About this Event
Meet Carol Swartout Klein and Maxine Clark, the collaborators on the ‘Painting for Peace’ exhibition at the Delmar DivINe, whose remarkable vision turned social justice art into a lasting tribute to peace.
We will see the inspirational artwork up close while getting a glimpse inside its new permanent home at the Delmar DivINe, a groundbreaking hub for innovative organizations and programs dedicated to community development and social change, the brainchild of Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark.
The art installation features emotionally charged street murals painted during the 2014 grassroots ‘Painting for Peace’ movement that emerged in Ferguson, following the death of Michael Brown. The larger-than-life pieces adorn plywood boards once used to safeguard buildings and businesses in the aftermath of citizen protests. With boarded-up windows that made businesses appear closed, many struggled to survive. In response, several St. Louis artists gathered their friends and families armed with nothing more than a paintbrush, paint, and an idea. The miles of plywood that lined the streets became a canvas for artists to process what they and the community were going through by telling stories, creating beauty, commenting on society, and advocating for social change.
Recognizing the importance of the moment and the healing effect the art was having, Ferguson native and writer, Carol Swartout Klein first captured the images and story in a children’s book. Later, she dedicated her efforts to moving the art from the streets to a gallery setting so people could continue to reflect on the emotions and questions that were present when the work was created and are still with us today.
It is important to see and understand this work. We hope you will join us to learn from the extraordinary trailblazers behind the effort.
Before the event, consider enjoying lunch or a snack at Deli Divine, one of St. Louis restauranteur Ben Poremba’s newer culinary ventures located at the Delmar DevINe, Open till 3 pm.
ADMISSION: Reservation is encouraged for this free Art Collaborative event. Walk-ins are welcome, based on availability.
PARKING: Free Visitor Parking in Guest Lot Across from Main Entrance
WHAT IS THE ART COLLABORATIVE? An interactive, dynamic forum aimed at bringing art to people and people to the art, facilitated by Cynthia Correll and Judith Shaw. The idea is to draw together a diverse, creative community of artists and art enthusiasts interested in sharing ideas, inspiration, resources, and information about what drives their creative passion, process, and purpose. The group meets monthly in different art venues for hands-on, immersive experiences. Our goal is to cross pollinate among innovative institutions, organizations, and neighborhoods to showcase the art landscape in our region.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Delmar DivINe - Ameren Community Room - Entrance on Belt Ave. between Delmar and Enright, 5501 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, United States
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