Foundry Art provides unique perspective for patrons.
The Foundry Art Centre consists of three viewing galleries and 22 art studios.
The centre was made from an old foundry building and is still home to some of the building's original components, including this winch.
A number of the quilts on display showcase unique stitching and patterns, some of which form pictures.
The Foundry Art Centre consists of three viewing galleries and 22 art studios.
The Foundry Art Centre is located on North Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri and was once a train car factory.
There are 22 different art studios in the centre, which are home to resident artists.
A sign created by a resident artist greets visitors at the front door of the centre.
Foundry Arts Centre Hours
Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sunday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
520 North Main Center - St. Charles, Missouri 63301
Phone: (636) 255-0270 Fax: (636) 925-0345
The Centre
Located on St. Charles historic Main Street, The Foundry Art Centre’s home resides in an old train car factory building from the 1940s. Purchasing the site, the local community conducted a vast remodeling process, which held a price tag of $2.2 million. The Centre was officially opened to the public in 2004.
This 36, 800 square foot facility contains a performance hall, three separate art galleries, 22 art studio spaces, a gift shop and several office spaces.
With a state of the art set-up, including gallery lighting and professional sound equipment, the building is able to host a variety of different events. Traveling art exhibits, professional concerts, art classes and private events are all held at this venue on a regular basis.
Centre volunteer Ivan Cole, described the versatility of the Centre as a reason why it is a hidden gem among the St. Charles area.
“It’s not often you find a place that can be the setting of so many different kinds of events,” Cole said. “The opportunities with the place are endless, which makes it something out of the ordinary.”
The Mission
According to the Centre’s website, their mission is to “connect people with the arts through exhibitions, studio artists, performances and education,” which is an objective shared by resident artist Spring Hansen.
With her photography and design business currently occupying Studio 18 at the Centre, she believes having artists of different trades on location provides a unique opportunity for those who visit.
“There’s a lot of strength here having artists in their studios showing you what they are doing—willing to show it to you,” Hansen said. “We can show you our work, teach classes and share our experiences.
“I think it’s a great thing.”
Hansen, along with the other resident artist teach programs for adults, and children in a variety of different disciplines at the Centre. These classes can be attended for a fee, but discounts are available to those who hold a membership with the organization.
The Reception
According to Hansen, the Centre’s biggest praise among patrons is its transparency when it comes to the creation of art. While there are countless galleries across the country, there are few where art can be seen on display while artists are busy creating more in the same building.
St. Charles resident, Marcus Jackson visits the Centre on a frequent basis and agrees that it is truly special.
“It is a place where you can not only appreciate the art in the galleries, but also see it being created in real time,” Jackson said. “From sculptures to painters, you can watch them and even talk to them about their work.”