Historical March 1996 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The February issue of The Times provided me with an exceptional amount of thoughtful reading.
The juxtaposition of your cover story concerning arts funding with the editorial paean to the quality of life in this community and Hawkeye’s declaration of eagerness for news of local issues was especially poignant.
Most people in the U.S.A. no longer belong to a community of place but to a “community” of special interests or ethnicity, if they belong to anything at all.
The fortunate and hardworking residents of Skinker DeBaliviere have succeeded, I think, in maintaining a community of place. Perhaps many join me in participating in concurrent “communities.” St. Louis in general and the West End in particular offer those of us in “the arts community” many opportunities to pursue our interests – and to offer our support. Human creativity will seek expression even when grants and institutional support are lacking. Several local churches, bars, coffee houses, and galleries present innovative programs and exhibits to discerning consumers.
As more government cutbacks occur, these venues become even more important for nurturing creativity.
I remind readers of The Times that arts support, like charity, can begin at home. Melanie Harvey (The author Is co-founder of West End Wines which offers gallery and performance space to under-acknowledged artists and musicians.)
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March 1996.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1996_03.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
