It was Jenny Murphy's disbelief at the things people throw away that inspired her to create Perennial, a nonprofit that encourages (and teaches) folks to make beautiful, functional items out of salvaged trash. But what makes Perennial tick is the passion and enthusiasm Murphy — a 2012 Riverfront Times MasterMind Award honoree — and her team bring to the (work)table: a joy in sharing their skills and a sincere faith that to do so is to change lifestyles and attitudes in the process. Perennial hosts workshops in which attendees learn to transform rescued furniture and other abandoned items into new, functional pieces using simple, rudimentary supplies (none of the tools in Perennial's workshop is electrically powered, and all of the adhesives and paints are environmentally friendly). They trim the waste, but they also teach others to adopt a philosophy that avoids excess in the first place. The entire operation vibrates with a contagious positivity that you'll happily tote home along with your new-to-you picture frame or wobble-free chair.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
| Sep 25, 2014
Vision/Strength/Access Missouri
| Sep 26, 2013
St. Louis City Open Studio and Gallery (SCOSaG)
| Sep 22, 2011
Sloup
| Sep 29, 2010
Interchange
| Sep 30, 2009
Laumeier Sculpture Park
| Sep 24, 2008
The Black Rep
| Sep 26, 2007
Opera Theatre of St. Louis
| Sep 29, 2005
Prison Performing Arts
| Sep 29, 2004
Prison Performing Arts
| Sep 29, 2004
COCA (Center of Creative Arts)
| Sep 24, 2003
COCA (Center of Creative Arts)
| Sep 24, 2003