The Intersect Arts Center Gallery presents Beauty, Strength, and Courage, an exhibit of twenty-seven life size portraits of immigrant women living in St. Louis, painted by St. Louis artist Bill Perry.

The paintings celebrate the humanity of women who have come to St. Louis from a vast array of countries, including: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Slovenia, Syria, Ukraine, Togo, Uzbekistan, and Zimbabwe.

Perry embarked on this series of traditionally styled portraits, painting for over two years, to memorialize the fortitude, ambition, dedication, and resilience these women bring to the United States, and to St. Louis. The stories of steadfast resourcefulness, and determination are both inspiring and moving. This exhibition stands as an extended welcome to these women and their families, and all immigrants who find themselves here.

Bill Perry earned his B.F.A. in Ceramics at the University of Hawaii. He earned his M.A. and M.F.A. at Fontbonne University. Perry has contributed a full career to the St. Louis arts community, showing at local galleries, including the Intersect Arts Center, Art St. Louis, St. Louis Artists’ Guild, and the Kranzberg. Perry has playground sculptures for the College School of Webster Groves and local bike trails, worked with circus Flora, the Audobon Society and has published two children’s books.

In 1976, Perry was one of the founding faculty of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, St. Louis city’s high school for the arts, where he still teaches drawing, painting, and art history.

Bill Perry lives in St. Louis with his wife and his two wonderful adult children.

May 1 : 4:00 - 7:00

Located at Intersect Arts Center

This event is a celebration of the Immigrant Women of St. Louis and Bill Perry’s beautiful portrait show.

With live music by Christelle Mukendi, Shacko and Akim.

Fashion design from Sisters’ Collection and Brandin Vaughn Collection.

This event is produced by Revival Runway: a new collaboration of designers, photographers and models; and sponsored by Intersect Arts Center and Revival School with support from Philip Hamer Photography and Baby Lock Sewing.

This event is an indoor / outdoor event and COVID safe. Masks required.