Creative Catalysts Park Ave. Coffee and Schlafly Beer

Webster defines “catalyst” figuratively as “a person or thing that precipitates an event.” A “Creative Catalyst” then, is a person or organization that encourages, supports or facilitates creative expression.  They may or may not be artists themselves, but all of them value the unique contributions that artists provide to society. Our last article featured Matthew Hundley, Director of Abstrakt Art Gallery in Benton Park.  It’s fairly easy to see how a gallery director facilitates creation: the opportunity to market one’s art is a powerful motivator for creating it.  But must this term be so narrowly defined?

Art Underground is grateful for the sponsorship of two local creative catalysts that have been long-time patrons and supporters of the arts.

Schlafly Beer is generously donating their local brew to cut the costs of hospitality of our 2010 Winter Quarterly: Positive Obsession.  They also don’t announce from the mountaintops that they regularly donate their delicious brew to dozens of non-profit organizations and their events across the St. Louis region.  In the wake of a struggling economy, the cuts at Anhueser-Busch and their decreased support of local non-profits, Schlafly’s has valiantly worked to ease their absence and have filled in many of the gaps.

Park Avenue Coffee in Lafayette Square is donating their world-famous gooey butter cake for the Quarterly as well.  If you haven’t had one, be sure to make it to the Quarterly before we run out.  While their donation is sizeable, it is still bound to go fast!  Owner Dale Schotte is an active advocate of the arts and also regularly supports local non-profits.  As a small business owner and entrepreneur, he might not create fine art, but he does create fine artisan coffee, amazing baked goods, and one of the warmest and most social atmospheres at any coffee shop in St. Louis.  They are also up for Metromix’s “Best Coffee Shop in St. Louis,” and if you’ve sampled their tasty treats and would like to support them, you can vote for them here.

Art Underground is not interested in “selling out” to corporate sponsorship. The support of these creative catalysts is vital in “creating a St. Louis that ought to be” because art simply cannot exist in a vacuum.  Art and beauty are intrinsically relational and community-oriented. Thus, Art Underground is passionate about partnering with local businesses, organizations and people who are also passionate about living that vision!