52nd City

Gaynor @ the Royale

Though the weather on Saturday evening was a tad inclement, artist Jerome Gaynor hung around the back yard of the Royale, for a laidback opening of the large piece of public/commercial art that now hangs on the back of the ginmill-slash-eatery. The 8 ft. x 8 ft. work - hung by no less than six strapping fellows, so large is the piece - features a Downtown scene originally penned by frequent RFT contributor Dan Zettwoch, who was also on-hand at the event.

Jerome Gaynor - noted STL comic book creator and founder of the stlpunk.com page - adapted the small sketch, which features a likeness of the Gateway Arch and other Downtown buildings, set off by the words "The Royale" and "STL-Power." The piece is visible for a good block away and makes the back of the two-story structure pop, though it doesn't, at all, mimic the fleur de lis artwork on the building's southern wall, only a few weeks old itself.

Throw in some intriuging yard art by "junk" artist Carl Perkins and the outdoor patio of the Royale is taking on some interesting, blended character, no doubt.