Forrest Gallery

Stopped in here near the end of my Lafayette House Tour for some complimentary hot cranberry apple cider (or something like that). This place was not as packed with customers as Looking Glass Designs, but it was still a little difficult to move around without bumping into people.
There is some really pretty glass in this store, including a door that I nearly took a photo of and that I now regret not photographing. There is a lot of St. Louis-​area artwork in Forrest Gallery. Yes, there was quite a lot of Lafayette, but there was also so much from everywhere, including a collage of St. Louis-​related images that I am tempted to return to purchase. If you’re into St. Louis artwork, I think Forrest Gallery is a must.

Located in Lafayette Square, Forrest Gallery is a jewel. The space is small but has an expansive feel, featuring stained glass details, a sparkling crystal chandelier, and an array of landscape paintings by the gallery’s owner, Barbara Forrest. In addition to strikingly rendered landscapes, the gallery features jewelry and ceramic pieces, all invitingly exhibited and fairly priced. When I visited Barbara was not present but her husband was on site. I enjoyed hearing about the specific inspirations behind each of the artworks and plans for future work.
Many of the landscapes are rooted to nature and the artist is currently at work on a variety of scenes of St. Louis to commemorate the city’s 250^th anniversary. One thing that I noticed upon entering the gallery is a book featuring prints of landmarks — The Gateway Arch, Fox Theatre, Forest Park, Busch Stadium, and many others — from which customers can select to build their own, customized triptychs. Prints are available in a variety of formats– from minis to larger prints and framed/​matted or unframed. The primary medium is watercolor, although one of the paintings on display features special, Japanese paper that lends an almost quiltlike effect to the composition. The level of detail is striking, in some cases arresting, and invites the viewer to become immersed in the subject. I was drawn to a watercolor of Lafayette Square houses in a row. The frame and mat perfectly offset the painting and make it one-​of-​a-​kind. For those unable to make it to the gallery, or who want to get a feel for the works on offer before visiting, I recommend the artist’s web site as a good starting point.