Art Saint Louis’ newest virtual gallery exhibit is Nourish, an exhibition made to examine and celebrate 26 artists' interpretations of 26 a common theme: food. Art Saint Louis artistic director Robin Hirsch-Steinhoff says the idea for Nourish has been living in her mind for a while. She says the concept was initially inspired by food deserts in St. Louis, affordability of food in general, and also exploring the new relationships formed with food throughout the pandemic.
Art Saint Louis is the only organization in the area that solely considers work by artists in the St. Louis region. Prior to the launch of the exhibit, 52 artists located within a 200 mile radius of the city submitted their work in hopes of being featured in the gallery. Twenty-nine works from 26 creators were selected for display, but for Hirsch-Steinhoff, it’s about more than just displaying the work; it’s about creating a new story.
“My experience in curating exhibits is going by a feel of what makes sense and what starts a really good conversation,” she says. “It’s trying to take an individual artwork and exhibit that with a group of other artworks with which that work wasn’t created [so they can] have a conversation and play off one another.”
The ages of artists who submit range from 18 to 95, and both beginners and established artists send in material. Hirsch-Steinhoff says she always has an expectation of what will be submitted, but every time she is surprised with how artists chose to interpret the theme. While food deserts were the starting point, she says one major aspect of the exhibit is comfort food. The featured artists used collage, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, and other techniques to conjure everything from a charming "Sunday Supper" of spaghetti and meatballs to White Castle sliders.
Those who view the free exhibit online also have the opportunity to take home works that speak to them. Of the 29 pieces on display, 24 are purchasable. “It’s up to the artists to decide the value of their work,” says Hirsch-Steinhoff, “but the prices are really affordable, and the works are fun.”
She encourages everyone to support local artists, whether by purchasing works or simply viewing the pieces and celebrating what St. Louis-area artists have to offer.
“They’re all artists who want their work seen, and they want to share their work with the community,” says Hirsch-Steinhoff. “Celebrating the artists in our community is basically why this organization was founded, to give a way for St. Louis-area artists to be the focus, because they were not getting enough attention.”
Nourish can be viewed online at artstlouis.org through September 1.
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