St. Louis Energized: 2011

This Wednesday, October 26th, Buckingham Asset Management will host a fundraiser for the City Academy at its Clayton office, located at 8182 Maryland Ave., Suite 500. The fundraiser will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and again from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The fundraiser will feature more than twenty vendors selling a variety of items including jewelry, personalized gifts, and St. Louis specialty items.

Through my relationship with the St. Louis Curio Shoppe, I am proud to say that many of my photographs of St. Louis will be featured at the fundraiser.

A large variety of images will be for sale, both color and black and white, in a wide range of sizes. All of my photographs are matted and signed, and are available framed or unframed. In addition to the photo title, the back of each mat or frame includes my explanation of why I love to photograph St. Louis:

I believe that St. Louis—the entire metro, but in particular the City of St. Louis—is one of America’s greatest cities. I love the City’s rich history, diverse neighborhoods, gorgeous brick architecture, beautiful urban parks, and proud, friendly people. I hope to share the beauty of St. Louis with both those who love the City as I do, and those who through my photographs may come to see the City in a new light.

Fifteen percent of all vendor proceeds are being donated to the City Academy. City Academy is a private elementary school located in the Mark Twain/I-70 Industrial neighborhood of north St. Louis. The mission of City Academy is to:

Admit promising children from committed families in our urban community
Offer an exceptional and affordable education
Foster a culture of academic rigor, integrity and citizenship
Cultivate an appreciation of lifelong learning that inspires future success

City Academy from Ginger Imster on Vimeo.

I would like to thank the St. Louis Curio Shoppe for the opportunity to be involved in this benefit. Kristen Gassel and Jacque Brown have been extremely supportive of my photography over the last year. Curio Shoppe's display should be the highlight of the benefit, featuring over twenty local artisans and businesses. It will be a mini art fair in and of itself--conveniently located right next to the bar!

If you haven't been to St. Louis Curio Shoppe (or to Cherokee Street in general lately), I highly recommend a visit. The shop has tons of great items from many local authors, crafters, musicians and artists, and strives "to celebrate all that is St. Louis by actively supporting our community, promoting local businesses and sharing our city's unique history through displays and events." The shop recently announced that they will be recognized at the 8th Annual Kick Ass Awards for their positive contributions to St. Louis. Visit the Curio Shoppe at 2301 Cherokee Street and support their efforts to "Shop Truly Local."

St. Louis Curio Shoppe from Jacob Berkowitz on Vimeo.

The Curio Shoppe also has announced that Amanda Doyle, the author of the new book "Finally! A Locally Produced Guidebook to St. Louis, By and For St. Louisans, Neighborhood By Neighborhood", will be available in the evening for a book signing. Check out this recent interview with Amanda for more information on this great new book. Other businesses being featured by the Curio Shoppe at the benefit include:

1. 314 Threads - adult Ts
2. Allegro Arts - silver jewelry
3. Robinson Crafts - wood products
4. Den Smith - folk art
5. Ian Smith - sculpture
6. The Key of A - vintage jewelry
7. Little Visions - jewelry/cards
8. Lucky Hank - novelty soap
9. Stl-Style - child Ts
10. Windfall Arts - pottery
11. Mark Hurd - graphic prints
12. Jane Linders - prints/photography
13. Wild Things - jewelry
14. Eclectic by Design - stonework
15. Squaresville - housewares
16. Riley Construction - cloth toys
17. Newberry Furniture - wood products
18. Twice Baked Arts - beer bottle clocks
19. Anita's Bath and Body - gift baskets
20. St. Louis Memorabilia - old St. Louis 'stuff'(local and sports)
21. Reedy Press - books

22. Consolore - all-natural soy candles, benefiting the Crime Victim Advocacy Center of St. Louis.

Please join us at the Buckingham Boutique this Wednesday, October 26th (10-2 and 5-8) at 8182 Maryland Ave., Suite 500 in Clayton. We hope to see you there!

The loss suffered by the St. Louis community yesterday, though enormous, pales in comparison to the grief of those who personally knew and loved Bob Cassilly. To his family and friends, my family's condolences and prayers are with you.

I did not know Mr. Cassilly personally, and wish I had. He has certainly loomed large in my mind since my first visit to the City Museum a half decade ago. Excepting only the Arch/Eads/riverfront, it is my favorite place in St. Louis—a place of many fond memories with family and friends.

In the spirit of celebrating his legacy to St. Louis, here are some photos of his works I have taken since moving to St. Louis, primarily at City Museum. May his artistic contributions to our region always be celebrated and protected as a critical part of St. Louis' history.