Artica: The art festival for the people and by the people returns to the River Front for a weekend of performance art, installation art and communal experiences. Artica exists from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Sat., Oct. 9; Sun., Oct. 10, free admission. Lewis Street and Dickson Street, Lewis St. and Dickson St., St. Louis.
Chess: A Cross-Cultural Journey Through Time: An interactive exhibit on the history and artistry of chess. Tuesdays-Fridays. Continues through Nov. 19, $50 opening reception, free after that. Belas Artes Multicultural Center & Art Gallery, 1854 Russell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-772-2787, www.belas-artes.net.
Joe Jones: Painter of the American Scene: The first major exhibition devoted to the St. Louis-born, working-class artist who painted the Great Depression. Starting Oct. 10, Tuesdays-Sundays. Continues through Jan. 2, $4-$8, free admission on Friday. Saint Louis Art Museum, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314-721-0072, www.slam.org.
26th Annual Fall Festival & Craft Bazaar: Includes a street dance Friday from 7 to 10 p.m., and Saturday's highlights include the Skin & Bones Comedy Circus, music and more. Fri., Oct. 8, 5-10 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, www.ofallon.mo.us/FallFest. O'Fallon Civic Park, Civic Park Drive, O'Fallon.
Art in the Park: The seventh anniversary of the outdoor arts festival with works by nationally acclaimed artists in a variety of mediums. Also featuring Dueling Desserts, a food-as-art competition among pastry chefs. Sat., Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, www.highlandartscouncil.org. Lindendale Park, 2025 Park Hill Dr., Highland.
Corey Escoto: Presented by the Nu-Art Series. An opening reception will be held Friday, October 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays. Continues through Nov. 6, Free, www.thenu-artseries.org. The Metropolitan Gallery, 2936 Locust St., St. Louis.
A Day Like Any Other: A mid-career survey of the work of Brazilian artist Rivane Neuenschwander. An opening celebration takes place Friday, October 8, from 7 to 9 p.m., with a special member preview from 6 to 7 p.m. Then, Saturday, October 9, at 11 a.m. is the special presentation Dialogue: Rivane Neuenschwander and Richard Flood . Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays. Continues through Jan. 10, Free. Washington University-Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, 1 Brookings Dr. (Steinberg Hall), University City, 314-935-4523, http://kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.
Gateway Pastel Artists: An opening reception will be held Friday, October 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Continues through Nov. 6, Free. Creative Art Gallery, 3232 Ivanhoe, Saint Louis, 314-645-4898.
Kaleidoscope: Works by Mexican Master Leonardo Nierman: Paintings, tapestries and sculptures created by interdisciplinary Mexican artist and musician Leonardo Nierman. Opening reception at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8. Wednesdays-Sundays. Continues through Dec. 31, free. Saint Louis University-Museum of Art, 3634 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-977-3399, http://sluma.slu.edu.
Knot What You Think: Classic nude and fetish photography by Connie LaFlam and large-scale expressionist paintings by Paul LaFlam. Opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, October 8. Oct. 8-Nov. 5, free. Concrete Ocean Art Gallery, 2257 Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314-497-0199, www.myspace.com/concreteoceanart.
Maplewood Arts Walk: The shops and art galleries of Maplewood offer open houses, live music, special performances and food and drink specials from 6 to 9 p.m. Most events are free, but some require tickets; visit www.cityofmaplewood.com for details. Fri., Oct. 8, call 314-645-3600 for info. 7300 Manchester Road, 7300 Manchester Rd., Maplewood. Maplewood
Fiddlefest: The St. Louis Folk School is bringing out their fiddlers and maybe a banjo or guitar for an evening of live music at this art walk event. Also featuring art openings, artist receptions, live art, theatre and a special tasting at Vom Fass. Fri., Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m., Free, www.cityofmaplewood.com. Downtown Maplewood, 7300 Vine Street, Maplewood. A Modern Landscape: New cloudscape and abstract paintings by Christian Draeger, and work by other artists as well. Opening reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. Starting Oct. 9, Mondays-Saturdays. Continues through Nov. 27, free. The Vino Gallery, 4701 McPherson Ave., St. Louis, 314-932-5665, www.thevinogallery.com.
Project Burlesque: The Art of Tease: The culmination of six months of work by pin-up photographer Ariana Bauer, including images of burlesque stars from all over the country. A reception will be held October 9 from 7 to 11 p.m. Through Oct. 10, Free. Soulard Art Market, 2028 S. 12th St., St. Louis, 314-258-4299, www.soulardartmarket.com.
Wings in the City: A sneak preview of a citywide public art project showcasing over 50 decorated butterflies. The project, put on by the BJC pediatric hospice and palliative care program, will raise funds for its expressive therapy program. The preview will include foods, arts & crafts, artist meet & greets and live entertainment. Sun., Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, www.wingsinthecity.org. Forest Park, World's Fair Pavilion, St. Louis.
Editor's note: If you don't see your show listed, please leave the information in the comments (and drop a note to [email protected] so we can list it in the online calendar). All art openings are free unless noted. For a full list of all ongoing art shows in the St. Louis area, please click here.
