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America's Center's gallery-quality artwork infuses local color
When you hit the big 3-0, one can expect to feel the need to spruce up a bit.
Such is the case in St. Louis, where the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (SLCVC) implemented a vivid new tactic to help incorporate the region's colorful character into a visit to the America's Center convention complex. The center, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, created a "gallery" of attractions within a colorful passageway that leads visitors into the heart of the convention complex through an exceptional selection of images.
"The new St. Louis Attractions Gallery gives our visitors more of a sense of the richness of our community," said Kitty Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. "People who expect to only see the inside of their hotel and the convention center can get a glimpse into what St. Louis is all about via this colorful representation of our myriad attractions, restaurants, festivals and activities."
The project, which includes five pieces of artwork commissioned from St. Louis artist and illustrator Bryan Haynes, features vibrantly colored works with recognizable icons of St. Louis' sports scene and its host of unique attractions. A panel that pays tribute to the many flavors of St. Louis' arts and cultural history includes a nod to the city's Irish, German, Italian, and Japanese roots as well as an homage to noted African-Americans such as Maya Angelou, Chuck Berry, Katherine Dunham and Scott Joplin. The floor-to-ceiling artwork has been installed around the entrances to three of the facility's six exhibit halls.
The convention center's artistic renovation also includes a collection of dynamic photographs of area landmarks and attractions, along with informational plaques that explain each location and its significance. The "gallery-esque" feel is obvious and intentional.
"We wanted to incorporate the vivid nature of the region into the center's décor, and at the same time, provide an art gallery-type of experience for everyone attending meetings and conventions in our facility," added Ratcliffe.
There are also three new lounge areas that have been created, as well as renovations on several of the building's restroom facilities. Additional "touch-ups" and improvements are slated to take place throughout 2007.
"We strive to provide a high-quality product and comfortable environment for our customers," said Bruce Sommer, Senior Vice President of Facilities for the SLCVC and Director of America's Center. "Our most recent updates and refurbishments are just one more way we continue to improve upon our existing strengths."
The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission is the official destination marketing organization for St. Louis City and St. Louis County and sells St. Louis as a convention, meeting, group tour and leisure travel destination. The SLCVC also operates the America's Center® convention complex, which includes the Cervantes Convention Center, the Executive Conference Center, the Ferrara Theatre and the Edward Jones Dome.
MEDIA NOTE: For more information or photography of St. Louis, send an e-mail to pr@explorestlouis.com or call Becky Sharp at 1-314-992-0652. For up-to-date information about St. Louis, your readers should call the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission at 1-800-916-0040 or check out our website at www.explorestlouis.com. This news release is also available in electronic form. To obtain an electronic version, e-mail your request to pr@explorestlouis.com or go to St. Louis’ online media center at www.explorestlouis.com/media.
