One of the world’s most prolific storytellers has been named the 2023 recipient of the prestigious St. Louis Literary Award.
Neil Gaiman, author of “The Sandman” series, “Neverwhere,” “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Graveyard Book,” among other works, will be in St. Louis next spring to receive the award, presented by the Saint Louis University Library Associates and considered one of the top literary prizes in the country.
The British author, a recipient of both the Newbery and Carnegie literary medals, is listed as one of the top 10 living post-modern writers by the Dictionary of Literary Biography. His “Sandman” series is one of the most popular comics in the world, with a big-budget series premiering on Netflix Aug. 5. His novella, “Coraline,” became a 2009 blockbuster movie starring Dakota Fanning. Several of his other works have also been adapted into TV shows and plays.
Gaiman will be honored on April 13, 2023 during an award ceremony at The Sheldon, with ticket sales to begin later this fall.
It’s a milestone year for the St. Louis County Library: Its first library opened 75 years ago in North St. Louis County!
To mark this important milestone, look for a series of special programs and events through the end of the year, including a 75 Things to Do at SLCL challenge, historical talks, trivia, scavenger hunts and special giveaways.
Since 1947, SLCL has grown to become the busiest public library in Missouri with 20 state-of-the-art branches across St. Louis County. In 2021 alone, the system circulated more than 11 million books, DVDs, video games, periodicals and more.
Earlier this year, St. Louis County Library received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor granted to museums and libraries for significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. In the fall, SLCL will serve as the new home of the St. Louis Storytelling Festival, one of the largest free storytelling festivals in the world. The festival, from Oct. 13 to 22, is expected to reach more than 10,000 people. There’s definitely plenty to celebrate – congratulations, SLCL!
Save the date: The 28th annual Celebration for Children to benefit Cornerstone Center for Early Learning is on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The outdoor, interactive, adults-only “sip, snack and stroll” event through Cornerstone’s Shaw neighborhood campus includes sampling from food and drink stations, a live auction and more. Proceeds from the event support the center’s accredited, award-winning early childhood programs, as well as help provide meals, diapers, clothing and other essentials for the children. For more information, visit the official event page.
Gazelle is a proud media sponsor of Cornerstone Center’s Celebration for Children.
Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis launches its seventh season this month with the theme, “Tennessee Williams & Italy.”
Its mainstage production, “The Rose Tattoo,” runs Aug. 18 to 28 at The Big Top in Grand Center. Other events take place at various locations on The Hill, including an Italian Hill of St. Louis walking tour (Aug. 20) and a free outdoors screening of “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone” at St. Ambrose (Aug. 24).
Last month, friends and supporters gathered for a “La Dolce Vita” pool party at the home of Andy Arnold to help kick off the new season, with proceeds to benefit the festival’s performances and other programming. Guests, including executive artistic director Carrie Houk and board chair Ted Wight, enjoyed some pool time, as well as food from Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, raffles and prizes, and more.
For tickets and additional information, visit the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis website.
A few transitions…
Lyah LeFlore-Ituen has assumed her new post as president and CEO of the Arts and Education Council.
LeFlore-Ituen, a bestselling author, television and film production and entertainment business executive, replaced longtime leader Cynthia Prost, who stepped down at the end of July. A 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry, LeFlore-Ituen is the author of eight books and has worked at Nickelodeon, Uptown Records/Entertainment, Wolf Films/Universal and Alan Haymon Development.
Cait VanDeWiele has been appointed as executive director of the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation.
VanDeWiele succeeds Judith Cullen, who retired from the foundation in June. VanDeWiele, who has worked in the St. Louis nonprofit and performing arts industry for more a decade, serving organizations such as the Fair Saint Louis Foundation and Grand Center Inc. During her career, she has overseen a number of high-profile community events, including Fair Saint Louis and the 2019 Blues Stanley Cup Celebration Rally at the Gateway Arch. In her new role, VanDeWiele will oversee the foundation’s annual programs: the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, Kids’ Night at The Fabulous Fox, Broadway Master Classes, Educational Encores and the St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards.
There’s a new executive director of MADCO, the Modern American Dance Company.
She’s Belicia Beck, who served nine years at the company in various roles, including as intern, apprentice, dancer, rehearsal director and artistic director, prior to her new leadership post. She’s the first African American to serve as the organization’s executive director. In addition, Arianna Russ has been announced as MADCO’s next artistic director. Russ danced with the company for two seasons and served as managing director last season. MADCO is embarking on its 47th season later this year.
An award-winning journalist recognized for her media leadership and for promoting diversity in her profession, Gazelle editor-in-chief Trish Muyco-Tobin has more than 25 years of experience in print and broadcast media. She is also a journalism professor at Webster University. The Trish Set is her monthly St. Louis column featuring good news and goodwill.
STLFringe Fest Serves Up a Celebration of the Performing Arts
