St. Louis has long produced extraordinary artistic talent, but some of the city’s most important artists may still be hiding in plain sight. Here, we turn to three respected St. Louis gallerists—William Shearburn, Philip Slein and Tanner Steslow—to identify 18 artists they believe deserve the attention of serious collectors. Their selections range from internationally recognized talents including Kennedy Yanko, Katherine Bernhardt and Tom Friedman to rising and underrecognized artists such as Amy Granat and Jamie Adams (pictured here), whose work may represent compelling opportunities for collectors. The list also revisits historically significant figures such as Ernest Trova, Oliver Lee Jackson, Arthur Osver and Ernestine Betsberg, making the case that collecting well requires looking backward as well as forward. Ultimately, the story is about more than acquiring art. It is about developing the eye and conviction to recognize important work before consensus arrives—and preserving the remarkable artistic legacy and evolving cultural story of St. Louis in the process. Read about the background and see the works here.
This fall, one of St. Louis’ most important yet underappreciated artists returns to the spotlight with a major exhibition in the heart of the Central West End gallery district. Beginning October 23, Philip Slein Gallery presents Edward E. Boccia: An American Modernist, bringing together approximately 30 paintings spanning five decades, including monumental multi-panel works that demonstrate Boccia’s remarkable fusion of Renaissance traditions, Expressionism and deeply personal storytelling. The exhibition coincides with the publication of Edward E. Boccia: Painter of Nightmares and Dreams by art historian Rosa J.H. Berland, the first comprehensive scholarly monograph devoted to the influential longtime Washington University professor and painter. Sophisticated Living readers, collectors and art enthusiasts are invited to experience this long-overdue rediscovery at the opening reception Friday, October 23, from 5–8 p.m. at Philip Slein Gallery, 4735 McPherson Avenue. The exhibition continues through April 23, 2027, offering St. Louis the rare opportunity to reconsider an extraordinary artist in the city where his mature artistic vision flourished.
One of St. Louis’ most beloved traditions returns September 16, when Music Director Stéphane Denève and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra launch the SLSO’s 147th season with a free concert on Forest Park’s iconic Art Hill. For Sophisticated Living’s Grayling Holmes, who has enjoyed the tradition many times, there is nothing quite like settling onto the hill with a picnic, a glass of wine and hundreds of fellow symphony and St. Louis lovers as magnificent music fills the park. The evening features favorites from Beethoven, Bernstein, Gershwin, Copland, John Williams and others, along with members of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and IN UNISON Chorus, before culminating with The Stars and Stripes Forever and fireworks over the Grand Basin. It’s a uniquely St. Louis celebration—two enduring city institutions coming together for an unforgettable evening of music, community and civic pride under the stars.
The Festival of Nations returns to Tower Grove Park on August 29-30, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors to celebrate the food, music, art, and traditions of over 80 countries. While the beloved multicultural festival remains free to the public, Sophisticated Living readers can elevate the experience with the exclusive VIP Oasis at the Piper Palm House. VIP guests enjoy premier parking, a dedicated entrance, air-conditioned lounge, reserved Main Stage seating, complimentary beverages, and access to a private Kick-Off Party at the new Director's Croquet Garden. New this year, a single-day VIP pass offers a flexible way to enjoy these premium amenities. Beyond the comfort and convenience, every VIP ticket supports the International Institute of St. Louis, whose mission since 1919 has been to help immigrants and refugees build successful new lives in our community. It's an unforgettable way to experience one of St. Louis' signature cultural events while making a meaningful investment in the region's future.
Don't miss one of the most significant theater events St. Louis has hosted in years. The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis welcomes two-time Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins—widely regarded as the artistic heir to Tennessee Williams—for a free public conversation on Saturday, September 19, at the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County Library. Coinciding with the Festival's groundbreaking production of Appropriate and this year's theme, "The Tennessee Effect," the event offers a rare opportunity to hear one of America's most celebrated contemporary playwrights discuss Williams' enduring influence on his work. Seating is limited, making this a must-attend event for theater lovers, Festival patrons, and anyone passionate about the living legacy of Tennessee Williams. Visit TWSTL.org for details.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin has become the first classical musician to receive the prestigious Lincoln Medal, honoring his lifelong contributions to American music, arts education, and public service. Read here how he was honored at the Ford Center in Washington, D.C. to celebrate his extraordinary legacy in St. Louis and beyond. A feature documentary, Don't Call Me Maestro, produced and directed by award-winning documentarian Miran Halen will highlight his upcoming role as Music Director of the Nashville Symphony, chronicling four generations of the Slatkin family's impact on American music.
Queer Writes: An Evening of Selections by LGBTQ+ Writers in St. Louis for its fourth consecutive year on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Missouri History Museum. The event is part of the Museum’s Thursday Nights at the Museum series and its Gateway to Pride programming.
The 2026 ALTBALL was the third outing for the alternative music, fashion, drag, and eclectic performance event. Thirty designers created avant-garde, eye-and-soul catching garments that kept the audience mesmerized. The sold-out event packed the Sovereign in the Grand Arts Center District, and raised an impressive $100,000 for an event of its size. All proceeds go to Doorways, a non-profit which provides housing and supportive services for those in our community affected by HIV, illness and poverty.
On April 26, inside the dignified halls of the Missouri History Museum, approximately 150 figures from the arts and cultural community gathered not simply to honor Joan Lipkin, but to affirm the scope of a career that has long extended beyond any single stage, city, or discipline. The occasion: her receipt of the 2026 Margo Jones Medal—an honor bestowed annually upon one citizen-of-the-theatre nationwide. In its 65-year history, it had never before been presented in St. Louis.
First recognized as a week-long observance in 1978 and expanded to a full month in 1990, May was chosen to commemorate two key moments: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843. It is both a celebration and a correction—an acknowledgment of contributions that were too often overlooked. Their professional presence is significant—spanning medicine, finance, engineering, technology, academia, and entrepreneurship. They are physicians, executives, innovators, and business owners whose economic contributions help drive both local and national growth. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the importance of this recognition only grows.
If you are reading this, you are the FIRST to see our May/June 2026 issue. In it, we explore how St. Louis continues to leave its imprint on the world stage. Our cover story, “The Rooms That Speak: Lou Bopp and the Art of Photographing Absence,” is a deeply moving piece that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a poignant look at the creation of a 2026 Oscar-winning documentary by a St. Louis photographer. It is, quite simply, unforgettable. We also take a deep dive into two other St. Louis institutions, the 101-year-old Al’s Restaurant, which was the very definition of fine dining in yesteryear and carries the torch today in St. Louis and beyond. Also read about how Stifel Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski ensures that their brand is carried throughout the nation and the world.
The Saint Louis Art Museum’s 2025 gala, Elements: The Alchemist’s Garden, on December 6, was inspired by the monumental exhibition “Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea.” The evening, co-chaired by Lisa R. Carnahan and Brooke Ray, celebrated 40 years of the museum gala and featured an immersive dining experience and high-energy after party where elegance and art converged. Proceeds from the event ensure that world-class exhibitions, transformative programs and unparalleled art experiences continue to inspire the community.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis hosted their 3rd Annual Holiday Benefit. The event brought community, artistry, and festive spirit together for an unforgettable winter celebration supporting St. Louis theatre. This year’s event welcomed Emmy Award–winning actress Britt Lower — star of Apple TV+’s Severance and a proud Midwestern artist with St. Louis roots — who shared stories from her creative journey and reflected on the power of live theatre. Embracing the theme Home for the Holidays, guests enjoyed performances by Broadway star Taylor Louderman, unique auction experiences and exceptional food and drinks, all contributing to raising more than $300,000 to support The Rep’s educational and community programs, world-class productions, and overall presence in St. Louis’ vibrant arts community.
“Don’t feel sorry for us — invest in us.” In a nutshell, this is what Microfinancing Partners in Africa is all about. On Friday, April 24, supporters of the St. Louis-based organization will gather in the Frontenac Hilton’s ballroom to help those who help themselves in a multitude of countries scattered throughout the continent such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Beginning at 5pm, the 20th Annual African Gala marks two decades of steadfast commitment to one of the world’s most pressing challenges: extreme poverty.
The STL Jewish Light presents the 3rd Annual Passover Project at City Winery St. Louis on Wednesday, April 8th at 7pm. The Passover Project is an annual interactive, musical alternative seder. It features the Brothers Lazaroff and various local artists. Created by St. Louis Jewish Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman, it blends traditional seder elements with music, poetry, and special menu items, acting as a "friend raiser" for Jewish journalism.
Even if you’re not Catholic, perhaps you have driven down Lindell and seen one of St. Louis’ most unique edifices, The Cathedral Baslica. Also known as the Saint Louis Cathedral or the New Cathedral, it is a Catholic cathedral in the Central West End that was completed in 1914. In his new book published by Reedy Press, author John Gunther explores this glorious addition to the landscape of St. Louis — its history, architecture, and significance.
Chamber Project St. Louis kicks off the new year with DANCE BREAK: Fancy Footwork, an energetic, rhythm-driven chamber music program inspired by dance traditions from around the world. The concert takes place Sunday, January 18 in the Club Room (upstairs) at the Schlafly Tap Room, offering audiences an intimate, upbeat musical experience paired with great local beer and good company. A second performance featuring the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Dancers will take place at the university’s Dunham Hall on Wednesday, January 28th.
As 2026 dawns, 5,280 circular Waterford crystal discs will fall from the sky on the ball in Times Square. Like fine Waterford crystal, 2026 rings in the fourteenth year that Sophisticated Living St. Louis has brought you the finest. Get a sampling here of what 2026 has to offer in the pages of the January/February issue of St. Louis’ leading luxury lifestyle magazine.
The recent release of St. Louis Parks, 2nd Edition by NiNi Harris and Esley Hamilton is an exploration of how dedicated green spaces in the St. Louis have flourished and spread throughout the region since its founding. St. Louisans are rich with the gifts they have inherited from their civic ancestors. Foremost among these gifts are the public parks—city parks, county parks, state parks, and the Gateway Arch National Park. Although it is winter, the parks are still thriving with activity. Take a trip here.
From ragtime and jazz to civil rights and community life, Mill Creek’s legacy comes alive through never-before-seen images and stories when the Missouri History Society unveils its Mill Creek: Black Metropolis exhibit, A Journey Into a Lost Community’s Legacy at the Missouri History Museum. It will run from November 15, 2025, through July 12, 2026. Focused on the remarkable, powerful, richly textured neighborhood, the exhibition will restore the long-silenced story of Mill Creek Valley, a dynamic, vast African American neighborhood that was erased yet never forgotten.
