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We explore the culture of St. Louis by connecting with people and sharing stories. Watch our latest features, join us for an in-person gathering, and connect with our community online.
Since landing in St. Louis in 2021, Sophie Mendelson and Martha Bass have been building community one ice cream sandwich at a time, spinning nostalgia, individuality and queerness into the details.
Eschewing new materials in favor of ones with patina, he gravitates toward objects of wood and metal that have lived former lives, using them to communicate an unexplored direction, a way forward, a new energy.
He is at once a perpetual 13-year-old and full-blown adult, living his dream while keenly aware of the sacrifice he makes by building his life around his art.
For her, it’s about freedom of movement; for herself and for her customers, allowing them to build something beautiful on their terms, in their own neighborhoods.
John Beck didn’t always know what he was meant to do, but his hands did. From digging into high school art classes to crafting one-off projects at a welding job, he spent years circling his true love: steel.
By mixing color, texture and material, Theresa’s work is both strong and playful, a mix of sharp and soft, and always with an edge, much like those she designs for.
Missouri launched the West. Its trails shaped a nation. Today, those same trails carry something new. Gravel bikes. Hiking boots. Small towns rising again. This is not flyover country. It's ride-through country.
The Trail State is a feature-length documentary film about movement, momentum, and the people keeping our trails alive.
The Spotlight Series ®
Design Unfolded
5(ish) Questions for…
Meet Yoro, a self-taught jewelry designer, cinema & personal wardrobe stylist, and community builder from North St. Louis whose passion for fashion and storytelling led to the creation of platforms like Black Creatives in the Lou™️ and Fashion Friendzy™️. Yoro empowers underrepresented artists through visibility, mentorship, and creative collaboration. Rooted in purpose, her work is inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and aims to build a lasting legacy of impact, connection, and authentic expression.
Meet Jessica, a passionate St. Louis-based media professional whose journey from a Midwest upbringing to a global storytelling career blends acting, producing, and pro bono photojournalism across 16+ countries. Her work empowers nonprofits, celebrates human experiences, and reflects a deep commitment to community, creativity, and service—while balancing motherhood and a love for adventure.
Meet Noah, an archaeologist turned conservationist who finds deep fulfillment in preserving historic texts for both individuals and institutions. Driven by a love for history and craftsmanship, he aims to expand his business and mentor future conservators while continuing to serve his community through ethical, thoughtful restoration work.
Cinematic Philanthropy isn’t a trend.
It’s a movement.
And St. Louis is where it’s getting loud.
We’re building a new model of filmmaking that fuels missions, not just premieres.
the thing you enjoy doing can actually be your life... your living
cbabi bayoc
cbabi ▸
the spotlight series®
curated goods
This site and our community events are entirely supported by private donors, volunteers, and this storefront. 100% of the proceeds stay within the STL.org nonprofit ecosystem to grow the organization and share great stories of our city and the greater St. Louis community.
Handmade ceramic mug by artist Malaika Telford IG @placevaluepottery
Pattern: CURIOSITY Building
Color: Varied
Size: Medium (approx. 3 in tall X 3.5 in diameter)
STL.org logo: On the bottom
Each mug is unique in color and size with slight variation due to its handmade quality.
Handmade ceramic mug by artist Malaika Telford IG @placevaluepottery
Pattern: Midtown Map
Color: Brick Red
Size: Large (approx. 3.5 in tall X 3.5 in diameter)
STL.org logo: Brick Red
Each mug is unique in color and size with slight variation due to its handmade quality.
Handmade ceramic mug by artist Malaika Telford IG @placevaluepottery
Pattern: Midtown Map
Color: Natural
Size: Large (approx. 3.5 in tall X 3.5 in diameter)
STL.org logo: Natural
Each mug is unique in color and size with slight variation due to its handmade quality.
Patch:
Hand-chain stitched by artist Janie Stamm IG @babyruthstitch
Copy: “stl”
Copy thread color: Teal
Border thread color: Cranberry
Felt Base: Plum
STL.org logo: On back in light blue thread
Hat:
Color: Steel Blue
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Shape / Profile: Unstructured Mid Profile
Closure: Snapback
Bill Shape: Flat Bill
Sweatband Material: Cotton Sweatband
Fit /Size: OSFM 58cm
Each hat is unique in color combination from the felted base to the thread color and with slight variation due to it’s handmade quality.
Patch:
Hand-chain stitched by artist Janie Stamm IG @babyruthstitch
Copy: “saint louis”
Copy thread color: Teal
Border thread color: Caramel
Felt Base: Copper
STL.org logo: On back in black thread
Hat:
Color: Bone
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Shape / Profile: Unstructured Mid Profile
Closure: Snapback
Bill Shape: Flat Bill
Sweatband Material: Cotton Sweatband
Fit /Size: OSFM 58cm
Each hat is unique in color combination from the felted base to the thread color and with slight variation due to it’s handmade quality.
Patch:
Hand-chain stitched by artist Janie Stamm IG @babyruthstitch
Copy: “stl”
Copy thread color: Army Green
Border thread color: Natural
Felt Base: Vegas Gold
STL.org logo: On back in black thread
Hat:
Color: Bone
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Shape / Profile: Unstructured Mid Profile
Closure: Snapback
Bill Shape: Flat Bill
Sweatband Material: Cotton Sweatband
Fit /Size: OSFM 58cm
Each hat is unique in color combination from the felted base to the thread color and with slight variation due to it’s handmade quality.
Patch:
Hand-chain stitched by artist Janie Stamm IG @babyruthstitch
Copy: “stl”
Copy thread color: Red-orange
Border thread color: Leaf Green
Felt Base: Dark Green
STL.org logo: On back in black thread
Hat:
Color: Bone
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Shape / Profile: Unstructured Mid Profile
Closure: Snapback
Bill Shape: Flat Bill
Sweatband Material: Cotton Sweatband
Fit /Size: OSFM 58cm
Each hat is unique in color combination from the felted base to the thread color and with slight variation due to it’s handmade quality.
Patch:
Hand-chain stitched by artist Janie Stamm IG @babyruthstitch
Copy: “stl”
Copy thread color: Red-orange
Border thread color: Leaf Green
Felt Base: Dark Green
STL.org logo: On back in white thread
Hat:
Color: Caramel
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Shape / Profile: Unstructured Mid Profile
Closure: Snapback
Bill Shape: Flat Bill
Sweatband Material: Cotton Sweatband
Fit /Size: OSFM 58cm
Each hat is unique in color combination from the felted base to the thread color and with slight variation due to it’s handmade quality.
Patch:
Hand-chain stitched by artist Janie Stamm IG @babyruthstitch
Copy: “It struck a cord with me”
Copy thread color: Natural
Border thread color: Natural
Felt Base: Natural
STL.org logo: On back in caramel thread
Hat:
Color: Caramel
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Shape / Profile: Unstructured Mid Profile
Closure: Snapback
Bill Shape: Flat Bill
Sweatband Material: Cotton Sweatband
Fit /Size: OSFM 58cm
Each hat is unique in color combination from the felted base to the thread color and with slight variation due to it’s handmade quality.
at the core i’m an artist. making stuff, that’s what matters
abbey eilermann
daily disco ▸
the spotlight series®
Handmade ceramic mug by artist Malaika Telford IG @placevaluepottery
Pattern: “CURIOSITY“ in outlined typeface
Color: Steel Blue
Size: Small (approx. 2.5 in tall X 3 in diameter)
Each mug is unique in color and size with slight variation due to its handmade quality.