Fundraising events to combine jazz, visual art

Two St. Louis not-for-profit presenters have announced upcoming fundraising events involving jazz and the visual arts.

Jazz St. Louis will present a meet-and-greet and art sale with artist Russell Kraus on Friday, August 28 at Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave. The 91-year-old Kraus is a St. Louisan who's known both as a graphic designer - he created the famous red and white logo for Budweiser - and for his work in posters, jewelry, mosaics, and paintings.

Kraus will be showing and selling about 30 of his works at the event, which begins with a private reception at 7:00 p.m. and opens to the public at 8:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Jazz St. Louis' education programs. To RSVP, call Melissa Jones at 314-289-4037 or send email to melissa@jazzstl.

Meanwhile, the Sheldon has scheduled "ArtSounds: Blues & Bling," described as "an exciting interactive music and art event" for 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19 at the Sheldon Art Galleries.

The event will feature the premiere of "a new blues-based composition by Sheldon Executive Director and composer Paul Reuter, performed by acclaimed jazz and blues singer Kim Massie," as well as cocktails, hors d’ouevres and dessert. Upper level patrons also will receive a commemorative limited-edition signed bottle of wine with label design by Berlin artist Jessika Miekeley.

Tickets for the Sheldon's "ArtSounds" event range in price from $75 to $500, and can be purchased by calling Lauren Schwartz at 314-533-9900, ext. 17. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sheldon Art Galleries' educational programs.

(Edited 8/25/09 to fix typos.)