What to do in STL in June

    Although there there are so many events and happenings taking place in June, we wanted to spotlight a few we are really excited about! To view all events, go to our events page, here.

    Edo Rosenblith at COCA | June 8 – Aug. 25

    Israeli born, St. Louis-based artist Edo Rosenblith will guide COCA visitors of all ages in creating a site-specific mural, blurring the distinction between artist and audience. Inspired by Rosenblith’s signature black and white wall drawings, the mural will reflect the thoughts, ideas, opinions and expectations expressed through collective visual impressions on COCA’s Millstone Gallery walls. Let Me Help You Make A Mural serves as a visual call and response that evolves over time, where the audience is invited to join the artist in creating a mural. The exhibition marks Rosenblith’s first time-based and community-collaborative work.

    Curated by Yvonne Osei, Curator in Residence at COCA, the intention of this exhibition is to dissolve the boundaries between the artist’s private studio and the gallery space, inviting the public to become active participants in both the production and consumption of art.

    Dan Abrams at Left Bank Books | June 13, 7 p.m.

    At the end of the summer of 1859, twenty-two-year-old Peachy Quinn Harrison went on trial for murder in Springfield, Illinois. Abraham Lincoln, who had been involved in more than three thousand cases—including more than twenty-five murder trials—during his two-decades-long career, was hired to defend him. This was to be his last great case as a lawyer. Lincoln’s Last Trial captures the presidential hopeful’s dramatic courtroom confrontations in vivid detail as he fights for his client—but also for his own blossoming political future. It is a moment in history that shines a light on our legal system, as in this case Lincoln fought a legal battle that remains incredibly relevant today.

    Left Bank Books and Maryville Talks Books welcome ABC News Chief Legal Affairs Anchor Dan Abrams, who will sign and discuss his new book, Lincoln’s Last Trial: The Murder Case that Propelled Him to the Presidency! This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required. RSVP, here. Can’t catch the talk? Watch HEC’s exclusive interview with Dan Abrams on hectv.org in August!

    An American Soldier at Opera Theatre Saint Louis | Select dates in June 

     

    The world premiere of An American Soldier” opened Sunday, June 3 to a packed house at Opera Theatre Saint Louis. The opera Danny Chen is the son of Chinese immigrants, and a proud American. He enlists in the US Army in 2011, eager to serve his country. In boot camp, Danny is welcomed by his band of brothers. But in Afghanistan, his own base becomes enemy territory as military hazing turns deadly. Based on a true story, this opera asks powerful questions about what it means to be an American.

    Stray Rescue’s Urban Wanderers | June 23

    Stray Rescue’s Urban Wanderers will have more than 50 pieces of unique, one of a kind artwork inspired by their rescued animals. Read their stories and see how artists have used their stories to create amazing art that you will be able to bid on and take home with you that night! All proceeds from art sales go towards our medical emergency fund to help provide life saving veterinary treatment for those we rescue.

    PrideFest | June 23 & 24

    St. Louis Gay Pride has been an LGBTQ celebration since 1980. Today, more than 300,000 people attend PrideFest, and every year that number increases. More than two decades ago, it started with hundreds of people gathering to march in The Lesbians and Gays Walk for Charity. Because the event was so popular, city representatives decided to hold an annual PrideFest in June, in honor of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The festival includes a food court, kids and family area, dance pavilion, and a main stage featuring a slate of terrific performers.