Renaissance SEPT 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026 - THE SOULARD RENAISSANCE - 9 Above: Award of Excellence winner Joan Zwick. Vivid colors and bold expressions adorned the walls of the Soulard Art Gallery during its recent abstract art show. Approximately 75 artists from the St. Louis region had their work displayed during the exhibit, which opened July 10. At the opening, the gallery was packed with artists and their fans, all interested in seeing who would win the awards. Judged by local up-and-coming abstract artist Tom Dailey, the show featured a wide variety of abstract work. From geo- metric patterns to wild and wavy paint strokes, pottery, 3-Dwall sculptures and more, the exhibit offered something for everyone. In fact, half a dozen pieces sold the night of the show. Abstract show at Soulard Art Gallery delights the crowd By Claudia Ruth Burris Best in Show winner Nathan Hutchison. Claudia Ruth Burris and Jay Thompson photos Curator’s Choice winner Bobby Storts. Local artists and their fans enjoyed the camaraderie of the evening while discov- ering new art and listening to the fabu- lous music of Psychedelic Symphony. “It was a fantastic evening, meeting all the artists and their families while enjoying one-of-a-kind abstract artworks,” says Amela Cikota, curator of the show and assistant director of the gallery. “Our juried show included all mediums and showcase artists’ unique visions of ab- stract and non-representational art.” “I love the variety of art we were able to display, and the wide range of levels of experience in the exhibit,” explains co-curator and resident artist Michele Volkman. “We asked artists to speak with color and feel with shapes. They definitely did not disappoint!” Congratulations to the winners: Best in Show, NathanHutchison for his sculp- ture “Community;” Award of Excellence, Kim Hany for her painting “Bernard Avenue Too”; Award of Excellence, Joan Zwick for her sculpture “Village;” Award of Excellence, James Spell for his painting “Sinking Slowly Beneath The Waves;” Award of Excellence, Steve Hartman for his “Gravitas Series” of paintings. Cura- tor’s Choice, Bobby Storts for his mixed media piece “Note To Self.” October 26