Red Gate Gallery presents two concurrent exhibitions—Spirit of the Trees and Coming of Age in 2026: A Counterstory—with a free, open-to-the-public reception from 5–7 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026. Together, the exhibitions bring professional artists and middle school students into conversation around identity, ecology, and collective care.

Spirit of the Trees

Spirit of the Trees responds to the EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, leaving a lasting physical and emotional impact across the region. In addition to the loss of lives, homes, and infrastructure, thousands of trees were damaged or uprooted. Artists in the exhibition reflect on both the event itself and the enduring symbolism of trees as forces of life, renewal, knowledge, and loss.

“Artists from every culture and era have depicted trees as symbols of life, renewal, and knowledge,” says exhibition curator Mel Watkin. “But trees also pose great danger during storms. In the aftermath, their loss is heartbreaking. The exhibition holds space for life, heartbreak, or both.”

Signature Works from Spirit of the Trees

Coming of Age in 2026: A Counterstory

Signature Works

Wow It's Been a Long Road . by Maria Ojascastro

Charles Chalot Dougles-Book - Monya & She Is a Cathedral (after Niki and Jean)

Forest Nymph with Necklace - by Eve Bayer

Walking Through Seasons Rebirth / by Randy McCall

In the downstairs gallery, Red Gate hosts Coming of Age in 2026: A Counterstory, featuring works by seventh-grade students from Wydown Middle School.

“Our students are sharing an inside view of adolescence today—how social media, technology, and stereotypes shape their identities,” says Erin Ott, WMS Language Arts teacher.

Students express their experiences, values, and concerns through writing paired with visual media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. Together, the exhibitions reflect Red Gate’s ongoing commitment to intergenerational dialogue and to supporting creative work that strengthens community and fosters civic conversation.

ABOUT RED GATE

Red Gate was co-founded in 2023 by Adrienne Outlaw, Sarah Moon, and Elena Piston as an arts initiative of Wydown United Church, providing a platform for new and experimental work rooted in community engagement.

“Showing professional artists alongside student work is central to our mission,” says Adrienne Outlaw, Red Gate director. “Wydown Middle School is just across the boulevard from us, and we’ve been delighted to host their insightful exhibitions since we opened. This year, we’re again pairing the reception with a family-friendly cookie decorating activity.”

Exhibition Details

Spirit of the Trees: January 16 – April 12, 2026

Coming of Age in 2026: A Counterstory: January 30 – February 2, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, January 30, 5–7 pm

Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–3 pm

Location: Red Gate at Wydown United Church, 6501 Wydown Blvd, 63105

Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information,visit theredgategallery.com or follow Red Gate on social media.

Spirit of the Trees and Coming of Age in 2026 Opens at Red Gate Gallery