St Louis Arts Chamber Of Commerce

Delmar Boulevard: With funding from Roberts Wood Johnson Foundation through Smart Growth America, we have the site analysis for the renovation of the historically divisive street completed. The Community Engagement is in process to desicde how to slow traffic and beautify the area with art and culturally relevant designs. In addition, the community evaluation for creative placemaking is in its final stages of development preparing for pilot testing.

Mill Creek Mill Creek Valley was a vibrant, historically Black neighborhood razed in the 1950s in the undue name of "urban renewal." The neighborhood was once home to 20,000 predominantly Black residents, along with hundreds of businesses and dozens of churches. Dedicated to honoring residents of the neighborhood, "The Legacy of Mill Creek" consists of four panels highlighting themes of faith, business, music and sports. The back of each panel features a handwritten message from Bayoc explaining his inspiration for the artwork. "With this art, I wanted to hit on the pillars of the community," Bayoc said. "I am super blessed that we've been able to install these at SLU, and everyone's been so accepting of these pieces. I'm already hearing about how people are taking in our work and how it's affecting them. "Those who are meant to receive the art will receive it, and it will be impactful. I hope everyone has time to spend with these pieces and really reflect on the Mill Creek Valle1487y community that once used to live here." The reception was well attended by living members of Mill Creek, the Mill Creek Commemoration Committe, students, faculty and staff. The celebration event was co-sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, the Department of African American Studies and the Division of Mission and Identity.