a full-time career in visual art and education, he served in the U.S. Navy for eight years.”

10 Oct 2025

Backyard Popout feat. Lamar Harris at Bangert Park in Florissant, Friday, October 17, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

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Bring your coolers, picnics, and lawn chairs to beautiful Bangert Park at 275 S. New Florissant Road in Florissant to enjoy a fusion of Jazz, Hip Hop, and R&B music by artist Lamar Harris. This free event is open to all ages and will include lawn games and activities. The Backyard Popout, presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation in conjunction with St. Louis County Library Florissant Valley Branch, is a special event extension of the popular Music Mondays series held at the branch on the second Monday of each month, showcasing musical performances from a range of KAF-connected artists.

“We want to provide our patrons with the chance to experience a larger concert outdoors and celebrate the success that our partnership with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation has been. What better way to do that than live music in the park,” says Aaron Seidel, Assistant Branch Manager, Florissant Valley Branch of St. Louis County Library.

Lamar Harris is a trombonist with a unique style and sound. His influences flow from jazz, hip-hop, and world music to classical themes and are incorporated into his music. Harris also plays flugelhorn, tuba, keys and has been a featured artist at Jazz St. Louis, the Whitaker Festival, Taste of St. Louis, and events for Centene, the St. Louis Symphony and the St. Louis Zoo. He has performed with Sheila E., Terence Blanchard, BeBe Winans, Keyon Harrold, Pharoh Monch, Doug E. Fresh, Fred Wesley, Sy Smith, Eric Roberson, Zo! and many others. 

10 Oct 2025

‘Cave of Bones’ by José Garza Opening Reception, Friday, October 17, 6-8 p.m. at The Kranzberg Gallery

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Join us for the opening reception of Cave of Bones, a new exhibition by Kranzberg Arts Foundation Resident Artist José Garza presented at The Kranzberg Gallery. Cave of Bones is a powerful commentary on the current state of failed societal promises. The work observes warlords and emperors exploiting a “once promised dream,’ where every victory is ultimately a deception.

Drawing inspiration from the exhibition’s title, the pieces suggest a path forward through collective action: the refusal to comply will ultimately ignite a spark, leading the way out of darkness and toward a new future. This challenging, socially engaged work—featuring photography, video, sculpture, and drawing—is the culmination of Garza’s residency with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation.

Garza is a St. Louis-based multimedia artist and educator whose socially engaged practice draws inspiration from a wide range of cultural and subcultural sources. His diverse body of work encompasses traditional and new media, including photography, video, sculpture, and curated exhibitions. Garza has exhibited his work nationally and internationally, with notable appearances at the 2017 Biennale di Spazio Pubblico in Rome and the 2019 Counterpublic Triennial. He currently serves as the Museum Academic Programs Coordinator at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University and teaches at Saint Louis University. 

Cave of Bones will be on view through Saturday, December 13 during gallery hours, Saturdays from Noon-4 p.m.

10 Oct 2025

“Mix on your Six” Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Mixon, Sunday, October 19, 1-6 p.m. at The Grandel Theatre

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Join us for “Mix on Your Six” Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Darrell Mixon. We all loved his music, but most of all we loved watching him play. His body radiated music. He danced
with his instrument. No matter which axe he played, it became an extension of him and his energy.

We have gathered together musicians from all over the St. Louis region to share their musical memories of “Mix,” and we’ll also hear remarks from some of the folks he worked with who are unable to join us in person. The bill will include performances from Alfred Barnes, Ptah Williams, the Silverman Brothers, Gary Sykes, Jon Whiting, Curt Landis, Erika Johnson, Kendrick Smith, and the students from HEAL Center for the Arts. The celebration will continue in The Dark Room from 4-6 p.m. with a Jazz Jam in honor of the legacy of Mix, jazz artist and mentor to the “young bloods” as he called them.

 

Those wishing to honor Darrell Mixon are asked to make a contribution to either or both the
HEAL Center for the Arts and 88.7 WSIE “The Sound.”

*Photo Credit: 2017 Reed R. Radcliffe / TripleRPhotography LLC

10 Oct 2025

Sophie’s Artist Lounge Is An Epicenter Of St. Louis Culture

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Anyone strolling past 3333 Washington Avenue on a lovely St. Louis evening might be instantly drawn in by the stunning rainbow chandelier, vibrant paintings, stylish furnishings and huge DJ booth viewable through the wall of plate glass windows at Sophie’s Artist Lounge. More than just a nightclub, Sophie’s is an innovative space where artists, curators and DJs play an integral role in shaping St. Louis’ cultural landscape. 

Named for the granddaughter of KAF founders Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, Sophie’s originated in a second-floor space in .ZACK in 2017, catering to the local artistic community, specifically resident organizations within the building. Like all KAF venues, Sophie’s remains a non-profit model with every dollar spent by patrons going directly back into supporting KAF artists and programs. 

Sophie’s relocated to its current location in October 2021, in a vibrant and expanded street-level space that includes a gallery, bar, and state-of-the-art DJ booth and serves as a gateway to The Walls Off Washington mural walk. 

“Within the Kranzberg Arts Foundation ecosystem and the Grand Center Arts District, Sophie’s plays an important role as that bridge between the formal and the informal, where the gallery meets the lounge, and the artists, performers, and audience all share the same space. It’s a hub for the creative energy that keeps St. Louis vibrant,” says KAF Promotions and Events Manager Nanyamka Ewing.

The gallery space, which extends into the hallways of the multi-use building features rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Currently on display is “To STL With Love,” a landmark exhibition celebrating the deep roots and wide-ranging impact of hip-hop culture in St. Louis curated by Kris Blackmon.

Inside the bar, an 8’ x 10’ specially-commissioned painting by internationally renowned, St. Louis-based artist Katherine Bernhardt is on permanent display, injecting the space with neon colors. The lounge area features custom arts furniture designed and built by Chandler Ahrens and hand-painted by Screwed Arts Collective and Painted Black STL.

While visual arts are an integral part of Sophie’s, the music takes center stage on any given night. The venue is home to KAF’s DJ Residency program. In July, a dynamic new class of 10 artists began their residency, including: DJ PBNJEFFY, DJ KC Mackey, DJ MAHF, DJ Sinamin, DJ Nune is Lamar Harris, TreHitz, DJ Rico Steez, Anansi Spins, Enoch Raavi and James Yeo.

 Their energy, creativity, and range elevates the sound and soul of the space, rotating their various styles and influences throughout the week. 

These 2025-2026 residents include:  While this new class is bringing fresh vibrations, resident DJs Agile One and Biko FKA Needles have been holding it down and shaping the sonic identity of Sophie’s for nearly four years and  continue to be pillars in the booth, bringing unmatched style, musicality, and leadership.

Each September, Sophie’s becomes a central part of the annual MATI Conference & Festival in the heart of the festival footprint. Attendees step into the air-conditioned refuge of Sophie’s between main stage sets to sit a spell, listen to DJ sets, sip cocktails and take in the art.

Other weekends, Sophie’s transforms into a marketplace featuring local artisans and small businesses selling their wares while local food trucks offer a variety of delicious fare. 

“Sophie’s is really about creating a space where art, music, and community overlap — a place that celebrates local talent while inviting people to connect in meaningful ways. From the DJ residencies and rotating exhibitions to collaborations like MATI and The Walls Off Washington, everything we do is centered around supporting creative expression and making it accessible to everyone,” Ewing says.

Sophie’s is open Wednesday- Saturday from 1:00 p.m.to 1:30 a.m. For more information, visit kranzbergartsfoundation.org/sophies-artist-lounge. 

03 Oct 2025

New ArtWorQ Initiative Connects Job Seekers With Careers in Arts & Entertainment

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In partnership with local employers, KAF has just launched its new ArtWorQ initiative with the goal of connecting St. Louis job seekers with careers in the arts and entertainment industry, which currently has a high demand for qualified workers. This special workforce and employment training program is focused on practical skills and cross-sector job opportunities within the arts and entertainment sectors. 

ArtWorQ is designed to create a pipeline to jobs for low to moderate income individuals in the city and county of St. Louis, as well as the entire Missouri region and is aptly suited to take place within KAF’s numerous arts and entertainment venues. 

“Since 2006, KAF  has been committed to providing local, emerging artists and community arts organizations with the vital infrastructure, including space and tools, to perform and showcase their work. Now, we’re taking that commitment into the broader arts and entertainment community by supporting those who perform skilled jobs within the industry,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen.

The A&E Industry Career Prep Program is a free six-week intensive training for workers to gain a solid foundation in essential skills needed by employers via a customized curriculum focused on the arts and entertainment sector. Participants will gain real-world exposure through guest speakers, behind-the-scenes site visits, and exclusive industry insights and will earn industry-recognized certifications to give their resumes a competitive edge — all while receiving a weekly stipend. The program will employ apprentices to learn and train alongside training partners, onsite in the Grand Center Arts District. 

Program enrollment is targeted to persons of low to moderate income in underserved and underrepresented urban and rural areas throughout Missouri, with no prior experience needed. Applications are now open at: https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org/workforce/.

03 Oct 2025

Chuck D visited Legends’ Gallery for a special appearance & artist talk for his exhibition, ‘Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps’

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The Legends’ Gallery was filled with hip-hop fans and art lovers on Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27 as global icon Chuck D was in the house for a special reception and artist talk for his new exhibition, Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps. The exclusive exhibition presented by KAF and XYION with Soul Kitchen and curated by Lorrie Boula and Adrian Miller features original fine art by Chuck D inspired by his heroes, legends and peers and serves as a visual deep dive into society and culture. 

At Saturday’s artist talk, Chuck answered audience questions and waxed poetic for over an hour about everything from his artistic process to books that influenced him, technology, politics and more. Chuck graciously interacted with the crowd inside the intimate gallery on both Friday evening and Saturday afternoon following his talk, signing albums, shaking hands and taking photos. 

“Words can start wars and stop them, and images can do the same thing. What’s actually becoming a lost skill and attribute is listening. People are listening less, but their eyes are open and they’re looking at images. Art stands a chance when people are looking at it,” Chuck said during a pre-talk interview with St. Louis Public Radio on Saturday.

The exhibition continues through November 12. Standout pieces include 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. Both works, and more than 30 pieces of his fine art, are on view and available for sale at Legends’ Gallery and via the gallery website. Located at 3318 Washington Ave., the gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about the exhibition, please click here. To purchase prints, please click here.

 

*Photo Credit: @idunnomarty

03 Oct 2025

Staff Profile: Larry Morris, Director of Programs and Partnerships

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Long before joining the KAF team in May 2022, Director of Programs and Partnerships Larry Morris had a relationship with the Foundation as a creative in the St. Louis music scene, through his band, iLLPHONiCS performing at KAF venues and Music at the Intersection, and invitations to serve on the MATI committee. Morris studied audio engineering at Webster University, receiving his bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in media communications. 

What drew you to the organization?

I’ve always been close to the work. Over the years, I’ve watched the organization grow and recognized its vital importance to our creative sector. So, when the opportunity came to join the Foundation, it was a no-brainer — I already felt deeply connected to the mission.

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

It’s honestly about connecting the community — especially minority and international communities — to the Foundation’s gifts. These spaces, galleries, and The Walls are places for our community to experience and enjoy. My role is to ensure that people understand the mission, feel connected, and know how to engage with us. That means doing the daily, on-the-ground work of going out into the community, not just waiting or hoping people will show up. I also love placemaking and collaborating with partners to activate spaces and neighborhoods with creative elements, or using the KAF lens to help inform others doing similar work.

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

My role directly supports the KAF mission by building bridges between artists, community, and opportunity. I focus on creating access — whether that’s through residencies, community ticketing, or now workforce pathways — and ensuring our infrastructure, from galleries to entire venues, is utilized to its fullest potential by the people who need it most. I’m also frequently out in the community, strengthening and nurturing partnerships and ensuring that minority, international, and underserved communities see themselves reflected in and welcomed into our spaces, as well as all other community members. In doing that, I help KAF live out its mission to uplift artists and anchor St. Louis’ cultural ecosystem.

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

St. Louis is a resilient and deeply creative city. We’ve overcome so much and continue to move forward, especially in the creative sector, even when other sectors are stagnant or fading. I feel part of a new wave of creative leadership — observant, committed, and ready to help take St. Louis’ creative sector into its next iteration. That excites me, because we already have the bones and scaffolding in place. That foundation fuels me, as well as many others, with a sense of real potential.

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

I am an emcee, a hired songwriter, and a gardener — all artistic outlets that give me life and joy. I’m best known for my work with the hip-hop fusion band iLLPHONiCS, which remains a big part of my creative world. More recently, I’ve also moved into collecting art, which feels natural given my proximity to so many incredible creatives.

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

There are too many to name, and because of my work, I don’t call out favorites — but they know who they are, and I make a point to tell them directly how they inspire me. What I will say is this: If you love St. Louis, and you find an artist you love, support and lift them up. Artists make their livelihoods through their work, regardless of the medium, so your dollars, your voice amplifying their art, and your presence when they exhibit all matter.

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