MISSION

The Luminary Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing a platform for the presentation of innovative art, music and cultural projects. Since opening in 2007, The Luminary has quickly developed into an incubator for new ideas in the arts, hosting acclaimed concerts, exhibitions and public programs as well as launching a number of high-profile projects, including FORM Contemporary Design Show, Temporary Art Review and the AV Artist Equipment Library.

The Luminary is in the process of an extensive renovation of a new permanent location at 2701-2705 Cherokee Street. More information on the Capital Campaign and renovation can be found here. 

HISTORY

The Luminary was founded in late 2007 as an artist-run resourcing organization in an effort to provide a sustainable platform for artists and musicians in the St. Louis area. Initially formed as a collaborative studio space, The Luminary was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in order to expand its influence into the greater local, national and international communities through its exhibitions, events and  programs.

The Luminary is in the process of renovating an expansive new space at 2701-7 Cherokee Street that will house two galleries, artist studios, two apartments for artists-in-residence, a research library and an extensive workspace with a woodshop, darkroom, and media lab. The Luminary has received numerous awards and accolades including “Best Art Gallery” and “Best Concert Series” in 2011 by the Riverfront Times and “Best Multipurpose Venue” by St. Louis Magazine along with national features in Art in America, Dwell and Art Papers.

The Luminary is partially supported by grants from the Missouri Arts Council, an agency of the State of Missouri, the Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council in St. Louis, MO. Major support comes from our members, program revenue and individual contributions. Additionally, The Luminary has received significant in-kind support from the Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts, Thompson Coburn LLP, US Bank, Solon Gershman, The Partnership for Downtown, Space Architecture + Design, TOKY Branding + Design and more. The Elevator Music Series is sponsored by 88.1 KDHX, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, The Royale and Local Harvest Cafe and Catering. From 2007-2012, The Luminary has been supported by an in-kind donation of space and receives an annual contribution from The Journey. Support The Luminary by making a tax-deductible contribution on our Support page.

 

STAFF AND INTERNS

Liz Deichmann, Concert Manager 

liz(at)theluminaryarts.com

Sarrita Hunn, Residency Director

sarrita(at)theluminaryarts.com

Brea McAnally, Founder and Co-Director

brea(at)theluminaryarts.com

James Mcanally, Founder and Co-Director

director(at)theluminaryarts.com

Interns

Jimena Gracia

Annette Lepique

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brent Crittenden, Managing Principal at UIC

Paige Gilbertson, Design and Sales at Niche Home Furnishings/The Lawrence Group

Emily Haight, Special Projects Manager at Nine Network of Public Media

James McAnally, Founder at The Luminary

Robert Oesch, Tax and Estate Lawyer at Riezman Berger

John Pa, Co-Founder at Catena and Anastasis Films

Jeff Vines, Creator at STL-Style

 

RESIDENCY PROGRAM

The Luminary’s Residency Program is a part of our extensive interaction with the landscape of contemporary art. The Residency Program forms an integral element of our role as an originator of new works as well as providing unparalleled opportunities for artists to engage with the local community. The funded residencies bring together some of the best emerging artists working today.

EXHIBITIONS

Each season, we present 4-6 group exhibition focused around a year-long theme alongside periodic off-site exhibitions and shorter programs. We present work from artists at all stages of their career with an emphasis on socially-engaged, conceptually rigorous contemporary practices.

PROJECTS

As an incubator for new ideas in the arts, we actively experiment with new forms of working that address the changing landscape of artistic practice. Often, these take the shape of semi-autonomous initiatives that evolve according to the needs of the program. These projects include Temporary Art Review, a platform for art criticism that focuses on alternative spaces and critical exchange between disparate art communities; AV, an artist equipment library housed at The Luminary; and FORM, a contemporary architecture, furniture and functional object design show that also acts as a significant fundraiser for the organization.