Category: Arts in Transit

Photographs have the ability to not only capture real life, but also generate an emotional response in those who see them. A new art exhibit at the North County Transit Center featuring images of a photo essay from local photographer and artist Linda Marie Saunchegraw will give visitors an opportunity to experience the power of this medium.

“This selection of photographs evokes a sense of calm and serenity, a welcome change to the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life,” said David Allen, Director of Metro Arts In Transit. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to showcase Linda’s work and share these stunning photographs.”

While in school, Saunchegraw had the opportunity to study at Webster University’s Vienna campus and composed photo essays of her travel throughout Europe. The experience put her craft into focus.

“I went all over Europe,” she said. “Of all the countries I visited, my favorite was Ireland. I photographed whatever grabbed my attention, whatever spoke to me. I loved capturing faces, of people who really had a lot character, who had stories behind their faces,” she said.

The collection of six photographs from her travels in Ireland will be on display at the North County Transit Center until the end of June.

Saunchegraw prefers using film as opposed to digital photography. It’s something she’s used to since picking up her first camera, a Pentax K1000. She also enjoys the raw aspect film provides.

“I like the idea that the result of what I capture is what I’m going to see,” she said. “There’s no need to enhance or manipulate.”

Saunchegraw lives in Ferguson, Missouri and received a Bachelor of Arts from Webster University. Her work has been published in American Photos, and she was a first place winner in the American Dairy Council’s ‘Mile Mustache’ contest. Saunchegraw also received the Purchase Award from the Arts and Science Center of Southeast Arkansas, where her work is part of the center’s permanent collection.

Her work can also be viewed and purchased at Corners Frameshop and Gallery, located at 2 South Florissant Rd. in Ferguson.

Ann Beehler has a clear understanding of the art of glass making. She’s been shaping glass since 2009.

She started off by tinkering with pendants, rings and other jewelry and moved on to larger projects after acquiring her very own kiln in 2011. Since than, her art portfolio has grown to include fine art and functional art pieces such as bowls, plates and platters.

Beehler’s process of creating one-of-kind glass pieces starts with an abstract approach.

“I start by choosing a large piece of glass, along with some smaller pieces that may have been cut or broken when working on a previous piece or even as an ‘opps’ moment of dropping the glass,” she said. “I study the shapes and designs of those pieces to create a project that speaks to me about a current or past emotion.”

Beehler said each of her creations are original and personal and its her art process that allows an emotion or feeling to be brought into the three-dimensional landscape.

“Because glass is very temperamental, there is a lot of trial and error, persistence, and happy accidents, but I learn something new either about the process or about myself with each new piece I create.”

Beehler has been featured as an emerging artist at the St. Louis Art Fair. Her jewelry and fine art pieces can be found locally at Corners Frameshop & Gallery in Ferguson.

“Ann’s glassworks are alive with color and form resulting from the fused glass process, a process that allows for spontaneity and surprise, said David Allen, Director of Metro Arts In Transit. “We are pleased to have her work on display in our transit center.”

A sampling on her work is now on display inside the North County Transit Center. The art pieces, a total of 15 that vary in size, will be displayed at the transit center until the end of March.