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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• South City restaurant closes soon after opening.

• Upcoming Cracker concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Thomas Hart Benton

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.”

— Aristotle

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In St. Louis, which historic venue is known for hosting live music performances across a range of genres, housed in a former movie palace?

A) The Pageant

B) Delmar Hall

C) The Fabulous Fox Theatre

D) The Sheldon Concert Hall

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic venue in St. Louis known for hosting live music performances across a range of genres, housed in a former movie palace, is C) The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

News

💼 Business

St. Louis developer merges with out-of-town firm. (Link)

South City restaurant closes soon after opening. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Proven again during OT win over Canucks, Dylan Holloway has been one of Blues’ best surprises. (Link)

Francis Howell Central grad Dominick Puni has been one of NFL's best rookies. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Fiber internet firm closes $75M financing for expansion. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 San Jose Sharks at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Thursday, Dec. 12th, 2024 | (More info)

🏀 Ohio Bobcats at Saint Louis Billikens Women's Basketball
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Sunday, Dec. 15th, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Cracker
Off Broadway, St. Louis
Friday, Dec. 13th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Sir Michael Rocks
Atomic Lounge, St. Louis
Saturday, Dec. 14th, 2024 | (More info)

Family

📚 Cozy Nights and Twinkling Lights Holiday Magic Grown-Up Book Fair
8125 Michigan Avenue, St. Louis
Thursday, Dec. 12th, 2024 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “St. Louis with gravity-defying structures” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

St. Louis Walk of Fame Established (1988) - Honoring notable people from St. Louis.

Established in 1988, the St. Louis Walk of Fame is a tribute and an acknowledgment to the remarkable individuals who have roots in St. Louis, Missouri, and who have made significant contributions in various fields such as the arts, science, sports, music, and more. Located in the Delmar Loop, an entertainment, cultural and restaurant district in St. Louis, the Walk of Fame serves not only as a reminder of the city's rich heritage but also as an inspiration to current and future generations. Each honoree's name is etched into brass stars and embedded into the sidewalks along Delmar Boulevard, accompanied by bronze plaques that offer a brief biography and highlight the achievements that have merited their inclusion.

The St. Louis Walk of Fame spans several blocks and features a growing list of honorees, each selected by the Walk of Fame's selection committee based on their significant contribution to their respective fields and their connections to St. Louis. Notable inductees include T.S. Eliot, a Nobel Prize-winning poet; Chuck Berry, a pioneer of rock and roll music; and Josephine Baker, an internationally renowned performer and civil rights activist. These luminaries, among others, represent the diverse talent that has emanated from St. Louis, each leaving an indelible mark on their profession and society at large.

As visitors wander down Delmar Boulevard, the St. Louis Walk of Fame offers an enlightening journey through St. Louis's history and its influence on the world stage. It's an educational experience, reflecting the city's pride in those who have contributed to its cultural richness and global impact. The Walk of Fame continues to add new names, ensuring that the legacy of St. Louis's notable sons and daughters is celebrated and preserved for generations to come. Through this enduring tribute, St. Louis not only honors its past but also signals its ongoing contributions to the wider world.

Famous People From St. Louis

Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975) - Painter and muralist associated with the Regionalist art movement, born in Neosho, Missouri, and worked in St. Louis.

Thomas Hart Benton, an influential American painter and muralist, was a leading figure of the Regionalist art movement. His work is celebrated for capturing the everyday lives of Americans, with a particular focus on the Midwest. Born in Neosho, Missouri, Benton's artistic journey spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on American art.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1889-1907)

Born into a family steeped in politics, Benton's path initially seemed to veer away from art. However, his passion for drawing and painting quickly became apparent. Despite his father’s wishes for him to pursue law, Benton was determined to follow his artistic ambitions, leading him to study at the Art Institute of Chicago and then in Paris, where he was exposed to various artistic movements of the early 20th century.

Exploring European Art Movements (1908-1912)

While in Paris, Benton immersed himself in the revolutionary artistic movements that defined the era, including Impressionism and Cubism. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic techniques and philosophy. However, Benton never fully embraced the abstract styles favored by many of his contemporaries, preferring to depict more realistic and narrative-driven subject matter.

Return to America and Finding His Voice (1913-1920)

Upon returning to the United States, Benton drifted through various stylistic phases, struggling to find a distinctive voice. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, an experience that profoundly influenced his perspective on life and art. This period marked a turning point, as Benton began to focus more on American subjects, drawing inspiration from the nation's landscape and people.

The Regionalist Movement (1920s-1930s)

By the 1920s, Benton had become a leading figure in the Regionalist movement, alongside artists like Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry. This movement sought to depict the realities of rural American life, countering the burgeoning abstraction of European-influenced modernism. Benton’s murals and paintings from this period often featured scenes from the Midwest, portraying the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans.

Connection to St. Louis (1930s)

Benton's connection to Missouri, and specifically to St. Louis, played a significant role in his career. In the 1930s, he completed a commission for the Missouri State Capitol: a series of murals depicting the social history of the state, which included vibrant scenes of St. Louis. These works solidified his reputation and influence within the Regionalist movement.

Teaching and Influence (1940s)

Benton's impact extended beyond his paintings and murals; he was also a dedicated teacher. His tenure at the Kansas City Art Institute was particularly impactful, where he mentored students and championed the importance of drawing from life. His teaching philosophy profoundly influenced a new generation of artists, including the famous Abstract Expressionist painter Jackson Pollock.

World War II and Its Aftermath (1940s-1950s)

During World War II, Benton created works that reflected the conflict and its impact on American society. Post-war, as the art world's interest shifted towards Abstract Expressionism, Benton's popularity waned. Despite this, he remained committed to his Regionalist vision, continuing to produce work that explored American themes and landscapes.

Late Career and Legacy (1960s-1975)

In his later years, Benton experienced a resurgence in popularity, as a new appreciation for narrative and figurative painting emerged. His work was recognized with numerous awards and exhibitions, celebrating his contributions to American art. Benton continued to paint until his death in 1975, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades of American history.

Reflections and Final Works (1970s)

Benton's final works were reflective, exploring themes of history, memory, and the passage of time. He passed away at his easel, a testament to his lifelong dedication to his craft. Today, his work is recognized for its historical significance and artistic merit, housed in museums and collections across the country.

Remembering Thomas Hart Benton (1975 and Beyond)

Thomas Hart Benton's death marked the end of an era for American Regionalism. However, his influence endures, with his murals and paintings continuing to inspire and captivate audiences. Benton's commitment to depicting the American experience made him a pivotal figure in the history of American art, creating a body of work that celebrates the nation's spirit and landscapes.

Key Achievements of Thomas Hart Benton:

• A leading figure in the American Regionalist movement, capturing the lives and landscapes of the Midwest.

• Completed iconic murals, including those for the Missouri State Capitol, highlighting his connection to St. Louis and his storytelling ability.

• Served as a mentor to future generations of artists, including Jackson Pollock, during his tenure at the Kansas City Art Institute.

• - Received significant recognition and awards in his later years, affirming his lasting impact on American art.

Thomas Hart Benton's life was a testament to the power of art to capture and convey the essence of American life. His work, deeply rooted in the Regionalist movement, provided a narrative of the nation's heartland that was unrivaled in its depth and scope. Benton's legacy as a painter, teacher, and storyteller continues to resonate, underscoring his role as a pivotal figure in the canon of American art.

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