The St. Louis Marathon's Art and Sole

Rat Race
Originally uploaded by jjactive.

A group of St. Louis artists is enlivening the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon with 28 running-themed papier-mache sculptures. The larger-than-life, whimsical pieces will appear at the start and finish lines and at each of the 26 mile markers.

You can see the artists' creations by running the course on April 10. But there's an easier way. Get a sneak preview of all the sculptures from 12:00-5:00 P.M. on March 13 at an informal open house at 1019 North Skinker in University City. You'll also have an opportunity to buy your favorite one. The Art and Sole Sculpture Auction ($25.00 entry) will take place Saturday, March 19, from 6:30-10:30 P.M. at the Regional Arts Commission at 6128 Delmar in University City.

Pictured above is our talented friend Katie, whose "Rat Race" sculpture--"he's off his wheel and on the run"--will be at mile 13. She'll also run in the marathon on an artists' relay team.

The marathon has put out a call for performance artists: musicians, bands, dancers, singers, and street performers will appear throughout the 26 miles. Seems like St. Louis may be carving out a niche among U.S. marathons with this art and sole theme. Let's hope there are no mimes, though. I can imagine a cranky marathoner punching a mime doing "the glass wall" at mile 20.