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Dan Frueh didn’t realize how much talent lied within the boundaries of the Columbus Park neighborhood.
When he sent out a call to artists for a neighborhood art show, he expected to showcase a dozen artists. Instead, more than 30 artists who live and work in Columbus Park responded.
“I had no idea there were that many artists living and working in the neighborhood,” he said. “I was overwhelmed by the artists who were coming out of the woodwork to showcase their stuff.”
Dan Frueh, owner of The trap Gallery, will showcase the more than 30 artists on Friday, May 18, as part of Third Friday. Called “proXimity,” the art show will be on display at The trap Gallery, 525 Gillis St.; Blau Space Gallery, 520 Gillis; Salon Alexandria, 1022 E. Missouri; the Dahlquist Sculpture Garden, 519 Gillis; Stripes Whites & Blues, 1020 E. Missouri; and the Columbus Park Community Garden across the street from Stripes.
A variety of media will be on display, including photography, paintings, sculpture, among others.
One of the artists on display will be Sandra Dodson, whose oil paintings highlight scenes from the neighborhood. Another artist is in his late ’80s and began painting two years ago. When Frueh saw Tony Merlo’s artwork displayed in his kitchen, Frueh knew he wanted to showcase Merlo’s work.
As part of the art show, the streets will be blocked off and food tents and a silent auction will be set up to benefit Mercy Beyond Borders, a 501(c)3 organization that educates and assists women and children in Sudan. Local bands from the neighborhood will also share their talent during the evening.
The proXimity art show will be on display from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., but after May 18, it will be available by appointment only. To make an appointment, call Frueh, (816) 510-6557.
“It’s turned out to be a lot bigger project than I originally imagined, but I’m very excited about the show,” Frueh said. “I think it’s going to be a great neighborhood event and hopefully, we’ll get some people from all over the city to come down and realize what a great little area Columbus Park is.”
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