Our Mission is to Bring Art to Life
... by serving as a hub for the arts, enriching the community through diverse and inclusive arts experiences, and cultivating a thriving arts scene in Webster Groves and beyond.
… by providing a space for the arts and promotes events that educate and celebrate the arts in our community.
... by developing partnerships and collaborations with organizations, institutions, and businesses, fostering an appreciation of the arts and their benefit to our community.
Our History
Originally named the Webster Arts Community Foundation, Webster Arts evolved from a social service group started by volunteers from Emmanuel Episcopal Church in 2001 to an organization committed to the arts. In 2003, the group sponsored its first art fair, Art & Air, that attracted 90 artists. Two years later, the organization had expanded beyond the church and was emerging as an independent non-profit. Art & Air moved to the grounds of Eden Seminary and attracted 10,000 fair goers and 120 artists from across the U.S.
By 2015 more than 20,000 patrons enjoyed the annual fair, and the organization's name was changed to Webster Arts. In December 2021 Webster Arts opened its new location at Summit and Lockwood with expanded space for gallery exhibits, programs and events.
Over the past 20 years Webster Arts has expanded its programs to include exhibits, workshops, Paint Webster, artists markets, concerts, and family-friendly community engagement programs. Webster Groves is called the "City of the Arts" for its rich theatrical, music, art and art education resources. As part of this creative community, Webster Arts programs provide lively, accessible experiences that enrich the city and the surrounding region.
Our People
President
Patrick Murphy has spent many years as an announcer and television producer, creating documentaries and musical specials for Nine PBS. He has written two books, “Candy Men”, and “Irish in St. Louis” and produces woodcut prints, many of which are exhibited in galleries around St. Louis. He’s hosted the St. Louis Speakers Series from Powell Hall for more than 20 years. Murphy lives in Webster Groves with his wife Anne and is proud to serve as current board president of Webster Arts.
Vice President
Holly Smith
Secretary
Peter Love is an attorney and member of Goffstein, Raskas, Pomerantz, Kraus & Sherman, LLC whose practice of over twenty-five years emphasizes business and civil litigation, and business and family law. In his free time, Love remains involved in the St. Louis community as attorney and board member of a number of other nonprofits, including the St. Louis–Suwa Sister City Committee and Junior Chamber of Commerce related entities. Love resides in neighboring Clayton and attends Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster
Treasurer
Gerry Welch
2024 Board of Directors
John Ahearn - Lynn Bozzay - Marilynne Bradley - Kathie Cahoon - John Castagno - Jacob Farmer - Mike Heavey
Connie Heavey - Jeane Jae - Jahna Kahrhoff - Ginger Krueger - Karen Morrison - Pam Niehaus
Dave Sanders - Vicki Sanford - Kedra Tolson - Gerry Welch
Staff
Jenny Donaldson - Executive Director
j.donaldson@webster-arts.org
Heather R. Sparkman - Communications & Marketing Director
heather@webster-arts.org
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Webster Arts believes every person should have the opportunity to participate in and experience art to the fullest extent. We are committed to continually creating programs, events and employment opportunities that are accessible and inclusive for all, while celebrating diversity and cultural heritages from all walks of life. We do not discriminate based on race, origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis for discrimination.
Visit
Webster Arts is located in the DeSoto Building on the corner of Summit & Lockwood Avenues in Webster Groves, MO.
Two-hour parking is available on both sides of Summit Avenue.
Regular gallery hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday.
Closed on Mondays and holidays.