Newman & Brunettin Closing Gallery Urbis Orbis, Returning to Chicago
I had a nice talk with Margie Newman today before she sent out this email:
Hello friends,
Alan and I wanted to share with you first, before you hear it elsewhere, what is in store for Gallery Urbis Orbis and for us.
We are planning to close the gallery on December 31. We are happy to report that the Gallery’s mission — to help create a vibrant scene downtown and set a tone for cultural activity — has been accomplished. I am so pleased that the First Friday Gallery and Design walks are established and growing. As you know, Alan and I each have “day jobs” that keep us plenty busy, and so we are also happy to look ahead to a saner schedule and perhaps even more free time!
Which brings me to my other news … I have been recruited by one of my long-time Chicago clients (a very cool Michigan Avenue creative agency) with a job offer that is too attractive to pass up, and so we will be leaving St. Louis in January. I know we will visit St. Louis frequently, and we hope to continue to see you all.
While we’re very excited about these changes, we will miss St. Louis and especially our friends; as we think about our time in St. Louis, it is the people we were lucky to get to know who have made it really special.
Sincerely,
Margie Newman
Margie wanted to give me the exclusive on sharing this news to the greater St. Louis community so I am sharing it with all of you. I’m saddened this couple, that I consider to be good friends, are returning to Chicago. Of course I’m happy that Margie will have this great new position but I can’t help but feel a loss.
Margie & Alan could vision a reinvigorated St. Louis before many others. They moved to St. Louis and began to make things happen — quickly working to transform the local art scene. They were key players in the failed fight to save the Century Building. They were there for me when I ran for Alderman. As civic boosters I know of no better couple willing to roll up their sleeves and do what needs to be done to bring about change. They fight for what they believe is right and sadly we have too few people like that.
Margie & Alan we’ll miss you in so many ways.
– Steve
Maybe I can buy their 18,792 sq-foot loft 😉
Congrats to both of them, they’ll go down in local history as important players in the early-21st century rebirth of downtown.