PRESS RELEASE
St. Louis Illustrated: Don Langeneckert (American, 1927 - 2022)
Sep 7 – Oct 7, 2023
St. Louis Illustrated: Don Langeneckert (American, 1927 – 2022)
Exhibition Opening at Kodner Gallery
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Kodner Gallery presents St. Louis Illustrated, a survey exhibition of work by artist and illustrator, Don Langeneckert (American, 1927 – 2022) on view from September 7, 2023 – October 5, 2023.
A prolific maker and native St. Louisan, Langeneckert was equally dedicated to his commercial career as he was to his role as a fine artist. After serving in the United States Army, Langeneckert went on to study fine art at Washington University in St. Louis. Upon graduation, he began working as a commercial illustrator, going on to produce advertisements for many iconic American agencies and brands: Anheuser-Busch, Ralston Purina, Elanco Products, Gardner Advertising Co., D’Arcy-MacManus & Masius, Monsanto, and Falstaff.
Langeneckert began receiving project requests from public and private institutions, outside of his work in advertising. In 1964, The Missouri Historical Society commissioned two paintings of steamboats – one of his favorite subjects to depict. Langeneckert also completed a large-scale mural, 10 x 28 feet, for the Masonic lodge in 1972.
Recalling Norman Rockwell, Langeneckert’s idyllic and precious all-American vignettes illustrate his deep connection to St. Louis. His fine art drew extensively from his commercial experience. Langeckert translated the skillset he cultivated as an illustrator – an ability to accurately render detail, eye for magnetic compositions, and deep knowledge of color theory – to his personal practice.
Some themes – horses, steamboats – continued from his commercial portfolio, but Langeneckert’s fine art centered around the people and history of his hometown.
St. Louis Illustrated features a selection of works that span Langeneckert’s multi-faceted and successful career; From the hoof-trodden lanes of the horse races to sunny fall days at Eckert’s Farm, to the dinging street cars in front of the Fabulous Fox – and of course – a summer afternoon spent at Ted Drewes.
The opening reception for St. Louis Illustrated, will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 5 - 8 PM, at Kodner Gallery, 9650 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124.
The exhibition will be on view on the lower level of Kodner Gallery through Thursday, October 5th, 2023. All works available for purchase exclusively through Kodner Gallery.
Please contact Kodner Gallery for more information or with purchase inquiries at (314) 993-4477 or info@kodnergallery.com
