Arts & Culture

Theaters across the state bring a holiday classic to life. Santa, Rudolph, and Buddy the Elf are all beloved representations of cheerful Christmas spirit, but for many Missourians, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without a visit to a cantankerous old miser.

Artist Debi Pickler isn’t content working in just one medium. Her art runs the gamut from hyperrealistic drawings to whimsical paintings to charming felted animals and beyond. Meet this versatile artist who is always thinking of something new.

Tchaikovsky's masterpiece The Nutcracker has been a treasured tradition for many each holiday season. The magical Christmas ballet tells the story of Clara and her unsettling dream about a Nutcracker prince. And you can see it on Dec. 6!

Artist Wanda Tyner creates colorful, textural art with glass. Her work, from functional platters and bowls to conversation-piece wall hangings, always evokes Wanda’s love of nature, travel, and music. Follow her journey from art lover to artist.

This artist has her mantra painted on her studio walls and lives it. She’s still passionate about her artwork after 41 years, and she explains her inspirations, her motivations, and how she has expanded into different media.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who wrote under the pen name Mark Twain, has been hailed as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced." And you can celebrate the 188th anniversary of his birth in a fabulously fun way on Nov. 25, 2023.

Glass artist Peggy King from Columbia creates many different items. Each is stunning in its own way. Read about her journey into the creation of art from glass and her commitment to Best of Missouri Hands.

Columbia, MO artist Kevin Begley makes the most incredible wooden Santas you have ever seen. Stop my Missouri Life Mercantile in Rocheport to see them in person. You will want to start a family tradition with these noteworthy beards.

For Missouri Life’s first-ever photo contest, we teamed up with Mpix and asked our readers to take their best shot. And wow, were we impressed. The tranquil scenes, majestic landscapes, and curious culture captured really showcased the best of the Show-Me State.

If you enjoy fall festivals, you'll want to check out one on Saturday Sept. 23, 2023. Admission is free and there are lots of fun festivities and activities, from music, to sampling spirits, to browsing artisan offerings, to trying your hand at painting.