Union Avenue Christian Church to visit

Gretchen Brigham Gallery displays "Wildflowers, Shaw Nature Reserve," a painting by Michael Anderson. (Photo taken from Gretchen Brigham Gallery’s Facebook page)

Union Avenue Christian Church will visit Gretchen Brigham Gallery, Union Boulevard, St. Louis, on Sunday, March 19.

The church’s Facebook page posted that the members would have the opportunity to pray, plant, and paint. They said they would begin the worship at 11 a.m. and enjoy using the seed-starting kits.

Moreover, they mentioned that they would have live painting demos, and the children would enjoy many activities at the gallery.

Fresh Air Exhibit

The Gretchen Brigham Gallery’s Facebook page mentioned that Doug Weaver would offer containers, soil, and seeds to start the participants’ spring garden. Then in the afternoon, Weaver and his fellow Fresh Air “plein” air painters would demonstrate their strategies.

The post said they would set up a kid’s art table, but adults could also play.

In addition, they would feature the works from Fresh Air. They revealed that Michael Anderson, and Weaver, two among the six painters, would be painting live during the exhibit.

Arts Group

The Union Avenue website noted that the Arts Group of Union Avenue (AGUA) comprises six painters exhibiting for the first time in the Gretchen Brigham Gallery.

As further mentioned, they would use the “plein air” collection of paintings, including a deep and colorful palette of images created in Fresh Air.

In addition, the painters are Weaver, Susan Rogers, Sarah Lorentz, Anne Kostecki, Deborah Williams, and Anderson, as mentioned on the website.

The website announced that AGUA hosted an opening reception on Feb. 17 in the gallery.

Moreover, AGUA and the Gretchen Brigham Gallery submitted an approved plan to the Missouri Arts Council for reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. They pointed out that they have been regarded as Missouri ArtSafe.

Missouri ArtSafe Certification

According to the Missouri Arts Organizations website, they created Missouri ArtSafe to advocate COVID-19 safe practices by arts and cultural groups statewide. They said they would have to follow local guidelines when the arts reopen.

In addition, the group works with the Missouri Arts Safety Alliance to make the certification. They pointed out that groups become certified by pledging and following a core level of safe practices.

Moreover, there are benefits that organizations and businesses can receive once they get a Missouri ArtSafe certification. They stated that they would offer training for frontline staff and volunteers.

Besides, the group would provide information on how to operate safely. Then they would give the art organizations and businesses guidelines on developing a COVID-19 safety plan.

The website said that groups would receive promotions on their initiatives to create, present, and attend safely.

About Missouri Arts Council

In another section, Missouri Arts Council noted that its core value is celebrating Missouri’s rich and diverse culture. They explained that all Missouri residents would benefit from public investments in arts.

As further mentioned, the council helps the arts that empower their state's cultural, educational, and economic dynamic. They commit to policies and practices of cultural fairness. They believe these efforts could strengthen an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible state.

In addition, the council engages people in an extraordinary art experience. Through arts, they could also help in growing Missouri’s economy, as pointed out on the website.