Four years ago, a few members of the St. Louis art community founded ArtDimensions of St. Louis (314-497-5356 or www.artdimensions.org), an organization dedicated to local artists. The group's anniversary celebration at 7927 Forsyth Boulevard in Clayton is not only a birthday party featuring work by more than twenty regional artists (including Justin Tolentino's Jostle for Power, pictured) poetry readings, live music, food samples and models painted by body artist Jessica Dana, it is also a fundraiser for ArtDimensions' latest effort, CentreGallery. This new art complex, located on the third floor of St. Louis Centre, is scheduled to open in May.
"We are raising money in the county to open a gallery in the city," says curator Davide Weaver. "We are working very hard to change the image in everyone's head of St. Louis, that it's dead or dangerous. Once people see the CentreGallery and how clean and beautiful the building really is, something opens up inside them."
This is all part of the ongoing effort by ArtDimensions to create a market for local artists, so they don't feel like they have to leave St. Louis to survive. "We educate the community and let people know that the talent is here," Weaver says. "You don't have to go to New York or San Francisco to buy art."
Or, in this case, to see models wearing not much more than body paint. The event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight; donations will be collected at the door. -- Jess Minnen
Father's Dressed Best
Rehab your wardrobe
FRI 4/29
If there's one thing the Night & Day Global Industries staff agrees on, it's that any sort of a party with a theme is boss. And if you throw in celebrities, well, that's über-boss. So our excitement about the SSM Rehab Foundation's "Rehab Your Wardrobe" fashion show is palpable. The 10:30 a.m.-to-2 p.m. benefit features a boutique, luncheon and raffle, and also a runway show with celebrities such as local golf pro Dany Baker, Julia Griggs Harvey (Mrs. Missouri 1999) and Reverend Lawrence Biondi of Saint Louis University. What does a Jesuit priest wear in a fashion show? Accessories, baby. We expect a rodeo-style belt buckle and a badge-festooned messenger bag, and maybe a mesh trucker hat. Très chic. The fun takes place at the St. Louis Marriot West (660 Maryville Centre Drive, Town and Country). Tickets are $50; call 314-768-5358 for information. -- Paul Friswold
A Recipe for Fundraising
And fun
SUN 5/1
Add a pinch of sage, a dash of ginger and two cloves of fresh garlic. Mix well with more than 300 silent- and live-auction items, including a private penthouse party, fashion consultations, a St. Louis Rams luxury-suite party and a llama-farm vacation. Mixture may be slightly lumpy. Bake at 350 degrees from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Khorassan Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza (212 North Kingshighway Boulevard), and garnish with exquisite creations by more than 40 local chefs and caterers. Cool thoroughly with a raffle and a gourmet grab bag. If your taste buds are enticed by this odd concoction, check out the Food Outreach "A Tasteful Affair 17." All proceeds from this event help to provide nutritional support to more than 1,200 people living with HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door, and $117 will also get you access to an exclusive preview party (from 1 to 2 p.m.), where you can browse and purchase auction items early. For more information visit www.foodoutreach.org; call 314-652-3663 to purchase tickets. -- Amy Helms
Fancy Pants
SUN 5/1
The extremely fashion-forward know that the Washington University Fashion Design Show is the place to find out what will be hot this time next year. The annual show features professional models sporting the latest designs from Wash. U.'s School of Design and Fashion, each more lavish than the last. And afterward? Dessert reception with the designers, dude. Can you say "shweet"? The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Saint Louis Galleria (Brentwood Boulevard and Clayton Road, Richmond Heights; 314-935-9090). Tickets are $25 to $50. -- Paul Friswold
