Historical November 1988 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
You didn’t have to be an artist to enjoy yourself at Art Exposed ’88. Over 1,000 people visited the Four Corners Plaza on October 16 to view the work of West End artists, to witness the incredible, Edible Art Competition, to hear live music, and even to ride an elephant.
The fifth annual Art Exposed, sponsored by the West End Arts Council, was a showcase for artists who live and work in our neighborhood. Ten local artists opened their studios, showing their work in progress and chatting with visitors. Their works included painting, sculpture, photography, collage, and painted furniture.
A walk through these studios gave a unique glimpse at art as process as well as product.
We could see how artists work through themes and styles; how odd bits of wood, postcards, snapshots, or written phrases tacked up in studio corners influenced the surrounding art.
The artists greeted visitors warmly and enthusiastically discussed their works, their puzzlement as well as success.
It was a more relaxed and intimate view of fine art than is usually possible.
The studio of Kate Rosenbloom also featured the art of students from Stella Maris, St. Roch’s and New City schools.
The theme of the Children’s Art Exhibit was “My Family” and there were many humorous moments as family members viewing the exhibit recognized themselves in these pictures.
Another 15 West End Artists displayed their work in a group exhibit held in the 28th Ward Democratic Headquarters.
Most of these artists have shown their work at this event in prior years.
The group exhibit has become a rich and diverse grouping of work.
It has allowed those of us who have attended through the years to see the development of such artists as Lara Alberti, Linda HorsleyNunley, Bill Hawk, Barbara Harman, Mike Miksicek, and Phil Roberts. Perhaps the most comprehensive display of art by one artist was Bill Christman’s transformation of his studio into the 1940’s style “Radio Eats Diner.” Visitors were treated to 25 cent hamburgers and 6¾ oz. bottled Cokes while they were entertained by the shortorder humor of the sodajerks.
The walls in the “diner” displayed Christman’s flashy, funny, sometimes outrageous diner sculpture.
At times during the afternoon, Christman even transformed himself into his fly-swatter-toting character “Chef deBitzko.” The first public Edible Art Competition was a highlight of the afternoon. Herb Balaban, Elliot Smith and Mary Strauss undertook the formidable task of judging 12 edible art entries from restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and individuals around town.
There were playful entries such as the fruit mobile entitled “Not-So-Still-Life” and the basket made of bread and filled with silver-wrapped Hershey’s kisses candy entitled “Breaded Silver Basket.” There were serious culinary artworks such as the “Chocolate Cheesecake” and the “Potted Lamb.” The winner of the competition was both a delicious looking and whimsical cake entitled “Betty Crooked Cake” prepared by Ron Denk and Mark Erker of Catering St. Louis.
An alluring chocolate “Treasure Chest” cake with gold wrapped chocolate coins and candy necklaces spilling out of it won second place and was created by Ruth Rassieur.
The third place winner of the Edible Art Competition was the hardly describable “remains” of a building whose bricks and mortar were sugar wafers and peanut butter; the piece was aptly entitled “Rambo Meets the Gingerbread Cottage.” This destruction was created by Gerald Balding.
The highest bidders got to take the tantalizing creations home following a silent auction that raised funds to benefit the West End Arts Council. Art Exposed ’88 also included music throughout the afternoon.
The program was opened by over 100 New City School students singing and roller skating to their own Starlight Express.
The jazz duo Jasmine played for the balance of the afternoon, delighting the crowd with their mellow sound.
The elephant Flora of Circus Flora was a surprising addition at Art Exposed ’88. Adults and children took rides on the 7 year old “baby” elephant, adding the thrill of a lifetime to an exciting festival.
The Four Corners Plaza truly came alive on October 16 as the West End Arts Council proudly showcased the arts. Neighbors and visitors from the metropolitan area were treated to fine art, humorous art, art for and by children, art that made beautiful music, and art that attracted bees. Art Exposed has become an event for the entire family and was well worth an afternoon’s visit.
Original photograph caption
Artwork by children of area schools was exhibited in one of the 4-corners studios. Photographer not credited. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1988, page 4.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1988.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1988_11.pdf, printed page(s) 4, 5; PDF page(s) 4, 5.
