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F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

Colin Donnell FROM KIRKWOOD TO CURTAIN CALL A CONVERSATION WITH THE ACTOR, BROADWAY STAR, SINGER, AND WINE ENTHUSIAST

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

"Art is the highest form of hope." THAT QUOTE FROM GERMAN VISUAL ARTIST GERHARD RICHTER PERFECTLY CAPTURES WHY WE LOVE THIS ISSUE.

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com INTERN

Bridget Killian AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee

Art that resonates with us ultimately makes us feel something. Through art, we learn about ourselves and become filled with hope. This month we celebrate local artists, makers, and creators because they inspire us.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Molly Higgins, Beth Glennon, Sam Waigand CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan Johnson, Riley Hogan, Lainey Hogg, Danny Zofness, Leigh Keily, Sam Waigand, Chris Bauer

We hope that you, too, are inspired to pursue what you love. After all, February is the month of love. Share your pictures of the people, places, and things that inspire you. Share pictures of the things you love. Find us on IG @KirkwoodLifestyleMagazine and FB @kirkwoodlifestyle. We love sharing your pictures like the one above of a precious family moment at the Magic House. Here is something that I absolutely love and I'm thrilled to share with you. Colin Donnell's debut album, "Chaos + Cocktails." There are only seven songs on the album, and quite frankly... I need about seven more.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Colin's album is an incredible arrangement of vocals, guitars, and layered instru-

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

mentals. But more than that, the lyrics are inspirational and hopeful. Here are a few

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

of Colin's lyrics from the song "Old Fashioned" off the “Chaos + Cocktails” album.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

"I feel the weight is lifting I see the world is shifting The stars are shining brighter tonight." 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Colin Donnell,

Kirkwood High School graduate,

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

TV actor, Broadway star and singer-songwriter.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN JOHNSON. STYLING: MICHAEL FUSCO. 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 12 Artist and Activist Tonina Saputo, Kirkwood HS graduate, singer/songwriter and bassist, performs with her band in St. Louis and around the world.

16 From Kirkwood to Curtain Calls Catching up with actor and Broadway star Colin Donnell.

22 Authentic Artist Local artist Danny Zofness finds authenticity in art.

16 12

30 A Dash of Color Mary Hanson encourages everyone to pick up a brush and start painting.

22 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local’s Choice

30 Local Limelight 34 Hometown Hero

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GOOD TIMES

The Magic House is MADE for Kids to Create The Magic House satellite location MADE for Kids, is an innovative kids makerspace. The space features a makers’ workshop, an artists’ studio, a designers’ lab, and entrepreneurs’ marketplace where kids can use their imaginations to create, invent, tinker, explore, and discover. MADE Mentors are on hand to help guide your child through new experiences and discover new interests and passions. https://www.magichouse.org/made

Creators Can Be Found All Around Our Community Can you feel that creative energy all around our community? We found singers, strummers, knitters, and painters of all ages around town. There is an artistic vibrancy around our community that is simply beautiful.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

AROUND TOWN

HEARTLAND ART CLUB Explore and Learn. Exhibit and Share. Support

THE OLDEST GALLERY IN THE UNITED STATES

and Preserve. The Heartland Art Club exists to

McCaughen and Burr was founded in 1840 and

promote and encourage the creation of quality,

is the oldest continuously operating art gallery

representational fine art through education, exhib-

west of the Mississippi River. The gallery located

its and engagement. Need inspiration? Visit the

on 117 West Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves has

galleries. Feeling creative? Learn to paint portraits

been instrumental in helping to establish St. Louis

and landscapes at one of the upcoming classes

as a major venue for artists. From the Westward

offered at the Art Club. For more information visit

Expansion to the present, McCaughen and Burr has

www.heartlandartclub.org or call 314-690-3227.

been integral in the advancement of the Missouri art scene. For more information about visiting the gallery go to www.mccaughenandburr.com or call 314-963-0031.

PUTTING THE ART IN ARTISANAL Nathaniel Reid’s artisanal pastries, bakeries, sandwiches and confections are works of art. These look almost too good to eat. We suggest picking up an assortment of beautiful cakes or macarons

CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST FOR KIRKWOOD'S 11TH GRADERS

for someone you love. Sharing is caring. Our local

The Kirkwood Human Rights Commission

award-winning chef offers fresh, made from scratch

essay contest is for high school juniors in public,

delights in the store Tuesdays – Saturdays 8:00 a.m.

private and home schools, located within the city

– 4:00 p.m. Visit Nathaniel at 11243 Manchester

limits of Kirkwood R7 School District. Young peo-

Road or online at nrbakery.com.

ple have emerged as a force in political and social

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

activism in recent times. Students should explain ways they see their generation having an impact on human rights and/or equality for the future of this country and world. All essays must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021. For more information contact Kim Sansegraw at sansegkr@kirkwoodmo.org

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL’S CHOICE

AR TI ST AN D

AC TIVI S T TONINA SAPUTO, KIRKWOOD HS GRADUATE, SINGER/SONGWRITER AND BASSIST, PERFORMS WITH HER BAND IN ST. LOUIS AND AROUND THE WORLD. ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY ZOFNESS

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

FTER

EARNING

TWO

DEGREES

FROM BERKLEE

COLLEGE OF MUSIC, TONINA OPENED FOR GRAMMY-AWARD WINNING ARTIST LALAH HATHAWAY IN ST. LOUIS, AND WAS LISTED AS ONE OF NPR’S TOP 10 ARTISTS OF 2018. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON? My next album will include themes of womanhood. There have been amazing blues musicians and talented folk singers throughout history. They were never described as the “woman bass player.”

“I was fortunate to have gone KHS where the arts were valued and nurtured.” WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

She was just the bass player. When did we start placing the female descriptor in front of an occupation?

I am inspired by my ancestry and the women in my lineage. I was fortunate to have parents who nurtured my love for the arts. My mother’s family is from Sicily. Sicilian folksingers are the lead musicians, vocalists, songwriters, and storytellers. And the same is true on my dad’s side; there are a lot of blues singers who carry the stories through their music. Their collective voices are the inspiration for my next album. HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS AN ARTIST? It’s interesting how art reflects the times. My artistry has connected me with people from all over the world. I was fortunate to have gone to KHS where the arts were val-

TO N I N A S A PU TO

ued and nurtured, but not a lot of us travel to Japan or Colombia. Through music, I’ve been able to travel, make friends and share stories through the common bond of music. WHAT DO YOU FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT? Representation matters. If we are around diverse people and different genders, we shouldn’t have an issue talking to someone who looks different than us. Representing anyone who identifies with my hair texture, skin, tattoos, or whatever it is that makes them feel insecure, is powerful. I’d love to be a role model to little white or black boys and girls who grow up and interact with girls like me. Being a role model is for every human in general. For more information about Tonina visit www.iamtonina.com and follow her @iamtonina on Instagram and Facebook. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

From K i rkwood to Curtain Calls ARTICLE MOLLY HIGGINS | PHOTOGRAPHY NATHAN JOHNSON

COLIN Colin Donnell

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

ON AN ORDINARY DAY AT KIRKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, A FRESHMAN WALKED INTO AN AUDITION ROOM FOR THE WINTER MUSICAL.

SCHOOL, COLIN DONNELL DECIDED TO TAKE A CHANCE ON AN AUDITION FOR THE WINTER MUSICAL. Now an acclaimed actor and musician, Colin went from Kirkwood to New York City and beyond, igniting a passion for the arts and a career including numerous Broadway, television and film roles. “I had grown up singing a little bit but never

audition with plans to juggle. Although Colin

followed through with anything,” Colin said. “I

told Flasher he was not a singer, she asked

always loved music classes, but I loved to sing

him to sing “Happy Birthday.” And that was the

for myself, not really in front of people.” During

spark that ignited Colin’s love for theater.

Colin’s freshman year, his mom noted, “You

“Looking back on being cast in ‘Barnum,’ it’s

know, they’re doing a musical this winter. Who

such a wild circumstance to think that her asking

knows, maybe it’ll be fun.”

me to sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ after I had already

Colin fondly described Karen Flasher, then

told her that I don’t really sing, launched me into

KHS drama teacher, as a strong influence in

a lifetime of pursuing the arts professionally,”

beginning his artistic career. He said his first

Colin said. “It’s just really wild to think of that

audition was for the musical “Barnum,” which

one moment turning into all of this, turning into a

includes circus tricks, so he went into the

career and a life’s passion, really an all-consuming portion of who I am.” After graduating from high school, Colin studied at Indiana University and then hit New York City. “After a summer of working at the Muny and Stages [St. Louis] again, I moved directly to the city,” Colin said. “I had that one-in-a-million thing happen where I got a gig probably a month or two after I moved to the city. It was wild.” The one-in-a-million shot became one of many, as Colin began to book Broadway shows and other performance jobs, such as the musicals “Almost Famous” and “Violet.” Colin described his first lead on Broadway, Billy Crocker in the star-studded 2011 revival of “Anything Goes,” as “magical,” dancing alongside theatre legends Sutton Foster and Joel Grey. “There’s so much about [Anything Goes] that was just incredible. It was one of those extraordinary experiences,” Colin said. “Getting to sing

Unofficial co-writer in Colin's band The Nineteen Twenty

CONTINUED >

DONNELL

AS A FRESHMAN AT KIRKWOOD HIGH

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

FROM KIRKWOOD TO CURTAIN CALLS (CONTINUED)

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

some of the most beautiful songs in the musical theatre canon, dancing with incredible partners, and being pushed to the limits of what I thought I

Colin on Broadway in "Anything Goes"

was capable of.” While Broadway and other large-scale productions are widely celebrated and recognized, Colin emphasized how important it is to increase support for the performing arts at the regional, community, and educational levels. “There are so many studies showing that participation in arts programs is so good for people of all ages, especially young people,” Colin said. “It aids in the development of social skills and increases positive mental health. Theater translates well into other areas of people’s lives, whether they pursue a career in the arts or not. Supporting community theater, supporting non-forprofit theater, supporting regional theaters is the lifeblood of a community.” Recently, Colin and his

It’s the opposite,” Colin said. “It needs to be out

wife Patti gathered a group of Broadway friends for

there in the open, and you need to know that you’re

a virtual game night fundraiser to support the arts

not alone. People need to know that it’s okay to feel

and entertainment industry. “If I can give back in a

however they’re feeling at any given moment.”

way that makes it possible for some kid out there

Colin noted there have been several bright

who’s struggling to find their own community, it just

moments in the past year. In July, he and his wife,

means the world to me,” said Colin.

actress and Broadway star Patti Murin, welcomed

Among the past year’s widespread struggles, the artistic community has been hit hard by the pandemic. Broadway theaters have remained shuttered since performances went dark in March 2020.

a newborn daughter, Cecily Donnell. But, not without complications. “During one of Patti’s pregnancy scans, they found a hole in [Cecily’s] heart. We knew pretty

“[COVID-19] has really blown open the door of high-

early on that she was going to have to have sur-

lighting how desperate our need is to support what is

gery at some point after she was born,” Colin said.

going on in film, TV, arts education, music, every facet

“Usually, they like to wait until the baby is a little

of entertainment,” Colin said. “We need storytellers.

bit bigger. Unfortunately, all the complications

No matter what medium you use to do that, the world

that come with this condition started to happen

needs people who are going to tell stories.”

very quickly for Cecily.” Cecily had to have sur-

Considering the difficulties of 2020, Colin empha-

gery at just ten weeks old. “It was a difficult time,

sized the importance of prioritizing mental health.

and fortunately for us, everything was resolved,”

He has strived to use the success of his platform

Colin said. Cecily is now a healthy, happy baby

to raise mental health awareness. “It’s not taboo to

and Colin described his and Patti’s gratitude to

feel these things. It’s not taboo to talk about them.

the hospital staff for their work. “What those people do for you at the hospital– the surgeons, the doctors, the nurses, the support staff that are there, they’re just incredible people,” Colin said. “There’s no amount of thanks that you can give them to express how CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

FROM KIRKWOOD TO CURTAIN CALLS (CONTINUED)

Colin on Broadway in "Almost Famous"

grateful you are for what they’ve done. They gave us a new daughter. It’s unbelievable. She’s the happiest, most wonderful baby now.” Colin expressed how he hopes to channel his love for his daughter into performing. “It’s just this whole other realm of love and caring and selflessness that goes along with it. I’m looking forward to one day sort of tapping into all of that for work,” he said. “Because there’s nothing more important than her. It all pales in comparison to making sure that she’s going to be okay, and I’m doing everything I can to make her life the best it can be.” Even with traditional performances being shut down, Colin has found ways to spread creativity through songwriting. During quarantine, he and acclaimed music director Brian Usifer formed a band called “The Nineteen Twenty,” and together released an EP album titled “Chaos + Cocktails” which is available on streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. “There’s a lot going on in the world,” said Colin. “We hope you find some good in the music.” The album’s first track, “Old Fashioned,” should be the anthem for the year that was 2020. “[The Nineteen Twenty] was our cheeky little reference to everything going on in the world in 2020. This whole album would never have happened if it weren’t for the shutdown,” Colin said. “With so much that has been absolutely devastating this year, we’re trying to take the victories where we can. So, we felt like the band was one good thing to come out of it.” There are seven songs on the album. Each one is a fantastic blend of vocals and guitar layered with amazing instrumental arrangements and heartfelt lyrics filled with hope. Colin said he would like to leave readers with ways to support the arts and encourages the community to look up organizations such as The Actor’s Fund and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. An easy way to support is by purchasing Colin and Patti’s wine called the Eleven O’Clock Number. Colin said, “Proceeds from the sale of the wine from Nocking Point Wines are going to go towards the Actor’s Fund and Black Theatre United. They’re working to really expand diversity and the opportunities for people of color in theatre.”

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

Colin and Patti Murin have collaborated with Nocking Point Wines for the 'Eleven O’Clock Number' red wine blend

As the performing arts community longs for the day it is safe to return to sharing live performance in a traditional

Colin, Patti and Cecily

and how they cope, and how they figure it out, but it goes back to what I was saying earlier– we need the support.”

manner, Colin emphasized the importance of supporting the arts until then. “We just can’t wait for the day when

Support the arts @ actorsfund.org, blacktheatreunited.

there’s an audience in front of our faces again,” Colin said.

com, broadwaycares.org

“It’s just going to be great. It’s going to be cathartic and

Discover a great bottle of wine with a story and a purpose

it’s going to be emotional. Everybody has been very cre-

@ nockingpointwines.com

ative, and the community is so resilient in what they do,

Download “Chaos + Cocktails” @thenineteentwenty

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

A R T I S T

THE CLICHÉ OF THE STRUGGLING ARTIST IS A FAMILIAR ONE. However, for creator Danny Zofness, art was never the struggle. Rather, art was the answer. As a kid, Danny was creatively inclined but also a good athlete. “My dad put a lot of emphasis on playing sports, so that was the path I took,” he said. While baseball was Danny’s sport of choice, he clearly remembers the thing that sparked his creative passion.

“I loved my job working with the kids,” Danny said. “But at the same time, I felt like there was something else I needed to be doing.” In 2012, Danny was offered a job to create videos for a non-profit organization called HateBrakers. “I had the opportunity to go to New York and interview Peter Yarrow

“I remember being five-years-old and watching my dad

of Peter, Paul, and Mary,” Danny recalled. “Shortly after

film home movies with a huge over-the-shoulder VHS

that, I was offered another video creation opportunity. Both

Camcorder. I would beg him to let me use it,” Danny stated.

of those opportunities conflicted with my work schedule at

“Besides playing baseball, making movies is the only thing

the high school.”

I’ve ever wanted to do.” After graduating from Kirkwood High School, Danny returned to work as a Walking Counselor. “I would tell the kids, especially the kids who were on an ‘untraditional path’,” (which Danny makes a point of saying shouldn’t even be a thing) “is follow your dream. Follow your passion. College is not for everyone. You have to commit to being you.”

Danny had to quickly choose between steady, full-time work at the high school or following his dream of working with video and film. In April 2013, as a single dad with a four-month-old baby girl, Danny made the preverbal leap. “The only way to discover my true path was to commit to myself as an artist.”

Over time it occurred to Danny that, for as much as he

As Danny reflected on being a full-time artist and single

believed in the advice he was imparting to the students, he

dad over the past eight years, he made this salient point,

wasn’t following his own words.

“The coolest thing about my artistic journey is that it led me back to me.”

CONTINUED >

LOCAL ARTIST DANNY ZOFNESS CAN BE FOUND ON INSTAGRAM @DZ_STL, @KIRKWOODGRAM, @THEESTATEREEL, @INFOCUS_ PODCAST, @SOMUCH_PODCAST AND ONLINE AT DANNYZOFNESS.COM ARTICLE BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS BAUER

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

AUTHENTIC ARTIST (CONTINUED)

Through creating art, Danny has had brilliant moments of self-discovery and authenticity. “I’ve learned that it’s important to find your authentic self,” said Danny. “Authenticity, whether it’s creatively driven or not, is so under appreciated,” Danny stated that outside influences and external expectations can easily distract someone from finding their authentic self. “Discovering how to be authentic is not what most people focus on and it needs to be,” Danny noted. “I think it should be taught in schools. Kids should learn the importance of self-awareness and self-care. They need to know how to make themselves a priority. As a parent, I hope the biggest thing I am teaching my daughter is the value of self.” As an artist, Danny is at his most authentic when he is being original. “Feeling original with my art is very important to me. I am naturally curious about the world and other people. What I create is how I see the world.” Danny observed, “Art that draws

D A N N Y Z O F N E S S DannyZofness.com Dan.Zofness@gmail.com 314-276-3703

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

people in is created by artists who are operating from an authentic place; their energy is received by people who view their art.” As a videographer, photographer, sneaker painter, and podcaster, Danny talked about feeling obligated to create a moment or an image and share it with the world. “I love creating something from nothing and having it exist in the world.” “I don’t have it all figured out. Far from it,” he stated. “But I do feel more in tune with myself as an adult than I ever have. I believe that my purpose is to make and create things. Being creative is the attempt to bring meaning and value to authentically expressing yourself.”

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

painting memories

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SAM WAIGAND

THE MEMORABLE WORKS OF WEBSTER GROVES ARTIST JIM EINSPANIER.

IMAGINE HAVING A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

Jim’s life of great accomplishments, numerous degrees

ENCAPSULATED ON YOUR WALLS. Imagine looking

and businesses accolades do not rival the adventures and

up to see your trip to Italy next to the walk you took

love shared with his wife and family; it is most apparent

through Forest Park with your late wife. Imagine remem-

when taking a glance inside his home. His walls are filled

bering the street where you grew up, and the field of

with these cherished memories.

flowers that bloom in Arizona once a year. Eighty-year-

“The world is filled with so much beauty, I feel com-

old painter Jim Einspanier creates art that reminds him of

pelled to paint it,” Jim said. “But there is something special

some of the most treasured moments of his life.

about creating something you feel a part of. You don’t just see with your eyes, you see with your heart too.”

Jim's wall of art

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

Jim recalls his father taking him on trolley rides through the St. Louis parks. He remembers growing up in the Grove and the culture he was exposed too. While these memories inspired a lot of his early

him from pursuing his love for art. He continued to paint as his real-

work, he often paints photographs he has taken over the years.

istic scenes transformed into impressionistic works of art.

However, Jim’s work also showcases the intimacy in his life. Jim’s late-wife Jenny called him a “hopeless romantic” as he captured their beautiful marriage. His paintings were harmonized by the daily poems he wrote her from 1960 to 1990.

“I don’t get around as well, but my art gives me a chance to escape that,” Jim said. Jim says that painting has healing properties. He says it is a blessing to find himself adrift in a beautiful place or memory. These inspire

His work encapsulates the best of times and helps him survive

a better outlook on life. As the world turns and troubles arise, he

through the worst of times. He has created paintings that memorial-

believes it is better to focus on the beauty rather than becoming

ize the passing of his wife. He has painted through his progression

depressed about things he cannot control.

of Parkinson’s disease.

Despite the difficult and often messy challenges of painting with

After being diagnosed in 2013, Jim began to lose control of move-

Parkinson’s disease, Jim paints for hours each day in his studio. In his

ment in his hands. As the disease progressed, tremors and loss of

toolbelt are watercolor, oil and acrylic paints, but most crucial to his

balance made it more difficult to paint. However, it never stopped

work is his perseverance and strength.

CONTINUED >

Jim in his studio

Jim's recent work

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

PAINTING MEMORIES (CONTINUED)

“If you see beauty in the world, be a part of it.” Jim’s full-time caregiver Sarah Payton marvels at the work her

friend has done. While they work through the many challenges and triumphs of his disease, she is most impressed seeing him work at something so positive. “He never gives up,” Sarah said. “I think that he is his happiest in his studio.” While he finds comfort in the meditative and solitary act of painting, he loves sharing his passion with others. Although Jim would rather not sell his work, he has no problem giving it away. “I don’t want to paint for [and sell to] strangers. I paint because I love it. Each one means something to me,” Jim said. “I want to share my talent with people who will also love it.” 28

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

He regularly gifts pieces of his collection to friends and family. But

in addition to his work, he also shares the gift of his experience. “I love to share my knowledge of painting, even when I can’t do it the way I want anymore,” Jim said. He encourages his grandchildren to partake in his love for art, providing them with opportunities, tools and inspiration to create their own works of art. He also encourages anyone willing to explore. “If you see beauty in the world, be a part of it,” Jim said. “Whether it is with a pencil or a brush, try and take pride in that. Whatever it is, it’s amazing.”

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SAM WAIGAND

Mary and her wall art

h s a D r A o ol C f o

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MARY, EMAIL HER AT HANSON-PAINT@SBCGLOBAL.NET

DURING ONE OF THE BLEAKEST YEARS OF OUR LIFETIME, MARY HANSON REACTS WITH COLOR. The COVID-19 pandemic inspired Mary to create a series of paintings that brings the light out of the darkest of times. “I don’t just paint [pretty] scenes,” Mary said. “I paint my feelings and emotions into my work. For me, it’s healing and freeing during times of pain and isolation.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Mary has completed 16 of the 19 paintings since beginning her venture in March. She hopes to auction the pieces post-COVID, when family and friends can gather together to raise money for community programs. “I want the whole world to paint,” Mary said. “I think it gives people peace and ease in their lives. Anyone can do it. It just takes a little bit of courage and some paint.” Mary began her infatuation with color as a child. Her parents allowed her creative reign over the walls in her room and her passion only flourished from there. The self-taught artist brought the same creative energy into her own home in Kirkwood. Each room has its own theme and personality.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

"Anyone

Montessori for Life

can do it. It just takes a little bit of courage and some paint.”

Even the smallest nuances of her home, such as doorknobs, get a dash of color. “Nothing escapes my brush,” Mary said. “Our home is like a lava lamp. The walls are always changing their form and color.”

AMI Accredited Education Ages 14 Months Through12 Years Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601

But as her walls began to fill, she looked for additional canvas space. Mary has created hundreds of murals and paintings in the buildings and homes of Kirkwood. From the Mary Culver Home and PJ’s Tavern to her community’s living room walls, Mary has left her mark. “I feel like so often people want to see something beautiful in their home but don’t feel confident in creating something themselves,” Mary said. “So, I let them direct me and I don’t leave until they love the result. It’s an incredible feeling to put someone’s dreams on a wall.”

1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, MO 63122 www.villadimaria.org CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

IN CH T A

G UP WITH TH

WOOD RE K IR K SID EN

HOMETOWN HERO

Hunter Sansone Brings Heroes to Life

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY LEIGH KEILY

Describe bringing super-hero Icicle Jr. to life in the CW series “Stargirl.”

STARGIRL FOLLOWS HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE COURTNEY WHITMORE (SERIES STAR BREC BASSINGER) AS SHE INSPIRES AN UNLIKELY GROUP

I never imagined myself joining a super-hero universe. I am so grateful to be a part of

OF YOUNG HEROES TO TAKE UP THE

this cast. The DC Universe is a surreal experience. We just finished shooting season 1 of

LEGACY OF A LONG-LOST SUPER-

Stargirl and I am extremely excited about season 2.

HERO TEAM—THE JUSTICE SOCIETY

Your character Daniel in the Disney+ movie “Safety” is also heroic.

OF AMERICA—AND STOP THE VILLAINS OF THE PAST. Hunter plays Cameron Mahkent. “Safety” is a drama inspired by the

empowering

story

former

Daniel is inspired by a combination of a few different people from Ray McElrathbey’s

Clemson University football safety Ray

life. I had a lot of freedom with the role. It was the first time I was able to tap into my Italian

McElrathbey, a young man facing a series

heritage and use an Italian accent. The director was responsible for hiring the cast, so

of challenging circumstances, whose

I must thank director Reggie Hudlin, East St. Louis native, for trusting me with the part.

dedication and persistence help him to

The football scenes in the movie look real. The football scenes were shot during halftime at a Clemson football game. We had seven minutes on the field to shoot the football plays. Live. One take each. No second chances. There was no greenscreen. There was no faking it. The Clemson crowd went nuts with all the cheering.

What are you passionate about? Of course, family. I owe everything to my parents, shout out to Cat and Gregg (Kirkwood residents). Beyond that, I advocate for animal rights and animal welfare. I have partnered with St. Louis Stray Rescue and Stand Up for Pits Foundation. I plan to use my voice and my platform to end animal abuse.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | February 2021

triumph over repeated adversities. Aided by his teammates and the Clemson community, he succeeds on the field while simultaneously raising and caring for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr. Hunter plays Daniel Morelli, roommate and teammate of Ray McElrathbey.

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