Our Artist, Christopher Thomas, Featured in Important Local Charity Event

The Art Lounge at the Missouri Athletic Club. Photograph by Julie Nicolai.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 4th Annual The Color of Family FunRaiser & Reception at the Missouri Athletic Club.  This stellar event is the annual fundraiser for the Youth & Family Center.  One of our artists, Christopher Thomas, was honored with a selection as one of the six artists featured in the live art auction to raise money for the organization.  I am happy to report that the reception was a great success and a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and help a great cause.

Appetizer Buffet. Photograph by Julie Nicolai

The event was organized by Bobcat Event Management and Consulting, founded by Barbara A. Washington.  The attendees enjoyed delectable hors’ d'oeuvres and drinks, fine company, and an awards program honoring some of St. Louis’ most important movers and shakers.   The art auction was a blast, with the auctioneer goading bidders into high stakes bidding wars for some gorgeous artwork, including a painting by renowned artist, Billyo O’Donnell.  It all happened in the stunning Art Lounge, featuring rich wood paneling and beautiful artwork by painters from all eras.  

Christopher Thomas (in tan suit) with his painting, Chosen. Artwork Copyright of Artist. Photograph by Julie Nicolai.

Christopher’s piece, Chosen, showcases the overall theme of family by depicting six of his friends amongst floral forms and monarch butterflies, symbolizing the migration/diaspora of African people over time, and how this sacred past comes together today through righteous struggle, courage, love and caring, as family in community.  His artwork did well at auction, with two bidders going down to the wire.  

The Youth & Family Center’s Executive Director, Dr. LaChrisa Crenshaw, indicates its mission is “to help youth, families and older adults achieve self-sustaining lives by providing innovative social, educational, and recreational resources, while serving as a community anchor for the near North Side of St. Louis.”  She continued, “This century old organization offers essential, community based wraparound Family Support Services, including healthy food distribution, cultural field trips, a hassle free Family Health Clinic, weekend and after school educational, recreational and sports activities, the Champs Intergenerational Initiative connecting seniors and youth through career exploration and mentoring, and a low barrier Food Pantry and Community Cafe.”