ARTIST Carolyn Lewis Designs
TITLE We Are Empowered
LOCATION Russell Florist – 5001 Gravois Ave
WARD 2
FOLLOW @carolynlewisdesigns
MURAL LOCATION
ABOUT CAROLYN LEWIS DESIGNS
I received a Masters in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. During my time as an Art Therapist, I worked with pediatric cancer patients, adults with disabilities, and individuals living with assisted care. This provided a front row seat to seeing art lift people of all ages, socio-economic backgrounds, within the Chicago community. I moved to St. Louis in 2008 and began searching for my connection to the thriving art scene. After over a decade in the Gateway City, I am a mixed media artist focused on creating artwork that emphasizes empowerment through connection. Using vintage fabrics, papers, dried paint pallets, and acrylic paint, I work to show a vibrant and whimsical aesthetic.
In 2020, the American Cancer Society St. Louis asked me to be a part of the 42 Doors of Hope initiative supporting the Hope Lodge program that provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. The ACS wanted forty-two doors displayed throughout the city representing hope. My door, Wings of Empowerment, is permanently displayed outside of the Hope Lodge in Central West End. In November 2020, I opened St. Louis’ inaugural free little art gallery, Little Art Gallery STL, with the mission of spreading joy and inspiration. This gallery not only nurtures local connections but also serves as a conduit for global engagement.
My passion for public art led to me painting several large murals in South City. In 2023, I was selected as an Emerging Artist by the St. Louis Art Fair and as an Artist INC Fellow by the Regional Arts Commission. My artwork has been featured in exhibitions at prominent venues like Angad Arts Hotel, Webster Arts Gallery, and Foundry Art Centre. I’ve also showcased my artwork at numerous local and regional art festivals, including Laumeier, Webster Arts Fair, and Kentucky Festival of the Arts.
In April 2023, I realized a long-held aspiration when I opened my own studio/gallery in St. Louis. Here, I cultivate a nurturing space for creative expression, fostering artistry through workshops tailored for both adults and children. One of my favorite moments is at the beginning of each workshop where I encourage attendees to set an intention for their work; I believe in the importance of building a bond between the art and the artist. Since moving into my studio on the 5800 block of Macklind Avenue, I partner with two other women owned businesses to host quarterly markets featuring local makers – one especially for young makers aged 8 to 16 years. It is both inspiring and affirming to see how the community supports local artists.