ST. CHARLES, Mo. — There is something special going on in St Charles. They are creating beauty in a place that used to build weapons of war.
This building near the river in St. Charles isn’t what it used to be.
This is known as the Foundry. The place would have been filled with train cars back in the 1920s. The executive director of the Foundry is Melissa Whitwam.
She tells us “The train tracks ran straight through the middle of the building.” The facility was instrumental in World War II and some of the old equipment remains.
Whitwam points out the large crane on the ceiling and says “that crane was instrumental in helping arm the tanks.”
But these days instead of building weapons of destruction, the Foundry is building the Arts in St Charles. “We exist to connect the community with the arts.”
Several artists work here on the upper level. Chris Sharp is an illustrator. He works in studio six.
Potter Laura Hohn laughs while saying “how could you not love Chris.”
Chris is quite the character. “I am the oldest fastest peter pan. I just never grew up,” says Chris.
He’s been illustrating children’s books for four decades. “I’ve been doing this for a long time.” But working at the Foundry has given him something new. He can now connect one on one with the public. “What we really look for is for somebody to smile. We’ve produced probably six or eight books because of people who’ve walked into the studio.”
Laura Hohn works with clay. She is here following her dream. “I won’t say it’s easy. I think if you want something bad enough you make it work.”
The Foundry is making it easier for her and all the artists thanks to its affordable rent. “Without this place I wouldn’t have a place to work,” says Hohn. Whitwam says “We’re a non-profit art center. We’re not here to make money off the artists and their rent. We’re here to give them a great opportunity.”
“Having this opportunity is fantastic,“ adds Chris.
The Foundry has not only given them a place to create, it has also given them the chance to inspire.
“It makes you wanna work. It reminds you that yea this is why we do this,” says Laura.
But they influence more than just one another. Chris offers words of encouragement for young artists. “What you put into it is what you get out of it. You gotta push yourself. Push. Push. Push.”
He believes there are some impressive artists in our area, just looking for their opportunity like the one they found at the Foundry. “St Louis is an absolute treasure chest of talent.”
If you want to learn more about the Foundry give them a call at 636-255-0270.
