ST. LOUIS, MO, September 10, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Greater St. Louis Art Association (GSLAA) recently recognized Keith Baizer, owner of Artmart, by presenting him with the Champion for the Arts award on Fri., September 2 at the Art Fair at Queeny Park, one of the most popular and longest-running art fairs in the St. Louis region.
The award was given as a way of recognizing and honoring Baizer for his decades of leadership and philanthropy in the St. Louis art community.
Baizer has worked within the St. Louis art community for more than 30 years in an effort to promote the importance of art and how it enriches the community and individual lives in the city. During this time, Baizer has generously donated supplies for hospital programs and space to host art classes for cancer patients, provided supplies for Craft Alliance and St. Louis Artworks in support of local children's programs and summer education, and endowed art scholarships at both Washington University and Webster University.
The president of the GSLAA presented Baizer with a beautiful commissioned painting created by local artist John Salozzo. The painting is acrylic on board and was created in secret as a gift. The gift was a great surprise to Baizer, who was visibly touched at the personalized gift.
"Caring and giving back is always at the core of my personal beliefs and our company culture at Artmart," Baizer said. "I am very fortunate to be able to help others in the St. Louis art community and be recognized by a great organization like the Greater St. Louis Art Association."
When the GSLAA had asked Salozzo to create the painting for Baizer, Salozzo was very pleased to be called upon to undertake the project.
"Artmart's generosity to all things dealing with art and artists is legendary in St. Louis," Salozzo said. "The painting took months for me to do, but it was for a worthy cause and person."
Artmart is located on 2355 South Hanley Road. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information about the art fair, please call 314-241-2337, ext. 2 or Artmart at (314) 781-9999.
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