It’s been an unusually long winter or, at least, it feels that way. Spring has been so rainy that I think my hands are beginning to web. So, if you’re as eager to get out and about as I am, here’s a list to get you going-- in an ARTful direction, of course!

First Night, Mardi Gras, St. Pat’s Day, Earth Day—let’s face it: we St. Louisans love to celebrate!! This month is no exception with Cinco de Mayo. The “Fifth of May” celebration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 3 (so it’s really a Tres de Mayo celebration!) on Cherokee Street, known for its wealth of Hispanic culture and eclectic shops. This is “the” place to really experience authentic south-of-the-border food, drink, art and music. The not-to-miss featured performer is Javier Mendoza with his acoustical blend of rock, pop and Latin, in both English and Spanish.

“Everything sounds very pure and very simply and earthy, but with underlying notes of pop electonica,” Mendoza said. “I guess it’s what I am; I’m kind of a purist when it comes to many things.”

Rounding out the musical selection is funk and disco band Boogie Chyld , the 8-piece Tamorazo Mixteco, St. Louis Symphony’s trumpet player Josh MacCluer, and live Mariachi. Details in ARTful Happenings. Que bueno!

“Celebrate” is an appropriately titled event at The Gallery at Regional Arts Commission on May 9. The Gallery will be filled with art works, in every imaginable medium, each measuring 8 inches square, and each priced at only $50. All proceeds benefit Viva Vox!, an organization dedicated to developing artistic talents for at-risk St. Louis youth. Help our youthful artists and take home a masterpiece of your own. Preview starts at 5:30 and things go quickly, so don’t be late!

In the mood for a springtime evening stroll? Grand Center, St. Louis’ premier arts and entertainment district, once again hosts the Grand Gallery Walk on Friday, May 16, from 5 to 9 p.m. More than a dozen galleries and museums will be open to visitors and, when your legs get tired, there’s even a complimentary trolley to whisk you along the ART-filled route.

Pick up your free Grand Gallery Walk Passport at any of the participating galleries and museums. Visit six or more to be eligible for prize drawings at The Sheldon Art Galleries at 8:45 p.m. (need not be present to win). The Passport, by the way, is filled with discounts for area restaurants. Last year’s event was fabulous, and I’ve been waiting a whole year to do it again. Please say hello when you see me there!

While you’re in the neighborhood, St. Louis University presents its wonderful Rooms in Bloom, May 13-17, at the historic and beautiful Cupples House. Silk Pajamas performs live, smooth jazz on May 16. Cool!!

Additionally, Grand Center just proudly announced the eight honorees of the Sixth Annual Visionary Awards, recognizing women for their contributions to the St. Louis arts and culture community. Congratulations and thanks to all these women do to make St. Louis an ARTful city and region:
President’s Award: Margaret “Peg” Grigg, arts philanthropist
Outstanding Arts Professional: Sue Greenberg, Executive Director of Volunteer
Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (‘Way to go, Sue!!)
Successful Working Artist: Carrie Houk, actress and casting director
Emerging Artist (age 22+): Ashley L. Tate, Founder, Artistic Director and
Choreographer of Ashleyliane Dance Company, dancer
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jeanne Trevor, jazz singer and actress
Outstanding Arts Educator (New Award): Lois Conley, Founder and Executive
Director of the Black World History Museum, historian and teacher
Outstanding Arts Educator (New Award): Jane Ellen Ibur, poet, writer, teacher
and community artist
Outstanding Young Artist (ages 16-22, New Award): Emily Piro, actress and
Playwright
The Sixth Annual Visionary Awards ceremony and cocktail reception, sponsored by Brown Show Company, will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 6-8 p.m. at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Plan to salute these deserving women in truly GRAND style. Check my ARTful Happenings for particulars.

Dance St. Louis presents “Spring to Dance” on May 22, 23 and 24 at the Touhill Center for Performing Arts on the UMSL campus. It’s three days of incredible dance and bargain-priced at just $10 per ticket! Visit www.dancestlouis.org to order tickets now.

Even Art St. Louis is ready for a change this spring with a move to an all-new gallery and office space at 555 Washington Avenue, just a little east of their former location. “Pixels and Patterns” is the inaugural exhibition for the 1st-floor gallery and opens on May 27. Stop in and take a peek. A grand opening reception is scheduled later for June 7.

By the way, in response to some inquiries, I did complete the 13.1 glorious miles of the St. Louis Half-Marathon again this year. It was a great way to officially shake off winter. Now I know how bears feel coming out of winter hibernation!