St. Charles is host to a variety of impressive art galleries. From large community art centers to local artist galleries, you will find art that will make you go “oooo” and “ahhh” no matter where you look. Find (or make) your next masterpiece at these Saint Charles art galleries.
ART GLASS ARRAY
501 N Kingshighway
FOUNDRY ART CENTRE
520 N Main Center
This 1920s structure that was once a train car factory has since become a vibrant home of the arts in St. Charles. The Foundry Art Centre holds several rotating exhibitions, is home to many studio artists, and provides art programming for the community throughout the year. Their extensive list of art classes for adults, teens, and kids are perfect for a date night, a fun kids’ activity, or something unique to do with friends. And don’t forget the Foundry’s First Friday and Second Saturday events that feature free art programming, entertainment, and more. Unique community events are also hosted by the Foundry Art Centre like Block Party (the largest steamroller print event in the Midwest) and the Merry Makers Market during the holiday season.
FRAMATIONS CUSTOM FRAMING & ART GALLERY
218 N Main St
Framations is not your average frame shop. Walk inside where you’ll be surrounded by local art from floor to ceiling. Resident and visiting artists display their art all around the space, creating a fun and colorful environment. Framations hosts several exhibitions each year, including the annual “Beyond the Lens” photography exhibit. This all subject juried exhibit invites photographers of all skill levels to submit their best photo and judges then give out first, second, and third place awards along with awards of excellence, honorable mentions, and the people’s choice award. Visit Framations and enjoy local art and maybe even go home with a new piece for your space!
FRASER LEONARD FINE ART GALLERY
824 S Main St
When you see the sign that says “Picasso Returns”, you’ll know that you’re at Fraser Leonard Fine Art Gallery. This colorful gallery is full of paintings, water colors, drawings, and 2D & 3D sculptures that artist Fraser Leonard has made. These contemporary art pieces are all one-of-a-kind and are inspired by Fraser’s day-to-day life. An award-winning artist located right on Main Street, Fraser’s unique pieces are owned by people all over the country and even internationally. Visit Fraser’s gallery “for your Spirit and for your Life”.
GARDEN GALLERY
1001 S Main St (The Western House)
Artist Holly Haddox and woodworker Gary Haddox have turned The Western House (what once was the last place for settlers to stop and repair their wagons before they headed out west in the early 1800s) into the beautifully renovated Garden Gallery. Soft piano music plays in the background as you admire warmly lit art in this little slice of heaven. Holly paints, draws, does graphic design, and she designs the wood birdhouses and sculptures that Gary makes with his woodworking talents. The Garden Gallery art is inspired by the botanical features of the property like their greenhouse studio and the beautiful gardens. Visit this historic gem on Main Street, today.
MISSOURI ARTISTS ON MAIN
321 S Main St
In the middle of Main Street sits Missouri Artists on Main, an art gallery that hosts two stories-worth of local Missouri art. Just about every art medium can be found here. In fact, you’ll find something new around every corner! Glasswork, color pencil drawings, and woodworking sculptures are just the tip of the iceberg of what you’ll find. Some of the artists can even be found working the front desk where you can discuss their art with them. Missouri Artists on Main also offers classes on water color, sculpting with nature, oil painting, and more.
NATIVE TRADITIONS GALLERY
310 S Main St
A Main Street staple for over 30 years, Native Traditions Gallery specializes in Native American artwork and jewelry from all over North and South America. This gallery features colorful handmade jewelry, pottery, burl wood furniture, and even crystals and rocks. The owner is very knowledgeable and can tell you the stories and origins behind the pieces. It’s easy to spend a lot of time in this gallery admiring the bright colors used in this art.
PICASSO’S COFFEE HOUSE
101 N Main St and 1650 Beale St #155
Both of Picasso’s Coffee House locations focus on more than just the art of coffee. Order one of their handcrafted coffees and stroll around the cozy café that doubles as an art gallery and admire the work of rotating local artists. You can even sit and get work done or catch up with a friend amongst the art. Each wall in both cafes is adorned with artwork ranging from painting to drawings, mixed media art, and more, creating a comfortable and creative environment. The galleries at Picasso’s rotate several times a year, so check in often to see what’s on exhibit.
THE CREATIVE AT KLONDIKE
4600 S HWY 94, Augusta, MO
Amongst the trees of Klondike Park in Historic Missouri Wine Country sits The Creative at Klondike: a nonprofit organization partnered with St. Charles County Parks & Recreation. The artistic opportunities at this community art center are endless. It hosts two working studio artists, a resident artist, a ceramics studio, a photography studio, a jewelry making studio, looms for fiber arts, and several galleries. Access these fun studios and materials through classes or with a membership. Many benefits are available to members, including unlimited access to the studios and art materials. Several unique events and exhibitions are held throughout the year that showcase different art forms and include demonstrations. The Creative at Klondike opens to the public for the season on April 1st, but has classes year round.