Articles > Arts and Crafts

Firefly Fascination

Art can be made without a canvas, a chisel, or a paint brush. This evening at St. Charles, it will be created using insect nets, plastic jars, and a small army of captive fireflies. Project: Firefly is an art installation conceived of by Alex Elmestad, who works at the Foundry Art Center at St. Charles. “The order of capturing, using, and releasing back to the earth or atmosphere has long been a tradition in spiritual and religious pr…... Read more >

On The Bench

By Stefani Kronk WHEN A COMMITTEE was interviewing candidates to design a sanctuary, Martin Ratermann was asked where he received his formal education. He paused and replied, “At the workbench.” Martin is a highly skilled artisan, designing and creating what he terms “bench-made furniture”—handmade, heirloom pieces instilled with artists’ ideals and old-world craftsmanship.

“I take the old s…... Read more >

In Her Element

By Stefani Kronk THE buIldIng blocks of st. louis artist Ellen klamon’s art—pattern, shape, and color— are simple but exciting. borrowing these elements from nature, the artist creates jewelry that is a symbolic interpretation of the natural world. Her jewelry line, Ellements, is a play on her name, but also signifies earth, air, fire, and water, which are used in her creative process.

Ellen sees her art as a perfe…... Read more >

No Chance to be Forgotten

By Nancy Dailey

“GET A BUILDING!” That’s the advice Jim Veronee gives young people.

“You can talk about art; you can show a portfolio, but until other people see you working … find a building, even if you have to paint it at your own expense. It will propagate more work. Stop painting on canvas right now and get a building.”

Jim got his start around age twenty at movie studios in California …... Read more >