I recently got a chance to sit down with female illusionist Michael McKinley, a.k.a. Erica Foxx. Michael and I met before one of his performances at the Grey Fox and I was nothing but impressed. From our first exchanges via email to the dressing room, it’s apparent this gent’s got class. A small town boy from Decatur, IL, Michael is a graduate of Milliken University with a degree in music and drama and has always loved the theater.

His foray in to the world of drag was born on a dare, a Halloween drag contest at a local watering hole. A natural on stage, he was snatched up by the more experienced performers and taken under their wing. Among his list of mentors he credits Patrina Marie for the greatest contribution to his development as a darling of the stage. In the late 80′s Michael moved to St. Louis, and in a short time he was performing regularly and building a solid following at clubs in St. Louis and in Illinois.

Michael’s character Erica Foxx is inspired by old Hollywood, heavy on the glam. Erica Foxx is a classy lady who doesn’t mind being the center of attention. The transformation of Michael into Erica is carefully executed and the supplies barely squeeze into a jumbo-sized zebra print suitcase with a garment bag on the side. Make up is serious business and, with chat breaks, can take more than an hour to apply- including false eyelashes and a lot of carefully applied creams and powders; it’s a truly fascinating process to witness. Nothing surprising in the make up kit, just the usual girl stuff, applied with an extra heavy hand to reshape the face and exaggerate features. When selecting the wardrobe for Erica, Michael says, “It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to look expensive!” Most of Erica’s outfits are bought off the rack from regular department stores (being a perfect size 12 helps), but Michael will splurge now and again for something extra special and has even had a gorgeous beaded gown custom made overseas.

The art of female impersonation is more than just make up and clothes; Michael credits his success to playing to his strengths. A self-professed owner of two left feet, his focus is on song selection, wardrobe, charm, and mad lip syncing skills. With professional experience in public relations Michael has put those skills to good use and knows the best way to sell himself is to be himself, “I don’t try to imitate anyone else. I just try to stay true to myself and continue to fine tune my character. Erica is always a lady.”

Persistence has paid off, with a long list of pageant wins under her skirt, Erica Foxx is the current title holder for Miss Gay Missouri and the ambassador for the pageant. You can check out her newsletter, Foxx Tales, by visiting her website. You can catch her on stage at the Grey Fox most weekends. And if you’re like me and can’t get enough, follow the adventures of the lovely Ms. Foxx on Facebook and My Space too.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an evening, there are several places in the Lou that have drag shows on the regular. Here’s a sampling of some of the clubs around town…

The Grey Fox

Korner’s

Magnolia’s Five Spot Cabaret

The Complex

Bubby and Sissy’s

The Loading Zone

Image Credit: http://mgmpageant.com/

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows, and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter –@southcitystudio.

Today’s topic is brought to you from a place I like to call I-can’t-believe-they-get-away-with-that! Yesterday, while perusing a popular online retailer for hipsters (I like to stay on top of what the cool kids are doing – I am mom to a teenager), I decided to take a gander at the jewelry department and almost had a heart attack. I make jewelry. I know what’s involved. I have a pretty good idea of what the cost of materials and labor probably work out to be. By my calculations, the entire jewelry department was overpriced by about 1000% and I’m being conservative. With less than $10 in materials and no more than an hour’s labor, a $300 necklace (it didn’t even have a clasp!) made my blood boil. So, of course I did what any reasonable person would and immediately put up a disdainful post on Facebook with pictures. A girl doesn’t like to be alone in her fury.

I have to say, being ticked off is an uncomfortable place to be for a girl like me. I like to laugh, smile, and have a good time. So I got to thinking… why am I so ticked off about this silly necklace? What is it that is getting my goat? Can I gleen anything positive out of this temper tantrum?

It didn’t take long for me to figure out that I was feeling outraged on behalf of myself, my friends, fellow artists, and crafters that work their tails off to make unique and often sustainable goods that are not only beautiful but reasonably priced. With lots of friends who are small business owners trying to limp along in a sluggish economy the blatant piracy of this chain establishment makes me barfy. Call me a bleeding heart, but for $300 you can buy a water buffalo ($250) that will help a needy person become self-sufficient and still have money left over ($50) for something cute and locally made.

Think global, act local. You’ve seen it on bumper stickers, right? But how does a girl put that in to action?

Think global. Often big chains are powered on the blood, sweat and tears of small children. Kids that should be in school, not sewing until the wee hours of the morn in a dirty factory. Kids that have often been sold or traded like cattle, may be beaten and abused, and are certainly neglected. The garment industry is a particularly nasty beast and, along with produce, is at the top of the list for the greatest number of offending practices. In 2009, The U.S. Department of Labor produced a list of goods produced by child labor or forced labor (see pages 29-44) . This is the sort of reading that makes you want to snatch up every kid you know and love (and maybe a few extras), hug them hard, then spoil them with pizza, ice cream, and Disney flicks. This just shouldn’t happen. So what can you do to help?

Act local. What does that mean? Stimulate the local economy with your hard-earned dollars. Buy from the little person whenever you can. Get your produce from a local farmer. Soulard Farmer’s Market and lots of other produce vendors are easily accessible and offer much better prices than the grocery store. These farmers are more than just dirt diggers, they are food artists. You’ll often find varieties of vegetables and fruit you’ve never seen or heard of before in addition to the standard fare. Customer service is top-notch too; being an eater of green beans, carrots and peas exclusively until my thirties I ask a lot of questions and I get a lot of helpful answers.

Before you hit the mall for some new purse or tote bag, say phooey on Gucci and check out, Sew Good & Trendy, this totally awesome eco-crafter has a generous selection of fab bags and price tags that won’t make the baby Jesus cry. Need a cute make up bag to go in that purse? DownZipper can help! Beqi can outfit you in a sassy new dress and shop Twisted for stylish and colorful upcycled accessories. Need something for your kiddo to squeeze? These ladies make adorable plush critters from upcycled clothing – Riley Construction and Super Chick Studios.  If you’re a fan of cute, you’ve got to snap up one of C. Bunny Binx’s critters for your curio cabinet – they will make you squee with delight.

Is your home feeling left out of the shopping spree? Squaresville can jazz up the kitchen with reusable grocery totes and holders for hot stuff. Be good to your skin and try Bella Luna’s handmade bars and lotions. Want something pretty to hang on the wall? Jane Linders will knock your socks off with her stunning photography. If you’re giving a gift, don’t forget the card, Mermaid Garden Party has geek chic sentiments to put a smile on giftee’s face.

Where you spend your dollars really does make a difference and can be the source of lots of warm and fuzzies. By shopping locally you are literally putting food on someone’s table and supporting local talent at the same time. Often handmade is less expensive or competitively priced. There might be a kid in the room when some of these items are made, but I can bet that not one of them is being exploited, they spend their days in school, and are probably being spoiled rotten by loving moms who shower them with affection. Many crafters and artists upcycle materials lightening the load in the landfills and making something old new and useful, too. Buying handmade just feels good and don’t we all need a little more of that?

Stepping down from my soapbox now. Anyone want to join me for a little sing-a-long? How about Kumbaya?

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows, and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter –@southcitystudio.

In college, Kate studied design and metal smithing and spent a year in Italy studying with masters. Her love of arts blossomed in to a teaching career. She got her start teaching arts and crafts classes at Laumeier Sculpture park, then later at Maryville University where she currently works. Kate is also the founder of Red Anvil Art- her arts and crafts business. Kate’s unique collection of jewelry is  made with new and upcycled materials. Findings, chain, fabric, toys, and trinkets collected from years of thrifting, yard sales, and estate sales are the foundation of her pieces. Her eclectic style makes for eye-catching, one-of-a-kind wearable art. If you get the chance to meet this fabulous lady, don’t be surprised if you get a hug from your new best bud Kate – her warm and friendly personality have made her a favorite among local artists.

Kate’s current project, Indie Craft Revolution, is a collaboration with the St. Louis Craft Mafia (of which she is a member). She and her co-chair, Nancy Leubbers of Evil Little Girls, have produced what is sure to be a dynamite show with more than 60 vendors.

Held at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild on the grounds of Oak Knoll Park in Clayton, this show kicks off the craft show season with a big bang this weekend (March 13 & 14) and features high quality local arts and crafts. The Upcycle Exchange will be on hand too – so if you’ve been hoping to find a home for some of those odds and ends you have been collecting, you can bring them to the show to drop off.  Just be sure to check the list online to make sure your goodies are among those requested. Admission to the show is free, and it runs 10 to 6 on Saturday, 10 to 4 on Sunday.

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.

Here’s a sampling of what’s going on around town…

The Birds and The Bees
Karen Woodward, a whimsical sculptor and mixed media artist has collaborated with Jeff Kapfer for a dynamite spring show. Cleverly named The Birds and The Bees, the gallery will be busting with cheer when Woodwards’s small flamework sculptures and Kapfer’s fabulous pop-arty birds go on display. The opening reception is Saturday, March 13 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at PHD Gallery on Cherokee. Free.

Lunch Break
Photographer Sharon Lockhart spent a year at the Bath Iron works shipyard in Maine capturing the daily activities of the workers. Lockhart’s work is captivating and thought-provoking. Catch this fantastic show at the Kemper Art Museum now through April 19. Free.

Contemporary Women Artists Exhibition XV
The St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art is sponsoring the  Contemporary Women Artists Exhibition XV – Art as Activism show, a juried collection of painting, sculpture and pottery.  You have until March 26 to get your hiney over there and be inspired. Check it out at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles. Free.

Thin
Award-winning documentary filmmaker and photographer, Lauren Greenfield explores the disturbing and heartbreaking experiences of women with eating disorders. Remaining showings are on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Gallery 210. Free.

BRICALEUR-ing: An inquiry into the profundity & resourcefulness of Female Transformateurs
A truly unique art experience spanning several dates beginning with an opening reception the eve of March 13 running until the March 28 public art installation of the world’s biggest picnic blanket .  This all chics production celebrates women and their art. Fort Gondo on Cherokee Street hosts and will serve as not only the gallery, but the gathering place and laboratory for collaborative projects like a quilting bee. If you like potlucks, music, film and art, get in on the action over at Fort Gondo this month. Check out the Cherokee Street News for a full calendar of events. Free.

Image Credit: Karen Woods Studios

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.

Stuff you need:

• Cardboard – old food boxes are the perfect thickness.
• Adhesive – glue stick, Elmer’s, double-sided tape, anything sticky will do.
• Paper Cutter – not a must have, but makes the job a little neater.
• Paper – I wanted lined sheets so I grabbed a stack of loose leaf paper that has been sitting around forever, but anything you can write on will do. If you’re be using a regular old office stapler, 20 sheets is probably the max
• Scrapbook Paper – scraps are fine, you’ll just need enough to cover the staples.
• Bone Folder – if you don’t know what this is or you don’t have one, no worries- the back of a butter knife will get the job done. You’ll need this to smooth creases.
• Scissors
• Stapler/Staples
• Ruler

How to do it:

You’ll be using the box for the cover of your journal. For the big journal, I cut the front panel of the cereal box off and folded it in half, print on the inside. For the small journal, I cut the front and back panels off of the Jell-O box.

Step 1: Measure the dimensions of your journal and cut the paper so that it’s just a smidge smaller and will fit inside the journal cover without hanging out. If you’re the precise type, feel free to measure (I cut my paper about 1/8” smaller all the way around). If you’re a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants gal like me, just eyeball it and call it good.

Step 2: Insert the paper inside your cover and staple along one edge to bind the paper and the cover together.

Step 3: Next, position your ruler about 1” away from the edge, and score a line down the length of the journal. You can use a bone folder, the rounded tips of your scissors or the back of a butter knife. You want to press kind of hard- not so hard you tear the paper, but hard enough to make a dent. Score the line, fold open and press along the crease to flatten it back out. This will allow the front of your journal to open flat.

Step 4: Cut a strip of scrapbook paper the size of the vertical length of the journal, and wide enough to cover your staples on the front and back. Use the sticky stuff to adhere the strip of scrapbook paper and create finished edge.

From trash to treasure, now go write something important down.

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.

Firecracker Press is one-stop-shopping for stationary, business cards, invitations, posters, art and greeting cards. They’ve got plenty to choose from including ready-made goodies or chat them up to place a custom order. The kids at Firecracker Press use fancy modern graphic design software to conceptualize their work, but  from setting the type to mixing the ink, all the action happens the old fashioned way- by hand.

They print using a variety of techniques including wood block printing and letter press. Wood’s all good, but for a paper-lover like me, nothing tops the delicious texture of letter press anything. Try to trump the joy of running your fingers over the peaks and valleys embossed by a press – mmm, mmm, good!

If you’ve always wanted to learn the craft, you can take a class in the studio and make your very own original prints under the tutelage of the experienced artists at the studio. Pop in for a visit, Monday through Friday, 10 – 6, or on Saturdays from 11 – 5.  If you can’t find your way over there in person, you can shop their fine selections online.

The Firecracker Press is located at 2838 Cherokee Street, but Cherokee Street has a lot to offer these days, check out these other fine establishments: Cranky Yellow a shop, gallery, performance space at 2847 Cherokee Street; APOP Records, an independently Owned/Operated Record Store at 2831 Cherokee Street; Boots Contemporary Art Space at 2307 Cherokee Street; or phd Gallery at 2300 Cherokee Street.

Image Credit: Firecracker Press

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.

Crummy weather is the perfect excuse to play tourist at home.  St. Louis is home to a boatload of museums and arty collections, many of them are probably news even to natives of the Lou. They’ve been here all along though, quietly collecting dust waiting for warm bodies to come for a visit. Check out these local gems we’ve got everything from a museum in honor of pooches to contemporary art…

Bonus, most of them are cheap or free! So grab a friend, the kiddos or just plan a date to fly solo and take it all in. Nearly all of these are within a short drive of one another, so it would be super easy to make a day of touring these fine establishments.

First, the big dogs…

St. Louis Art Museum: Admission is free

St. Louis History Museum: Admission is free

City Museum: Admission: ages 3+, $12.00

St. Louis Science Center: Admission is free

The Museum of Westward Expansion (Gateway Arch): Admission is free, Tram rides: $10/adults, $5/kids

The Magic House Children’s Museum: Admission is $8.50

Lesser known haunts…

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis: Admission is $5/adults

St. Louis University Museum of Art: Admission is free

St. Louis University Museum of Contemporary Religious Art: Admission is free

St. Louis University Samuel Cupples House and Gallery: Admission is free

Washington University Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum: Admission is free

Campbell House Museum: Admission $6/adults

Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum: Admission $8/adults, $5/12-17, $2/6-11

Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum: Admission $5/adults, $1/kids

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site: Tours $4/adults, $2.50/kids

Museum of Transportation: Admission $6/adults, $4/kids

Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis: Admission $5/adults, $2/kids

American Kennel Club – Museum of the Dog: Admission $5/adults, $1/kids

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum: Admission is free

Gobble it up kids. This is good stuff! Know of a hidden treasure you’d like to share? Post a link in the comments and tell us all about it!

image credit

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.

While working at the commercial studio, Julie started shooting weddings and has for several years now artfully captured the joy of many happy couples in her lens. If you’re looking for a top-notch, affordable photographer, Julie is your girl. The girl’s got talent in spades; this shutter bug’s business continues to expand, with her most recent foray in to the land of pet photography, now the primary focus of her photography business, a natural next step for this mama of two kitties and best friends, Francis and Sherman.

Always ambitious, this animal-lover also runs a full-service dog walking and pet sitting service called Mutton Chops. This year, Julie hopes to blend the two lines of business in to offer her Mutton Chops clients photography services as well. Staying true to her style, when photographing people’s pets she captures the details that make each animal unique – a freckly leg, extra long whiskers, sad eyes or a wet nose. “I want to capture the soul of each animal in my work.” I was lucky enough to have my pooch, Mackie, and my special-needs kitty, Mr. Wobbles, model for an extra special fancy photo shoot a couple weeks ago. I absolutely loved the results!

To see samples of Julie’s work, follow her on Twitter, or find out more about her photography and pet services…

http://jbirkemeierphoto.etsy.com
http://jbirkemeierphoto.blogspot.com
http://flickr.com/photos/juliebirkemeier...
http://twitter.com/juliebirkemeier
http://jbirkemeierweddings.squarespace.com
http://www.muttonchopspetservices.com
http://twitter.com/Mutton_Chops_

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.

Art is more than the tempera-painted, newsprint portraits of our youth. It’s everywhere and an important part of defining and expressing our culture. For example, take a look at our flag. It’s memorable, no? That’s because the folks who designed it intended it to be that way – each bit of the design fraught with meaning, and colors bold enough to be easily recognized at a glance (fun fact: historians doubt it was dear old Betsy Ross). This work of art is so important it’s a part of our national identity. Think about New York City. What’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are it’s the Statue of Liberty, or the iconic image of an apple – both art – one architectural, the other a simple graphic image…

Art can a powerful tool for conveying ideas in religion too, a subject that affects the daily lives of millions. In homage to ‘The Big Guy’, the finest artists are commissioned to produce amazing structures, furnishings, paintings, stained glass and sculpture. In some faiths, elaborate costumes are designed for religious officiates. Although I’m not Catholic, two big snaps for them because it’s hard to beat the beauty of a Catholic church.  If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End, put it on your to do list. It’s a truly stunning space. So good in fact, the Pope popped in for a visit and left his fancy chair.

Visual information is the fastest way to communicate and doesn’t depend on literacy or even a common language. Art can be a powerful medium for propaganda or social commentary.  For example, Rosie the Riveter  empowered women to redefine gender roles and get to work in factories during war time. This image continues to be iconic in promoting the strength of women. Art has played a vital role in recording history and helps shape our understanding of events, past and present. The development of photography is arguably one of the most important and meaningful developments in the history of recent art. Masters of the lens record vignettes of our lives ranging from war to weddings and preserve moments of majestic beauty in photograph, like Ansel Adams’ images of Yosemite.

Every culture, rich or poor, rural or urban embraces art in their daily lives. You don’t have to look very hard to find it – it’s everywhere from the placement of the plants in our yards, to finger paintings on the fridge, to stuff on the walls of public spaces. Looking at art can impact our perspective. Art can be ugly or beautiful, joyous or sad. It can be cathartic and healing. Whether you are making art or taking it in, it’s an important part of our daily experience. So the next time somebody says art doesn’t matter, you straighten ‘em out!

Consider yourself a lucky duck too, being here in St. Louis we’re spoiled rotten with art. Thanks to the Frenchies for all their fine architecture, and kudos to the generous benefactors and taxpayers for keeping places like the History Museum and the St. Louis Art Museum free. Yep, not a cent for entry and you can gobble up art by the gallery full. How cool is that?

image credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/We_Can_Do_It!.jpg

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.

A plethora of handmade items call Etsy home: some beautiful, some practical and some just plain bizarre. For extra fun, visit Regretsy, a collection of oddball Etsy items and crafts gone bad. Each day the front page of the Etsy website posts a selection of items from the makers and an artist profile. There is also a running feed of pictures showing all the new items being currently posted…

Etsy has lots of other fun features too: you can search for an item by color, by category or seller location. If you’re feeling like killing some time or looking for inspiration, Etsy provides lists compiled by makers and buyers, called treasuries group items, that they think are interesting or are grouped according to a self-selected theme. Another fun feature is pounce, which randomly selects items by makers that have not yet had their first sale ,or who have just made a sale.

When a customer wants to make a purchase there is no haggling or bidding, all items are sold at the listed price. However, many makers will offer discounts for multiple item purchases, shop sales or may reduce shipping costs for each subsequent item purchased. Quite a few sellers offer free shipping. One my favorite things about shopping on Etsy is the opportunity to buy not only handmade, but custom items.

Buyers can place item wish lists in the “alchemy section” and sellers compete for the request by posting bids, or they can contact makers directly. I’ve bought supplies, vintage ephemera, a custom made skirt and a vintage knick-nack or two. I’ve been purchasing items on Etsy for a couple years now and have had a nearly flawless experience.

Each seller has a rating based on feedback from other customers, something I would suggest looking at before purchasing. Sellers are highly motivated to keep their customers happy since each transaction can be rated by their customers. Sellers also rate the customers, so it works both ways.

For makers and buyers alike there is a supportive community on Etsy available at your fingertips through the forums. As a maker, I review the forums from time to time to stay current on the latest and greatest industry info as well as to continue learning ways to improve and grow my business. There are also tutorials, virtual labs, chat rooms, a blog and more. Etsy is a veritable playground for the creative-minded.

Here’s a sampling of some of my favorite local Etsy sellers:

DownZipper
Sew Good & Trendy
C. Bunny Binx
Miss Lemon
Twisted

Go support these locals and get yourself something sassy!

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.