Birthplace of Creativity

Birthplace of Creativity is a series of collaborative programs activating sites throughout the city referenced in Chambers’ exhibition, including the St. Louis Public Library and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Dominic’s contemplative yet vibrant works reflect on how these institutions sparked wonder in him as a child. Through these programs, viewers of all ages are invited to be similarly inspired. The special First Friday programming concludes at CAM with a guided tour, music, and art activities.

The self-guided audio tour of Dominic Chambers: Birthplace, produced by CAM’s podcast-in-residence Speak Up St. Louis, can be enjoyed at any time.

Schedule of events: 

• 10:30–11:30 am: Storytime at St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library

Parents are invited to bring their children to a special gathering for songs, stories, and activities about art and color inspired by Dominic Chambers. Ideal for children 6 years and under. 

• 4:30–5:30 pm: Conversation at the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM)

Hear from the artist and Simon Kelly, SLAM curator of modern and contemporary art, about the works on view at SLAM that inspired a young Chambers during a visit to the museum on an elementary school field trip.

• 5–9 pm: First Friday at CAM

Visitors will be treated to a guided tour of Birthplace, an invitation from Camp Sun Splash to create designs for a Fairground Park playground, and an art activity led by Robert Sralla—Dominic Chambers’s former art teacher at Hazelwood East High School. Complimentary food and drinks for purchase will be available at the bar.