Essentials: Locally Made and Locally Produced

The list of reasons why many of us want to buy locally made and locally produced goods is endless. And with so much talent in our area, it’s hard to come up with a reason not to fill every inch of our homes with items from the most creative artists St. Louis has to offer. Here is a mere sampling of what’s out there.

Selected Fine Art

Brandon Anschultz

Painting and sculpture intersect in Anschultz’s works. A familiar name at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, he uses foam and sawdust as materials for his 3-D works, which provide a tactile layer for paints to absorb. 314-477-5854, anschultz.com.

Michael Byron

This Washington University painting professor’s works have been exhibited at the Saint Louis Art Museum, Philip Slein Gallery, and other major venues. He focuses on the contemplation of the nature of objects with regard to contemporary visual culture. 314-935-8664.

Gail Cassilly

Cassilly’s memoir, Saltwater, may be the perfect addition to your nightstand, but it’s her art, specifically her sculpture, that will visually enhance your home. A sample of her work is the bronze runner she created for Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School. gailcassillybook.com.

Melody Evans

From a distance, Evans’ sculptures might look like baskets, but they take on the form of birds, animals, and even women, all with some kind of handle or neck. Evans specializes in ceramic sculpture, paintings, and commissioned pieces. 314-961-3301, melody-evans.com.

Theresa Disney

Whimsical works by Disney have been featured in national publications and have garnered the artist several prestigious awards. A self-professed “visual storyteller,” Disney is well-known for her folk art—especially her delightful florals and portraits. She uses clay, paint, and mixed media to create small paintings, larger-than-life sculptures, and more. 314-645-7990.

Genevieve Esson

You’ve likely seen Esson’s work all around St. Louis: on city buses, on the butterfly sculptures for Friends of Wings’ Wings in the City fundraiser a few years ago, and on several of the Cakeway to the West birthday cakes on display for St. Louis’ 250th anniversary. Esson crafts original paintings and does custom artwork for the home. genevieveesson.webs.com.

Cameron Fuller

The artist uses masking tape, cardboard, and ink to transform flat representations into 3-D environments. Many of Fuller’s installations are torn down after display, but other works are available at Philip Slein Gallery. 4735 McPherson, 314-361-2617, philipsleingallery.com.

Mary Sprague

A painter, sculptor, and crafter, as well as a former resident of Massachusetts, Sprague regularly sells out shows at Duane Reed Gallery. Go to her website and check out her 6-foot chickens, series of rhinos, and tree drawings. You’ll want one; we promise. 510 N. Compton, 314-302-2294, marysprague.com.

Furniture & Cabinetry

Amish Country Store

Vern Poenitske runs a flooring-and-remod- eling business, in addition to selling furniture designed by Simply Amish and built by craftspeople from dozens of Amish communities throughout the Midwest. 7580 Watson, 314-968-8900, amishfurniturestl.com.

Michael Bauermeister

Bauermeister’s works have graced the covers of many magazines. He says he’s made many pieces of furniture that are both useful and useless. Located near Augusta, he creates stunning sculptures, tabletop pieces, and wooden wall art on a larger scale. michaelbauermeister.com.

The Bent Tree Gallery

At their farm in Clarksville, John, Marcia, and Stacy Whitt create rustic furniture that incorporates twigs and branches. Visit their website or their Etsy store, and take a gander at the beds. Or visit their Clarksville store and browse. 102 S. Second, Clarksville, 573-242-3200, etsy.com/shop/thebenttreegallery, thebenttree.com.

Herbert Bilgram

Bilgram is one of five artists represented at Phoenix Potteries Studio & Gallery. His trademark is combining multiple woods into a single item. His work includes bowls, kitchen items, and unique urns. 6514 Weber, Affton, 314-544-9316, phoenixpotteries.com.

David Stine Woodworking

Stine’s pieces are sustainably harvested and sold all over the country. The inspiration for his unique furniture comes from the forest itself. The choices include coffee tables, consoles, countertops, desks, nightstands, benches, and beds. 16376 Bartlett, Dow, Ill., 618-954-8636, stinewoodworking.com.

Eight Quarter

If you long to handle a saw and sandpaper, Cecil Robertson teaches classes on how to build the perfect Windsor chair, made the old-fashioned way. But he also makes and sells Windsor continuous-bow arm settees and chairs that add a classic simplicity to any room. Plus, he creates boxes, bowls, and wooden depth gauges (the last of which are used both in making bowls on a lathe and as display art themselves). 314-605-1410, eightquarter.com.

Eultgen Woodworking

Custom cabinets and furniture are often essential for the hard-to-design spaces in your home. Joseph Eultgen has been creating custom furniture for decades and even had the honor of building chairs for Pope John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis. 575 Fee Fee, 314-609-4929, eultgenwood working.com.

Full Circle Design Works

Steve Souder custom-designs cabinets and other special woodworking projects for homes. Souder is frequently employed by architect Philip Durham of Studio|Durham Architects to work on his award-winning projects. 2753 Magnolia, 314-771-0477, fullcircledesignworks.com.

Haskins Custom Woodworking

Sometimes you just need the perfect custom media center, wine case, or display cabinet. Phillip Haskins is your guy. He can build anything you want—and most certainly make it gorgeous. 314-678-1298, haskinswoodworking.com.

JW Best and Company

John Best is known for his custom cabinets, furniture, and interior work, including drywalling, carpentry, and painting. Basically, there isn’t a job he can’t do. 636-399-4777, jwbest.com.

Matanda Wood Creations

Vic Barr specializes in furniture, clocks, pens, and boxes, and he will take custom orders. Be prepared to be wowed by the beautiful burled woods he uses. Whether you order a small box, a pen, or pieces of furniture, the work will be built to last and be cherished. 1668 Rishon Hill, 314-997-1181, matanda.com.

Mistler’s Oak Furniture

The solid oak tables and sturdy bed- room sets sold here are built to last for generations to come. Be sure to check out the handmade gliders, which can turn any nursery into a timeless room. 601 N. Highway 47, Union, 636-583-7703, mistlers-oak-furniture.com.

David Moore

Considered one of the city’s premier furniture designers, Moore is a master of combining various woods into distinctive pieces. On his website, he has videos of himself at work. All of his work is custom. 6930 Broadway, 314-223-4169, davidmoorefurniture.com.

Poppy’s Amish Cupboard

A small selection of handcrafted Amish furniture pieces is available in the shop, along with kitchen items, soaps, and foods. The store regularly updates the inventory on its website, if you would like to browse before heading in. 720 S. Main, St. Charles, 314-732-3289, poppysonmain.com.

Reclaim Renew

Owner Barry Kraft reclaims lumber from old barns around St. Louis and crafts it into incredible kitchen tables, wood furniture, and other household items. He will design whatever you need, and the piece will definitely have a story for your guests. 448 B E. Clinton, 314-540-9958, reclaimrenew.com.

Red Door Furniture Co.

Husband-and-wife team Jeff and Jessi Goodhart create a variety of household furnishings, all from reclaimed materials such as old windows and doors. Browse their shop in St. Charles to see the latest creations. 604 S. Main, St. Charles, reddoorfurnitureco.com.

Andy Van Der Tuin

A graduate of Rhode Island School, Andy Van Der Tuin recently retired after 32 years of teaching shop at the Community School. But his own creations are wooden works of art. His sculpture is stunning. He even submitted one of his Christmas ornaments to the White House to adorn their famous tree. [email protected].

WunderWoods

Whether you’d like a porch, a wine cellar, a home theater, a table, an entire kitchen setup, a beam, or a custom corner cabinet, Scott Wunder can build it. And he’ll make it out of local hardwoods. 1735 S. River, St. Charles, 314-574-6036, wunderwoods.wordpress.com.

Glass, Ceramics & Kitchenware

Fire Under Glass

Fred and Sherry Linders work out of St. Charles to create stunning marbles that appear as if brilliant flowers are entombed inside. Their work can be purchased at Third Degree Glass Factory and Fusion. 314-378-4361, fireunderglass.net.

James Ibur

An impressive local potter, Ibur creates a mix of display art and functional pieces. His works include plates, cups, and tea- pots for the kitchen. 314-283-4387, jamesibur.com.

Mississippi Mud Pottery

The shop features handcrafted stoneware items including dinnerware, lamps, vases, planters, and casserole dishes. Perhaps most impressive is the wall art, which includes one-of-a-kind fish sculptures pressed from real river fish. Visitors can watch the artists in action. 310 E. Broadway, Alton, Ill., 618-462-7573, mississippimudpottery.biz.

Newberry Furniture & Kitchen Accessories

Julie Newberry loves sushi and pizza, so it’s no wonder she crafts amazing wooden trays and boards for the kitchen. Her Etsy shop offers tongs, rolling pins, drink trays, and even chairs and tables, all made from reclaimed wood or lumber. 314-647-6090, etsy.com/shop/newberry, newberryfurniture.com.

NHB KnifeWorks

Nate Bonner gave private fine-dining lessons with his company, Chef Nate’s Table, before honing his pursuit of the perfect knife. He uses steel, acrylic, and wood in the design of his masterpieces. 314-776-3800, nhbknifeworks.com.

Park Avenue Glass

Artist and master glass blower Chris McCarthy creates pieces that are rich in color and feature intricate designs. From orbs that look like stylized golf balls to stunning vases and bowls, McCarthy’s pieces are ones you will treasure. 3145 Park, 314-776-7155, parkavenueglass.com.

Zak Pottery

Sandra Zak is a woman of many talents. Not only does she work on the side as a researcher, her full-time occupation is making “functional pottery with a smirk.” Look for her at the city’s best craft fairs. 314-534-6166. 

Decorative Art

Claude Breckwoldt

This well-known muralist is skilled at indirect painting, a technique in which paint is layered. He is said to have crafted some of the best examples of trompe l’oeil in town. 314-276-0064.

Rob Corley

During the day, Corley heads up the emergency room at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles. But when he’s not in his doctor’s whites, Corley is hard at work taking Mardi Gras beads and transforming them into unique paintings. Think dog portraits, people portraits, pop-art objects (Coke cans and champagne bottles), cars, landscapes, logos and emblems. He sells his artwork on Etsy and creates custom pieces. etsy.com/shop/desertjuan.

Kristy Daum

The founder and president of the Saint Louis Modern Quilt Guild (stlmqg.blogspot.com), Daum is both a modern quilter and a quilt-pattern designer. Her work can be found on both Etsy and Craftsy. etsy.com/shop/kristydaum, craftsy.com/user/1238372/pattern-store, stlouisfolkvictorian.blogspot.com.

Designs by JD

JD of Designs by JD crafts African baskets, as well as ceramics and fine metal jewelry. The designs are available at stores including Bouffant Daddy and Fusion, as well as at a number of local art fairs throughout the year. designsbyjdonline.com.

Peter Engelsmann

Engelsmann specializes in custom-crafted, commissioned artwork. His murals have invigorated the walls of The Melting Pot in University City, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch, and many other locations. 314-922-3176, peterengelsmann.com.

Rachel Houston

Houston’s quilts exemplify the weaving together of traditional and nontraditional techniques. Each piece is meant to visually express personal life experiences. Her work has been shown at Gallery Visio, the Regional Arts Commission, and Koken Art Factory. raesews.com, etsy.com/shop/raesewsart.

Sweet Dream Murals

A native Missourian, Christina Hummer focuses on creating murals, especially those for children. Her bright, energetic artwork turns any kid’s room into an adventure. Past themes she’s painted include safari, sports, and rock ’n’ roll. 314-719-7267, sweetdreammurals.com.

The Weaving Guys

With a combined total of approximately three decades of weaving experience, Danté Hunter and Jim Peregrin turn bedsheets, blue jeans, and towels into woven pieces of art. If you’d like a touch of homespun beauty, they’ve got you covered. Their work includes rugs, place mats, and table runners. etsy.com/shop/theweavingguys.

Art Fairs

The Art Fair at Queeny Park

August 29, 30 & 31

Greensfelder Recreation Complex, 550 Weidman, 636-724-5968, artfairatqueenypark.com.

Art on the Square

May 15, 16 & 17, 2015

Belleville Public Square, High-way 159 and Main Street,Belleville, Ill., 618-233-6769, artonthesquare.com.

Craftoberfest

October 16

Urban Chestnut BrewingCompany, 3229 Washington, craftoberfest.com.

Faust Heritage Festival

September 20 & 21

Faust Park, 15185 Olive, 314-615-8328, stlouisco.com.

Festival of the Little Hills

August 15, 16 & 17

Main Street and Frontier Park, St. Charles, 636-940-0095, festivalofthelittlehills.com.

Harvest Festival

October 19

Way Field, Laumeier SculpturePark, 12580 Rott, 314-615-5278, laumeier.org.

Historic Shaw Art Fair

October 4 & 5

4200 Flora, 314-773-3101, shawartfair.org.

HoliDIY

November 8

Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th, stlouiscraftmafia.com.

Rock N Roll Craft Show

November 28, 29 & 30

The Luminary, 2701 Cherokee, 314-649-7727, rocknrollcraftshow.com.

Saint Louis Art Fair

September 5, 6 & 7

Downtown Clayton, 314-863-0278, culturalfestivals.com.

Schlafly Art Outside

September 5, 6 & 7

Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest, 314-241-2337 x2, schlafly.com.

St. Louis Artists Boutique

November 1 & 2

111 S. Geyer, 314-727-6451, artistsboutique.org.

Strange Folk Festival

September 27 & 28

O’Fallon Community Park, 401 E. Fifth, O’Fallon, Ill., strangefolkfestival.com.

Local Indie Craft Shops

Blue Bird Apparel

6635 Delmar, 636-590-4524, bluebirdapparel.com.

The Foundrie

Chesterfield Mall, Chesterfield, 636-730-4130, thefoundrie.com.

Perennial

7413–15 S. Broadway, 314-832-2288, perennialstl.org.

The Upcycle Exchange

3206 S. Grand, 314-282-7042, upxchange.com.