By Thomas Crone
When the popular Way Out Club left the intersection of Cherokee and Compton a half-decade back, the last thing anyone would have predicted was that the corner would become the nexus of underground arts in St. Louis— but that’s exactly what occurred.
Under the watchful eye of neighborhood resident and eager impresario Galen Gondolfi, the Fort Gondo Compound for the Arts (3151 Cherokee) was first on the scene, throwing a dizzying series of one-night and short-stand shows, often highlighting the works of young and emerging artists. Radio Cherokee (3227 Cherokee) came next, offering a low-key space for off-the-beaten-path musicians and bands both local and national.
On January 13, these storefront venues will team up with some newer arrivals on the scene.
The new Snowflake (3156 Cherokee) will show the digital photos of Jesse Thomas, and Radio Cherokee will feature music by former members of the band Cloister, one of whom, Dana Smith, will showcase his paintings at Typo (3159 Cherokee), a new cyber-free coffeehouse decorated with antique typewriters.
Attached to Typo is the Tin Ceiling (3157 Cherokee), whose house theater group will offer a live performance. The all-women’s gallery Beverly (3155 Cherokee), named after Gondolfi ’s mother, will present a four-woman show, Girls, Girls, Girls, curated by Nicole Northway. And at Fort Gondo, where it all began, Peter Pranschke will wallpaper the space with his artwork.
“Man, what can I say?” Gondolfi muses. “It’s just all kinda happening. It’s a celebration of financial ruin. You might as well have some art openings and live music to go along with it.”
