Who We Are

Vidzu Media Interview

Enjoyed conversation yesterday with John Launius, President of Vidzu Media, as part of the media company's Leadership Factor intervew series. Vidzu is part of the Nitrous Effect collective of companies. Discussion included issues facing artists in the quarantine era, ways Art Saint Louis is pivoting to serve the community during this time, and silver linings that may follow the pandemic crisis.

I've appreciated the opportunity to get to know John through his frequent visits to Art Saint Louis and Catalyst Coffee Bar. As much as anyone I know, he fits the description of a rennaisance man, as a respected business leader, public speaker, actor and martial arts instructor. I'm currently enjoying his newly released book, The Life and Times of Missouri's Charles Parsons, an immersive retelling of a 19th century figure who, among other things, played a vital role in the development of art in the life of St. Louis.

And I'm noting again just how terribly dated my blog bio pic is (hair, anyone?). Man I've gotta get that updated.

Touching base

Sent the following to Art Saint Louis members last week, and was encouraged to post it here as well. Hopefully an encouragement to someone. And I'm serious about the invitation to drop me a line. I welcome and appreciate the contact.

Dear Art Saint Louis Members,

Just a note here to touch base at what increasingly appears to be only the beginning of a sure-to-be prolonged quarantine era. Forgive me, I don't mean to be pessimistic, and by no means would I pretend to know what the future holds, but as sure as there are brighter days ahead (don't you doubt it!) it seems unlikely they will arrive as soon as we might hope.

Already expressions like "We're in this together" can feel trite, overused and insincere. Nevertheless I do want you to know that Robin and I are thinking of you at this time, and that we, along with our board members, are looking for ways that Art Saint Louis can continue to serve, connect and encourage our community during this trying time. To that end we're working to keep the organization's mission in action online, stepping up our social media efforts promoting the work of local artists, including our 60-second video Artist Interview series with regional graduate and undergraduate art students who participated in our recent "Varsity Art XXIV" exhibition. Those videos are published on our YouTube channel, where over the last several years Art Saint Louis has published over 200 such artist video spotlights. Additionally several ASL Board members are working on a new video series discussing creativity in this time of isolation. We'll be using #artinisolationASL, so consider using that hashtag on social media and support ASL while promoting your work too. Stay tuned.

There's no overstating the fact that the pandemic is hitting the artist community hard. Artists whose creative activity forms the backbone of their financial stability are some of the most vulnerable at this time, and I know as a matter of fact that many of you, our Art Saint Louis members, fall squarely within this demographic. In addition to financial hardship and feeling isolated like everyone else, you may be dealing with a gnawing sense that in the midst of crisis your activity as an artist is basically a non-essential service, and therefore irrelevant. To any such artists reading this message I want you to know that you and your artwork matter, tremendously, as always. I truly believe that, with all my heart, and I hope that in the midst of headlines full of unrelentingly bad news you will not lose heart or allow your creative fire to be snuffed out. I'm inspired by C.S. Lewis's observation that while art is not necessary for survival, it is "one of those things which give value to survival."

And so I want to thank you for your creativity and perseverance. Thank you for long playing such a critically important role in my life, continually illumining for me and for countless others those things that are transcendent, meaningful, provocative, profound or simply beautiful--as if anything more than beauty were necessary. Don't let current circumstances get you down.

On a more practical note, please do refer to our Artist Relief Resources During COVID-19 list below as well as our Art Opportunities List in each week's newsletter--both include helpful resources to artists especially during this time of need. And continue to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Please keep me company! Working from home these days I would especially love to hear from any of you. Drop me a line at chandler (at) artstlouis dot org and let me know how things are going for you, or any ideas you've found helpful in navigating the new norm.

All the best,

Chandler