Cherokee Street is the proud host to St. Louis’ most eclectic celebration. The Cinco de Mayo Festival celebrates Mexican heritage, but also places on display the multiplicity of creative people living, working, and playing along this historic street. At this outdoor event, a throng of thousands sample delectable fare (emphasis on antojitos, Mexican street food like tacos, tamales, and tortas) from local restaurants, food trucks, and food tents, while listening to live music on three stages, and browsing through exhibits by so-called “Cherokee People” (the artists and entrepreneurs who live and/or work in the neighborhood).
The origin of the Missouri Botanical Garden is a story steeped in the history of its founder, Henry Shaw. Mr. Shaw moved to St. Louis from Sheffield, England, around 1819, and set up a hardware shop to sell goods imported from back home. At the time, the city was on the verge of major growth, and Shaw’s venture* proved prescient. Henry Shaw purchased large swathes of land with the profits from his business, which was so successful that he was able to retire at an early age (40). After traveling extensively, Shaw returned to St. Louis determined to champion his love of botany.
Around his manse, Tower Grove House, Mr. Shaw began to construct a garden that attracted leading botanists from around the world. With their cooperation, Missouri Botanical Garden was expanded extensively, and eventually opened to the public in 1859. Afterward, Shaw donated a considerable amount of land, adjoining the Garden, to the city of St. Louis for a public park. The presence of Henry Shaw’s Garden, Tower Grove Park, and Shaw Place (a residential development informed/owned by its namesake) spurred development and transformed south St. Louis forever.
Located in far south St. Louis, Carondelet Park is the third largest park in the city, and dates back to 1875. The green space is hilly and tree filled, with several bodies of water and unique architectural features (including the Lyle House, the 1842 home of the original owners of the grounds that the park is built upon). The 180-acre park is geologically significant in that it is the only representation of Karst topography evident in the St. Louis city parks system. This distinctive feature means that Carondelet Park possesses characteristic landforms, including sinkholes, that provides a glimpse into what the area of south St. Louis would’ve looked like before development.
Situated just east of Henry Shaw’s Tower Grove Park, the neighborhood of Tower Grove East is home to stunning architecture, the South Grand shopping and dining district, and a multicultural community. Most of what’s tangible dates back to the early 1900′s when German immigrants, following their relatives to adjoining communities, spurred building development in TGE. Since that time, many social and ethnic groups have made their mark, leaving this area as an extremely diverse place to live.
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is a park located on a parcel of land where many of the earliest buildings in St. Louis once stood. This Federally funded National Memorial commemorates the westward expansion of the United States, the struggles of slavery (particularly the court decision against Dred Scott), and the first civil government west of the Mississippi. The Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, Museum of Westward Expansion and more occupy the grounds.
RAW:St. Louis is the local extension to the international network under the helm of RAW:Artists. The organization operates in 54 cities across the United States and Australia, and works to provide a platform for artists in the first ten years of their professional development. Locally, RAW is directed by Sarah Faragalla who does a fabulous job putting together St. Louis’ largest, monthly, multi-disciplinary art exhibition.
If you’ve never been, the events feature 20-30 artists working in media ranging from fashion to printmaking. The two-dimensional art is displayed according to artist (who are on hand throughout to talk about their work), while performance-based work (film, music, fashion, dance) runs in succession on a main stage. If you are looking to meet creative people, network, or promote your business/organization, RAW:St. Louis events are excellent places to start. The night that Photo Flood St. Louis exhibited, more than 800 guests were in attendance!
To be an exhibitor or for information on how to attend, click here.
Certainly, St. Louis is a city of contrasts, and Ellendale, on our far western border, is a firm example. It’s 130-year history includes successes in industry (Scullins Steel) and failures in renewal (St. Louis Marketplace); interestingly and somewhat ironically, the latter sits on the exact site of the former. Nonetheless, Ellendale has persisted through the years, and this fact offered for some exciting architectural variety to photograph. Here, shotgun style and flounder houses rub elbows with Victorians, and apartment buildings sit across the street from sprawling industrial complexes. “Encrustation” is visible everywhere, from attached garages converted into living spaces, to brick homes with wood or vinyl-sided expansions. Even so, the area appears very well-maintained, and thoroughly “lived-in”; it is a working class community with an expansive heritage and a lot of heart.
Old North Saint Louis is a neighborhood of distinction that is experiencing a rebirth. From arts advocacy groups, to restauranteurs and building developers, to a committed and close-knit community, Old North Saint Louis continues work to reclaim its former glory.
Hiding out in the far southern tip of the city is a wonderful, historic neighborhood with architectural characteristics representing a Creole and (later) German heritage. The Patch is a true gem that is often overshadowed by the larger Carondelet neighborhood to its north and west. This is a shame because The Patch has a lot to offer, from one-of-a-kind stone buildings (some Civil War era), to fantastic restaurants and shops, to great craft beer.
The mission of KDHX is to build community through media, with diverse and independent voices that enrich the perspectives of our audiences. We promote civic and cultural participation by providing the tools, technology, and training vital to informed, creative expression.
In St. Louis, we are lucky to possess a richly vibrant arts scene, including excellent theaters, great music venues, galleries, and more. Since 1987, KDHX had been a unifying and supportive thread in this cultural fabric. 88.1FM is the frequency through which many St. Louisans receive exposure to exciting new bands, upcoming local events, and community-building opportunities. What is extremely unique about the connection that KDHX has to the city is that it is entirely independent and locally managed (few cities around the country, including larger metropolises, have a resource like this, unconnected to religious or educational organizations).
KDHX is currently embarked upon an unprecedented expansion of its facilities in acquiring and remodeling a downtown building to become the Larry J. Weir Center for Independent Media and the Station’s future headquarters. This structure, located in Grand Center, will be home to a cafe, a music venue, and a recording studio, as well as, broadcasting booths and offices for KDHX’s excellent staff. The Capital Campaign for this exciting transition is in full effect; find ways to show your support here.
