Beyond Chopin and Copernicus

What began as a third-generation Polish American's frustration with a lack of cultural representation in the American art world blossomed into an all-out festival celebrating Polish art, film and music. It all begins with the opening reception for PL/STL: A Celebration of Polish Poster and Visual Art, 1900-Current at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Fort Gondo Compound for the Arts (3151 Cherokee Street; 314-772-3628 or www.fortgondo.com). The exhibit -- featuring artwork pulled directly from the personal collections of event organizer, Chris Smentkowski -- serves as a fitting launch pad for the rest of the festivities, which include several film screenings at Fort Gondo, Apop Records and the Moolah Theatre and Lounge as well as live music from Nini Julia Bang, Point Reyes, Smingus Dyngus and Lany Poniedzialek. Admission to the films and the exhibition is free; cover charges for the concerts vary. For a full, updated list of local Polish American goings-on, visit www.facebook.com/events/359309997435718.
Sat., April 7, 2012