14th Annual Let Them Eat Art – Maplewood’s Whimsical Tribute to Bastille Day

Friday July 12th on a wonderfully cool clear night the 14th Annual “Let Them Eat Art”-Maplewood’s Whimsical Tribute to Bastille Day celebration filled the historic district of Downtown Maplewood. Everyone was welcome to take a self-guided adventure into live art, entertainment, music, food and drink along Maplewood’s historic Route 66 and Sutton Ave. This year there were more than 70 artists on site to share, sell and create on the spot works of original art. Food and drink samplings could be found throughout the district.

At the main stage on Sutton headliner Electro Funk Assembly featuring Dawn Weber with an opening act by Gene Dobbs Bradford Blues Experience. Other musical acts spread througout the district were: Tom Byrine and Feyza Eren, The Jude Tanner Trio, The Whilhelms, Jazz In, Outer Space and Stephen Haake. Performance artists from The St Louis Hoop Club, Aalim Bellydance Troupe, and in Sutton Park Vivant Entertainment, Cirucus Kaput and the music of Mt. Thelonious entertained the kids and adults as they shopped the many art booths lining the park boundaries. Kathy Duffin and Rusty Conklin presented large chalk drawning on Sutton Ave.  Many other artists along Manchester Ave provided wonderful art for sale and shop keepers provided treats and samples to all interested- At Mystic Valley Artist Stacey Toolooze displayed her latest creations and guests were invited inside to shop and and enjoy the espresso diner, and at Schlafly Bottleworks, the east end of the festival, Justin King worked on his newest sculpture art.

Each year this festival grows and brings in not only great local artists, but wonderful visitors from all over the city, state, and beyond as word spreads of this family friendly event and of the rich heritage of historic Maplewood, Missouri.