Jen Roberts is a St. Louis-based writer. She writes on a variety of topics including travel, education, and local and global social issues. Jen's work can be found on her website; follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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Jen Roberts
Photo by Matt Marcinkowski
Poet Justin Phillip Reed won the National Book Award. Next up, a second collection
Reed's second manuscript will explore such themes as violence and counter-violence, monstrosity, and majesty. Read more
Photography by Whitney Curtis
For the creators of play Canfield Drive, Ferguson is not just a black-and-white issue
The new piece premieres January 9 at the Black Rep, thanks to a grant from the National Performance Network, the Rep, and 651 Arts. Read more
Photography by Alise O'Brien
The men behind Nistenhaus Design combine their styles to create a singular look at home
Whereas Justin Maine leans traditional, Michael Wyrock prefers modern design. Read more
Photography by Alise O'Brien
The owner of Cool Stuff Period buys his dream home—a Mediterranean Revival that overlooks the Mississippi
“I’ve been stalking this house my whole life,” says Ronnie Vinton. Read more
St. Louis International Film Festival: Watch "Day One," about the Nahed Chapman New American Academy, for free
Plus, why the film's director immediately knew she had to make this documentary after visiting the school. Read more
Courtesy of Brandon Murray
Meet the St. Louisan on a mission to see 100 different artists before he turns 30
He moved to the city to become a priest. That didn’t work out, but music has been the constant through it all. Read more
Courtesy of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra
Meet the two new St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians from Kurdistan
The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra recruits the area’s best young musicians. This season, it’s also hosting two players far away from home. Read more
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Welcome Neighbor STL helps refugees feel at home in St. Louis
The organization's Supper Club is just one way in which it's helping local refugees. Read more
Photo by Ann White
Students share their thoughts on pressure, technology, and growing up with Trump in office
"My generation has grown up with a concept of politics’ being impersonal and not civilized. We have a lot of strong emotions but a lot of hope, too," says John Burroughs School grad William Howlett. Read more
Courtesy of Forai
Forai helps refugee women start online shops for their handmade fashion lines
What started as a small operation in 2009 has grown into an effective support system for families resettling in St. Louis. Read more
Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Five St. Louis women of design share their stories and offer advice
Triumphing over adversity and finding success in a male dominated field are just two things that each of these five women have in common. Read more
Courtesy of Peter Manion
After working in construction for years, Peter Manion returns to his art practice
"All the tools I would normally use in construction have reemerged in the way I make my work. I’m not a paintbrush painter," says Manion. Read more
Courtesy of Scott Tjaden
50 years after being adopted, this St. Louis designer met his birth mother
A fastidious librarian, a lucky Illinois law change, and a last-ditch Facebook search facilitated Scott Tjaden's first connection with his birth mom, which took place at a mall food court. Read more
Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
St. Louis designers and their dogs
At home or in the office, man’s and woman’s best friend proves that two are better than one. Read more
Courtesy QT Luong
Renowned photographer travels to St. Louis to capture Gateway Arch National Park
“I’ve visited other monuments in America and to me, the Arch surpasses them all,” says QT Luong. Read more
Illustration by Alex Williamson
In a divided region, local schools are grappling with race relations
How area educators are working to bridge the divide Read more
Photo by Carmen Troesser
Two architects reimagine a former telephone exchange building in Carondelet
Sue Pruchnicki and Tom Peterson are transforming the century-old space into their home and studio. Read more
Courtesy of Welcome Neighbor STL
Supper club dinners help refugee families settle in St. Louis
Welcome Neighbor STL hosts recurring dinners in which refugee families provide home-cooked food and proceeds benefit the family. Read more
Photography by Andrew Dominguez
Four tips for a Meatless Monday from a cook at Lulu’s Local Eatery
If you’re tempted by health and virtue, but you can’t figure out how to enjoy a meal without a cow in it… Read more
