Ferguson, UMSL reach deal on art gallery

'North Gallery' contains six studios, exhibition space

By Brian Flinchpaugh

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 1:53 PM CDT

Ferguson and the University of Missouri-St. Louis have dotted the i's and crossed the t's on an agreement that will bring more art to North County.

The Ferguson City Council approved an agreement at its April 17 meeting for a new, community-based art gallery at 27 S. Florissant Road.

Known as the "North Gallery," the newly renovated 7,000-square-foot building is in the Ferguson Citywalk district, across from the Ferguson Farmer's Market.

The building features six fine-art studios, an exhibition space and common area. At least one UMSL exhibit will be held each year, as well as community exhibits.

Assistant City Manager De'Carlon Seewood said Monday that the agreement involved assurances that community exhibits would take place.

"We wanted to make sure about the local aspect." Seewood said.

The Northern Arts Council, a nonprofit organization, will act as curator of the gallery space. Artists, writers, educators and musicians from across North County are members.

The gallery had its public unveiling April 2.

University officials said the studios provide much-needed research space for faculty members in UMSL's Department of Art and Art History.

The university and city shared the cost of renovating the dilapidated building. The city's share was about $20,000, Seewood said.

John Hylton, dean of UMSL's College of Fine Arts and Communication, said in a university press release that the creation of the North Gallery required a great deal of cooperation.

"It (the gallery) will provide a great venue for the display and production of art in a variety of media," he said. "This is a partnership that will benefit both the university and community."