All Entries Tagged With: "Normandy"
International Poster Exhibition debuts at UMSL

During the Chicago International Poster Biennial, opening this week at UMSL's Gallery FAB, 92 award-winning posters from 21 countries will make their very first traveling debut. This poster is called “C’est L’été,” or "This is Summertime."
FROM THE NEWS WIRE:
For the first time in its history, the Chicago International Poster Biennial show will be on display outside of Chicago.
Gallery FAB on the campus of the University of Missouri–St. Louis is serving as host for the Second Chicago International Poster Biennial Finalists Exhibition. The exhibit will run through April 12 and feature 92 of the 175 finalist posters created by award-winning international poster artists from 21 countries around the world.
Jennifer McKnight, associate professor of art at UMSL, organized this special exhibition with Lance Rutter, director of the Chicago International Poster Biennial.
“If you came out last year to see the CIPB Juror’s show, you are going to love this collection of winning posters from the 2010 Chicago Poster Biennial Finalists show even more,” McKnight said.
Gallery FAB hosted the CIPB Juror’s show in fall of 2011.
The exhibit’s opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Lance Rutter, CIPB director, will attend the reception, and CIPB2 posters by acclaimed New York graphic artist Paula Scher and CIPB2 catalogues will be available for purchase. CIPB2 was the Second Chicago International Poster Biennial, held in 2010.
Gallery FAB is at 201 Fine Arts Building at Rosedale Drive and Florissant Road, 63121. All exhibits at the gallery are free and open to the public. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 314-516-6967 or visit umsl.edu/~art
UMSL composer teams with the London Philharmonic
You can add this to the list of things people don’t know about North County….. One of the preeminent American composers of classical music works right here in NoCo. UMSL professor Barbara Harbach, who tours the world as a concert organist and harpsichordist, is also a prolific composer with a large catalog of works.
She has written music for symphonies, operas, chamber ensembles, musicals, film scores, and modern ballets. And now, her latest project – a CD recorded by the esteemed London Philharmonic Orchestra – is set to be released just in time for the holidays.
“Music for Strings” is her seventh CD for the independent label MSR, and if it’s anything like her lovely “Chamber Music 3,” it would make a great gift! To learn more about Harbach, visit her website. Or jump over to MSR, where you can listen to samples and purchase CDs.
Bikes, houses, farmers & stars – Another fun NoCo weekend!

Live Well Ferguson's Twilight Ramble returns for its second year, offering cyclists the chance to tour some of Ferguson's many scenic byways. Photo: flickr/livewellferguson
NOCO fans, I sure hope you’re crossing your fingers for more of this beautiful fall weather, because there’s lots to do in North County this weekend! Which of these fun events are calling your name?
Live Well Ferguson Twilight Ramble – November 6, 3-7pm
In case you haven’t noticed, Ferguson is developing quite a vibrant bicycling community. The Ferguson Cycling Club just hosted a bike-in movie and a ghost tour of Bellefontaine Cemetery. Ferguson’s city employees are now using bikes to get around town. And thanks in large part to the efforts of Live Well Ferguson, the city’s healthy living initiative, we just became the first Missouri town to win national honors as a Playful City USA.
To help celebrate these milestones, Live Well is sponsoring another great two-wheel event: the second annual Twilight Ramble. Scheduled for Sunday, November 6, this casual bike ride through the streets and trails of Ferguson offers three options – 1 mile, 5 miles or 15 miles – all with gorgeous scenery. The event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required and you must wear a helmet. The first 100 participants will receive a free t-shirt. There’s also free food and live music. Plaza @ 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135
EarthDance Farmers Formal – November 5, 6-11pm
As most of you know, I’m a big fan of EarthDance, the progressive nonprofit that works the land at Missouri’s oldest organic farm, just two blocks away here in Ferguson. EarthDance is a regular at the Ferguson Farmers Market, and has also hosted numerous events in NoCo, including the annual Pesto Festo. But this year, founder Molly Rockamann decided to take a different route.
Pesto Festo, EarthDance’s biggest fundraiser, has now morphed into the Farmers Formal…..a slightly more upscale event that will be held at Washington University’s College Hall (as opposed to the Savoy in Ferguson). Tickets are $75 per person and that includes a full dinner courtesy of Bon Appetit, an open bar with beer, wine and cocktails, silent and live auctions, and live music by the One Take Band and the Bottoms Up Blues Gang. Wear your best farmer duds and get ready to feast on local vegetables, meats and cheeses! You can get your tickets and more info right here.

Catch a glimpse of the Andromeda Galaxy at the UMSL Observatory's free open house this Saturday night.
UMSL Observatory Open House – November 5, 7:30pm
If you haven’t been to UMSL’s observatory yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the coolest attractions in North County. It’s just a simple metal shed sitting just beyond a softball field, but its high-powered telescope offers a brilliant view of the magnificent universe that surrounds us. This month, the observatory will offer viewings of Jupiter, Uranus, the Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy, as well as the first-quarter moon. And the best part is, it’s all free! Just walk up and get in line, and if you have any questions about the stars, there will be an expert nearby. For directions and more info, look here. Kids welcome!
Discover Your Dream Home in Ferguson – November 6, 1:30 – 4pm
The real estate market may be down right now, but for many people in a decent financial position, the time has never been better to buy! Deals abound all across the metro area, but here in Ferguson you can really stretch your dollar. So why not learn more about the city’s housing stock at this free one-day event, where you can also hear about financing options and local schools and get a tour of various open houses. My own broker, Pearce Neikirk, will be participating. (Can’t wait to tell you about one of his newest listings tomorrow….)
Carmen Dence & Grupo Atlantico – November 5, 7:30pm
Finally, one last event to talk about….and this one is exotic! As part of UMSL’s upcoming Women in the Arts international conference, the university is hosting a very special performance by Carmen Sofia Dence, a Colombian-American folkloric dancer and choreographer who founded the St. Louis-based dance troupe Grupo Atlantico. Free and open to the public, “Bullerengue” is the name of the program, which celebrates the music and dance of Colombia and Panama and of course features beautiful costumes! Unity Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive, 63121
Hope to see you at one or more of these unique local events!
Got fun? There’s lots to do in NoCo this weekend…

Inspired by "cycle-in cinemas" that are popping up all over England, Live Well Ferguson is hosting its own bike-in movie this Friday night. Photo: magnificentrevolution.org
Let’s all cross our fingers for some gorgeous autumn weather, because this weekend is jam-packed with fun events. Which one sounds good to you?
Cycling Cinema – October 21, 6:30 – 9pm
Ride your bike to an outdoor movie at Live Well Ferguson’s first ever Cycling Cinema. Admission is free. Non-glass containers are welcome. And food will be available for purchase. Legally, I can’t tell you what the movie is, but if you’re looking to “break away” for a few hours, this little shindig across from the Ferguson Brewhouse is sure to offer a good time. Plaza at 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135
St. Ann Garage Sale – October 22: 8am – 2pm, October 23: 9am – 1pm
An annual tradition for ten years, the St. Ann Garage Sale in Normandy is a two-day junkers’ delight where you’ll find clothing, furniture, toys and all kids of gently used goodies. Proceeds benefit St. Ann School and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. Prices are half-off on Sunday. You can also fill a bag for $1 after noon. St. Ann Parish Center, 7530 Natural Bridge, 63121
Arts for Life Musical Revue – October 22: 2pm & 7:30pm, October 23: 2pm
As you’ve probably noticed, there are quite a few people in North County who still haven’t fully recovered from the April tornado. The nonprofit group Arts for Life noticed this too and decided to host a benefit show, with all proceeds going to help tornado survivors in NoCo and Joplin. The performance, entitled “Love Lift Us Up,” will feature 25 songs and more than 100 singers, dancers, actors and musicians. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Bayless High School (in South County), 4530 Weber Rd, 63123
Ferguson Farmers Market – October 22, 8am – noon
There are only two Saturdays left in the market’s 2011 outdoor season, so don’t miss your chance to shop! The Northern Arts Council will be on hand from 9-11am with pumpkin decorating for kids. You can also get your bicycle cleaned and checked for safety from 8-12, and enjoy live music from the always entertaining Boeing Jazz Band (9-11am). 20 S. Florissant Rd, 63135
Trinity Treasures Dinner Auction – October 22, 5:30pm
If you’re an alum of Rosary/Trinity High School in Spanish Lake, here’s your opportunity to show your support. The school is hosting its largest fundraiser of the year this Saturday – a dinner auction just bursting with things to buy! There will be silent and live auctions, raffles and an open bar. The cost is $50 including dinner. To make a reservation, call Dan Grumich at 314-741-1333, ext: 223. 1720 Redman Rd, 63138
Variety Children’s Theatre: The Wizard of Oz – Oct0ber 21: 10am & 7:30pm, October 22: 1:30 & 7pm, October 23: 1:30pm
The magical land of Oz comes to life this weekend at the Touhill, featuring 17 local children who all happen to have a physical disability. This is the third annual show put on by the Variety Children’s Theatre, which seeks to showcase kids of all abilities, and it looks to be a real heart-warmer. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and you can purchase them on the Touhill’s website. Show up in a Wizard of Oz costume and you’ll get a free scoop of ice cream! 1 University Blvd, 63121















Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K