To mark Women’s History Month, Gazelle introduces you to six remarkable women who will be honored at the 2024 Saint Louis Visionary Awards ceremony April 29 at the Sun Theater in Grand Center.
The award – one of the most prestigious in the local arts community – recognizes the many contributions of women who work in and support the arts in St. Louis.
One of this year’s honorees is Elizabeth Berges, who will receive the award for Major Contributor to the Arts. As lead trustee for the Berges Family Foundation (BFF), her desire is for St. Louisans and others to benefit from diverse, high-quality and distinctive arts experiences and creative learning opportunities. BFF funds organizations that demonstrate excellence in the arts, create strong community connections, and enable arts learning for young people with lasting and measurable impact. Berges also serves as co-chair of the Brickline Greenway Campaign, and as trustee of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Barnes-Jewish Hospital boards.
GAZELLE: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE VITALITY OF THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS TODAY?
ELIZABETH BERGES: I often hear answers to this question start with “For a town of our size…” However, I would drop that qualifier and say the St. Louis region has a wealth and diversity in the arts not seen in most towns. One of the strengths I appreciate most in the various art forms here is the ability to collaborate with other arts organizations and also non-arts organizations – an example being the collaboration the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra had with the St. Louis Blues recently.
GAZELLE: WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO THE ARTS?
ELIZABETH BERGES: The arts in a most basic definition is the expression of a feeling, thought or story that the artist feels is best told in her/his medium. On the creative side, the music I make with my viola begins where words end. There are paintings like “Christina’s World” by Andrew Wyeth that draw out a longing in me that is a pure, guttural feeling. I am wordless when I view that painting, yet overwhelmed with emotion. And I realized after learning to tango for a charity event, that expression through dance was an untapped world for me that unlocked a connection between my body and music of which I didn’t know I was capable.
GAZELLE: WHILE MONETARY DONATIONS ARE IMPORTANT, WHAT ARE SOME OTHER SIGNIFICANT WAYS THAT PEOPLE CAN SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS?
ELIZABETH BERGES: Attend everything! Even if you aren’t sure it’s your jam, just go. Last night, my husband and I watched three-and-a-half hours of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour.” I was enthusiastic about it, my husband not so much. When it was over, he had so much good to say on a variety of levels. Art always “brings it.” In addition to attending events, get involved in an art form that you enjoy. I said enjoy – you don’t have to be good at it! There is a board out there that may be desperate for a skill set you have to offer. I will say, do donate. Ticket sales don’t come close to covering the cost of productions. Every dollar counts. Start with $25 a year – it’s meaningful. Soon enough, you may be able to start adding zeros to those checks!
In addition to Berges, this year’s Visionary Awards recipients are: Heather Beal-Himes (Outstanding Working Artist), Shawna Flanigan (Outstanding Teaching Artist), Meridith McKinley (Outstanding Arts Professional), Luisa Otero-Prada (Community Impact Artist) and Alexa Seda (Emerging Artist).
An awards ceremony and program, followed by a reception, begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 29, at the Sun Theater in Grand Center. For tickets and additional information, visit the Saint Louis Visionary Awards website.
