Category: Uncategorized

A dirty little story about a city with potential! In 2022, Brian Elsesser, a historian and the president of the Link Board of Directors, taught a course on the history of St. Louis from the ancient Cahokia civilization to the Civil War. For four Saturday mornings in October, community members gathered to learn more about the rich history of St. Louis. Attendees got the chance to learn about Cahokia, St. Louis as a French colony, industrialism in St. Louis, and St. Louis during the Civil War.

For all Star Wars fans, the Link Auditorium’s 3rd annual Star Wars May Fourth Cosplay Celebration was the place to be. The celebration featured a movie screening in the auditorium and upstairs, a live painting and Sci-Fi exhibit titled “Rebels and Rogues: The Sci-Fi Art of Steven Walden.” In his showcase, visitors explored the breadth of Walden’s Star Wars-themed collection and even had the privilege of witnessing Walden paint live in the art gallery. The May Fourth event also featured a costume contest, live Neo-futurist rock music, and a keynote address by Jeffrey Bishop, Ph.D., SLU professor of Bioethics and Philosophy (!) All in all, the May Fourth Event was an action-packed day with something for every Star Wars fan!

 

On December 12, 2025, Peat Wollaeger launched his animated EYEZ exhibit at the Link Auditorium. Wollaeger, an internationally recognized stencil and street artist, opened this exhibit as the culmination of over three years of preparation. The exhibit features a selection of stencil paintings on a variation of subjects, including a monumental portrait of Miles Davis, images of tropical animals, and imaginative visions of our planet. 

The most distinctive feature of Wollaeger’s work lies in its animation. When visitors scan each painting through Wollaeger’s EYEZ app, they enter into a synthetic, immersive experience accompanied by themed music and 3D animations so gripping that the paintings seem to come alive. Visitors experienced the intersection of traditional art with cutting-edge technology whilst uncovering themes of identity, perception, and social commentary that drive Wollaeger’s creative vision. Enjoy these photos from a beautiful night!

Artist Peat Wollaeger introducing the show.

Peacock “EYEZ”!

Link Auditorium president Brian Elsesser taking it all in!

The Link Auditorium hosted its second annual May 4 Star Wars celebration in 2023. One of the most successful events in the Link’s history, the Star Wars celebration featured a whole host of events in the afternoon. The upper gallery featured Star Wars-inspired artwork by Steven Walden, a costume contest, live music, crafts, and even a Jedi Philosophy and Imperial Ethics lecture by Professor Jason Eberl! The showpiece of the exhibition was perhaps a death star replica made from recycled materials by local artist Davide Weaver. The Link’s very own death star can still be seen in the building today. 2023 Star Wars Day was a blast for everyone, but especially for the kids fighting with toy light sabers!

Darth Vader fun at the Costume Contest!

“I am your father!”

…and the Link’s very own enormous Death Star! Beware…