Last modified: Thursday, July 12, 2007 11:59 AM CDT
In Maplewood, Bastille Day has artistic flair
By Kelly McCann
While the French gear up to celebrate the country's national holiday, the streets of Maplewood will be transformed into the city's own Bastille Day celebration filled with art and entertainment.
In France, Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille July 14, 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. In Maplewood, however, the Let Them Eat Art event is a celebration of the arts, featuring a progressive art show throughout more than 40 downtown shops and restaurants.
Visitors are encouraged to dress the part by donning a beret or other French attire. The best-dressed will earn a humorous prize.
"You can't have a town named after a French king and not recognize Bastille Day," said Bill Sorby, chef and co-owner of Maya Café, referring to King Louis IX, for whom St. Louis is named.
Sorby got involved last year during the debut of Let Them Eat Art and continued his involvement this year serving on the entertainment committee.
In addition to the displayed artwork, Sorby says visitors will be amused by live music and alternative entertainment, such as cabaret. Other performances will include belly dancing, dream interpretations, a poetry slam, live opera, face painting and a firecracker dance finale. Guests also will have the opportunity to experience what it's like to have their head on the chopping block, in a sense, at the guillotine photo prop.
The first stop on the French-inspired tour de Maplewood is Citizens Park at Manchester Road and Marshall Avenue, where visitors will receive a guide to the fun. A shuttle will be available to transport festival-goers to festivities along Manchester from Schlafly Bottleworks to Sutton Boulevard and south to Greenwood Boulevard.
Local restaurants, shops and galleries will host more than 120 pieces of artwork created by artists from the St. Louis area. An art committee selected the featured works from a collection of submissions.
Benjamin Guffee, owner of the Bright Spot Studio in Maplewood, served on the committee to assist with judging and installation of the art. The Maplewood newcomer says the show will feature a little bit of everything including photography, oil paintings, acrylics and watercolor.
"It's an electic mix," he said.
Guffee and the other art committee members spent last Saturday collecting all of the submissions at his gallery and deciding where each of the works should be displayed. While the artists were allowed to request a specific venue, some locations were selected based on available space, lighting and how the piece complements the space.
In addition to viewing the art, festival-goers will have the opportunity to purchase a piece. The artwork ranges in price from less than $100 to about $1,000.
"It's a great event for artists because no commissions are being charged," Guffee said. "It's an opportunity to show their work in a dynamic setting and have people come and see it."
Guffee said the final ingredient to the mix is support from local people.
"They should consider purchasing a piece to support the artists which will allow them to participate next year," he said.
Visitors to the Hoffman LaChance Gallery will sample wine and food from Sashas while viewing the works of seven local artists at the artist reception.
On Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., festivities will continue on three blocks along Big Bend Boulevard from the Big Bend Antique Gallery to Norton's Fine Art & Framing. Sponsored by St. Louis Community Credit Union, the family event will include hands-on art activities, a kids' hip-hop and jazz demo, and a children's art exhibit.
You can contact Kelly McCann at kmccann@yourjournal.com.
Voulez aller? (Want to go?)
What: Let Them Eat Art, Maplewood's Bastille Day event
When: Friday, July 13, from 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: Downtown Maplewood on Manchester Road, Sutton Boulevard and Greenwood Boulevard
Cost: Free
Parking: The municipal parking lot is on Marietta Avenue. Additional street parking will be available as well.