10 art exhibits to catch this month

Explore color, historic armor, and more at these exhibitions in February.

by

Whether you prefer historic artifacts or exploring the abstract, there's plenty to take in this month at the city's many museums and galleries. Here are a few must-see shows to catch in February.

Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum: February 18–May 14

Experience a rare chance to see objects from one of the nation's largest collections of arms and armor when the Higgins Armory Collection makes its way to the Saint Louis Art Museum. Discover arms and armor from medieval Europe, ancient Egypt, and 19th-century Japan alongside examples from the modern U.S. military and Hollywood. Selections from the SLAM collection, including prints by Albrecht Dürer and rarely exhibited Flemish tapestries, will supplement the pieces from the Higgins collection.

Great Rivers Biennial – Through February 12

This 10th edition of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis' Great Rivers Biennial features the work of painter Yowshien Kuo, multidisciplinary artist Yvonne Osei, and sculptor Jon Young. The three artists were chosen from more than 100 applicants in the greater St. Louis metro area to present their work in CAM's main gallery. To learn more about the Great Rivers Biennial, visit our Fall and Winter Arts Guide.

Personal History – Through February 15

A sense of self is at the center of the works highlighted in Art Saint Louis' latest exhibition, Personal History. More than 70 regional artists submitted 139 original artworks across media for the show, and the 63 works chosen are the best of the best. See intimate portraits, abstract representations of the mind, striking photography, and more as part of the downtown gallery's first offering of 2023.

Funny Because It's True – Through March 4

The colorful work of multidisciplinary artist Lily Hollinden is celebrated in Funny Because It's True, her first solo exhibition at Bruno David Gallery. In her work, Hollinden plays with humor irony as she explores the origins of life and humanity and "strives to analyze the human experience from an animal lens."

Atmospheric – Through March 4

In this exhibition at Green Door Art Gallery, subtitled "art that sets a mood," four artists lend their talents to exploring the way that art can communicate a feeling. The exhibition will feature oil paintings by Candice Canessa, Robin Leibovich, and Kathryn Miller, and silver and stone jewelry by Joe Bova Conti.

Breathe – Through March 15

This solo exhibition from Lauren Younge, currently on view at COCA's Millstone Gallery, is a collection of large-scale abstract paintings accompanied by interactive elements such as a "corner of mindfulness" and a collaborative journaling experience. The exhibition encourages peaceful reflection through its colorful, emotional works.

Botanical Resonance: Plants and Sounds in the Garden – Through March 2023

Sound takes center stage at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in this new exhibition at the reopened Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum. The collection highlights the relationship between plants and sound through the works of three artists: Kevin Harris, Brooke Erin Goldstein, and Annika Kappner. Be sure to scan the accompanying QR codes at the exhibition to access sound walks that provide a guided meditation for exploring the gardens.

Elusive Form: Color in Space – Through April 9

"How does color operate?" That's the question that prompted a new exhibition of works from the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum's permanent collection. The diverse collection of works from the past seven decades are playful and powerful in their exploration of a universal, yet multifaceted, experience. 

Fabricating Empire: Folk Textiles and the Making of Early 20th-Century Austrian Design – Through May 28

This new exhibition in Gallery 100 at the Saint Louis Art Museum is a rare opportunity to see a large collection of the museum's textiles at once. Due to their light sensitivity, exhibition curator Genevieve Cortinovis says textiles are often shown only once in every 10 years, so Fabricating Empire is a "get it while it's out" opportunity for visitors. The exhibition examines the relationship between the development of Central European folk costume and Austrian modern design, with a special emphasis on the Wiener Werkstätte, or Vienna Workshops.

Coloring STL – Through February 18, 2024

The newest exhibition from the Missouri History Museum gives visitors a chance to embrace their creativity while learning about the impressive architectural history of our city. More than 50 St. Louis landmarks have been rendered on the walls of the museum's galleries in black and white, waiting to be colored in by attendees each day.

Subscribe to St. Louis Magazine's Culture newsletter to receive the latest news and recommendations from the arts scene.
Or, check out all of our newsletters.