Insider: 2.15.17

Soaring in the design world is local stationery guru Cheree Berry (pictured above), whose paper company just announced its first retail collection at Target—yes, that Target! Berry, known for her gorgeous paper creations, designed the wedding invites for Chelsea Clinton’s 2010 wedding and for Tina Fey’s baby announcements. The company also has created custom Christmas decorations for the White House. Not bad at all for a boutique paper company!

Good work should always be recognized. Senator Jill Schupp received the inaugural Betty Sims Mental Health Advocacy Award last week for her work to mandate suicide prevention training for teachers and administrators in Missouri. The award was established by Provident in honor of former Senator Sims’ efforts to improve mental health services in our state.

Talk about a fun exhibition! The Impressionists have come to the Saint Louis Art Museum, en force, to show off their hats. Degas, Impressionism and the Paris Millinery Trade just opened at the museum to take a closer look at the Impressionists’ fascination with women’s hats. Several favorite artists are represented, and 40 exquisite period hats are also on display. The William T. Kemper Foundation is the exhibition’s presenting sponsor.

A big, fashionable congratulations goes out to Allison Mitchell, who earned Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award. The handbag designer just happens also to be a member of St. Louis Fashion Incubator’s inaugural group of designers, working in the incubator at T-REX on Washington Avenue. Mitchell’s handbag company, based in Dallas, gained its reputation making stunning clutch bags from sustainable animal skins costing into the four figures. Whoopi Goldberg was the keynote speaker at the NYC awards ceremony. Goldberg was honored last year for her line of ugly holiday sweaters!

Kudos to Gary R. Gaydos, the longtime manager of Florissant Civic Center Theatre, who was named one of six honorees for the 2017 Missouri Arts Awards. Gaydos retired last year after 38 years at the center. Used by several theater and music groups, the center also is the site of national performers, including Edward Asner, who staged his one-man show there a few years ago. Gaydos received his award last week in the Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City.