Bridging Worlds Through Art, Part 2: An Evening with Cbabi Bayoc at the Missouri History Museum
Date: Thursday, August 20
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium and MacDermott Grand Hall
Cost: Free
Bridging Worlds Through Art
What does it mean to be shaped by a city—and to carry its mark across the world? Join us for a two-part series with internationally acclaimed St. Louis artists whose work stretches far beyond St. Louis while remaining deeply rooted in it. These conversations go beyond dialogue, offering reflections on influence, legacy and the power of Black artistic practice to connect place, people and possibility.
Join us for Part 1: Bridging Worlds Through Art: An Evening with Basil Kincaid, on Thursday, July 30.
Part 2: Bridging Worlds Through Art: An Evening with Cbabi Bayoc
Celebrated artist Cbabi Bayoc is known for his vibrant paintings and sprawling public murals that embrace Black joy, family and community through bold color and empowering imagery. In conversation with his wife and business partner Amber Howlett Bayoc, Cbabi explores how his work now bridges the Mississippi River with his studio located in East St. Louis—bringing the rich culture, stories and energy of his home community to a wider stage. What does it mean to carry heritage, community and creative vision across generations and across cities? Grounded in the lineage of regional artists and the communities that nurtured them, the Bayocs’ dialogue reveals how art bridges intimate and collective worlds, honors where it begins and imagines new horizons for the future.
Join us in the Grand Hall before our main-stage event to enjoy food and drinks available for purchase from Amighetti’s and Hank’s Cheesecakes. Visit resource tables hosted by local art-centered organizations, view artist displays, and try out fiber art–inspired activity.
Schedule
5–7 p.m.: Food and drinks available for purchase.
5–6:30 p.m.: Visit resource and display tables, check out the Historian’s Corner and enjoy an art–centered activity.
6:30–8 p.m.: Head to the Lee Auditorium to hear the Bayocs’ dialogue, revealing how art bridges intimate and collective worlds, honors where it begins and images new horizons for the future.
About the Speakers
Cbabi Bayoc is a St. Louis–based multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, muralist and storyteller whose vibrant work celebrates family, community and Black culture. Working across painting, public art and design, his bold, colorful style has made him one of the city’s most recognizable contemporary artists. Bayoc’s murals and artwork can be found throughout St. Louis, in private and public collections across the world, and on the pages of several children’s books and publications. He is also a passionate arts educator and community advocate, using creativity to inspire dialogue, connection and social change. Through his work, Bayoc continues to shape the cultural landscape of St. Louis while uplifting the stories and experience of its communities.
Dr. Amber Howlett Bayoc is a speaker, scholar, educator and community leader whose work explores leadership, equity, creativity and personal transformation. She is a passionate advocate for the arts and serves as a strategic thought partner and collaborator on numerous creative and community initiatives. As a moderator, facilitator and public speaker, she fosters meaningful conversations that inspire connection and growth and champions the power of art to strengthen communities and create positive social change.