Art exhibits are usually not meant to be touched, but travelers at Lambert-St. Louis International (STL) are encouraged to play with one at the airport.
“Chess Inspires…” is being presented by the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Mo. The exhibit, in Lambert’s Meeting Place Gallery in Terminal 1 Bag Claim, shows how the game has inspired artists and designers for centuries. It includes a 2002 Michael Graves design called “Chess and Checkers Set” and a 1978 Victor Vasarely chess set called “A Perspex Chess Set and Board.”
In addition, the exhibit includes a hands-on chess table where the public is encouraged to play through the extent of the showing Oct. 12.
“We’re trying to share that chess is more than just a game,” says Susan Barrett, director of the World Chess Hall of Fame. “It’s an enduring symbol that hasn’t changed over time. Chess is a language. It’s also influenced art, teaching and design across cultures and across history.”
Another display at the airport features St. Louis ArtWorks’ 16-piece exhibit of paintings by teen art apprentices showing the people and scenes of STL. The pieces in “A Day in the Life of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport” are creative inspirations based on a one-day photo tour of the airport that allowed the students and their mentors to visit the terminals and concourses, and to see what goes on on the airfield. Scenes include arriving passengers, luggage handlers and airport employees painting the airfield.
“This is the first time our kids have been able to do commissioned art work that would be displayed in such a prominent location, welcoming visitors at Lambert,” says St. Louis ArtWorks Director Priscilla Block. “They enjoyed the opportunity work with some of the top artists in the city and our very proud that their works will be seen by others.”
The project, which is being shown through Sept. 21 in the Terminal 1 Bag Claim Window Exhibit, near Carousel 1, was supported through a grant from The Boeing Co. The Saint Louis Art Museum provided in-kind teaching support for the summer program; pieces are available for sale, with proceeds benefitting future St. Louis ArtWorks programs.
