Art St. Louis exhibits toe the lines of form and contrast
"Buy local" is an oft used catchphrase, encouraging people to consume locally sourced produce, support independently owned businesses and, in Art Saint Louis' case, admire art created by artists who live nearby.

For Art Saint Louis, the "buy local" mantra emanates through each of its juried exhbits. They are open to artists who live within a 200 mile radius of St. Louis, notably excluding the Kansas City and Chicago areas. In its most recent exhibits, "Blur" and "Over the Edge," dozens of artists from St. Louis to Alton, to Catawissa, Mo., will display works that find play in the stricter lines of art.

"Blur" is a compilation of artwork in various media that "blurs concepts or is visually blurred," according to material from the organization. A photograph of a moving body streaking across the print visually blurs, while a sculpture of porcelain, wood, lazertran decal and pillows blurs observational mindsets. More than 70 pieces, all available for purchase, will fill the main gallery in the Washington Ave. building.
Just across the room, 2010 Critical Mass Stimulus Grant receipient and "Over the Edge" curator Sarah Paulsen will present a collection of four painters' work, each of whom takes work to the edges of the canvas and beyond. The opening receptions for both exhibits will be held concurrently.
Also coming up, museum goers are invited to watch the restoration of a masterpiece painting, and galleries at St. Louis University, Washington University, the Vaughn Cultural Center and Sheldon keep their doors open for the summer.
Over the Edge and Blur opening reception
Where: Art Saint Louis, 555 Washington Ave., St. Louis
When: 6 - 8 p.m. Saturday, June 9
How much: Free
Link: http://www.artstlouis.org
Restoring an American Treasure
Where: St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis
When: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, June 8; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10
How much: Free
Link: http://www.slam.org
Louis Kelly Jr. Photography Exhibit
Where: Vaughn Cultural Center, 3701 Grandel Sq., St. Louis
When: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 8
How much: Free
Link: http://www.ulstl.org/vaughn_cultural_center.aspx
The Persistence of Myth
Where: Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., St. Louis
When: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, June 8; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10
How much: Free
Link: www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu

Odell Mitchell Jr. Retrospective
Where: Sheldon Art Galleries, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis
When: Opening Reception Friday June 8, 5 - 7 p.m.
How much: Free
Link: www.thesheldon.org/galleries.asp
Robert Motherwell: Abstract Expressionist
Where: Saint Louis University Museum of Art, 3663 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis
When: Opening Reception Friday June 8, 6 - 8 p.m.
How much: Free
Link: http://www.sluma.slu.edu
