After years of dormancy, the street-level space at the Heartland Art Club has been transformed into a bright upstairs gallery featuring premier works.
By Kara Dicker
More than a hundred artists, volunteers, and community members ventured out into the cold Feb. 7 to enjoy a warm reception honoring Heartland Art Club’s hard-working volunteers and the opening of its new upstairs gallery.
“We had a fantastic crowd at our opening of the wonderful new upstairs gallery at Heartland with original artwork on display by some of our outstanding Signature artists,” said Lyle Seddon, HAC’s finance director.
For years HAC eyed the adjoining vacant space with its 14-ft. ceiling and large, street-facing windows, but it wasn’t until last fall that Heartland was permitted to secure its use for the coming year. The gallery committee, led by M. Shawn Cornell, immediately went to work.
“It was a Cinderella transformation,” Shawn said. For two weeks he and his wife, Elizabeth Cornell, Tony Leon, Leslie Morse, and Lisa Ober worked tirelessly removing debris, replacing lights, and refreshing the dark, teal-colored walls and baseboards with multiple coats of off-white paint.
The newly renovated space, which features oil paintings by Signature Member artists Shawn, Lisa Ober, and Gino Santa Maria, allows the display of large, three-dimensional work. “The Iron Horse” is a 12-ft.- long welded steel sculpture of a six-car steam-powered train by metal artist Dale Dicker. The artwork sits atop a wooden base resembling a railroad trestle. Running the length of the gallery windows, the piece faces the Kirkwood Station depot across the street.
“It’s a real honor to have the opportunity to show my train here, right across from the depot,” Dale said. A metal sculptor of more than fifty years, Dale said his interest in trains began in childhood when he would wait at St. Louis’ Union Station to meet his grandfather on return trips from New York. “To me, there’s just an excitement about trains, their sound, their physical nature, which fascinates me,” he said. “I appreciate being able to share that enthusiasm.”
Shawn said the visitor response to the new gallery has been very positive. Although still in its transformative stage, he says the gallery is preparing for a regular rotation of art. Meanwhile, Heartland is preparing for the annual Member’s Showcase, one of it most popular events. The exhibit runs March 14 – April 12.
“Big Mouths,” 40″x60″ oil on canvas, by Lisa Ober.
“The Iron Horse,” welded steel, 12′ L, by Dale Dicker.
“Autumn Symphony,” 36″ x 40″, oil on canvas, by Gino Santa Maria. The pottery bowl is by M. Shawn Cornell.