Nothing says “possibility” more than a blank wall. So, when the 57-year-old Crown Center senior living facility in University City received a $1 million donation from philanthropists Michael and Carol Staenberg to build a new 52-unit residential building to replace the original 10-story Tallin Building, it was expected that there would be plenty of blank walls.
And Michael Staenberg doesn’t like blank walls.
Art Gallery of Philanthropy
For more than a decade, Staenberg, the current President of the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Jewish Light and an avid art collector, has been seeking out empty walls and filling them with life. Whether it’s monumental sculptures at one of his developments or artworks in Jewish institutions he supports, Staenberg enjoys donating or loaning art to brighten otherwise dull spaces.
“I probably bought 5,000 pieces of art over the years, and I’ve given away about 1,000 pieces to nonprofits,” said Staenberg. “I buy every piece myself. I call, look, and travel all over to find the right pieces, and I’ve commissioned some to fit certain spaces. Much of the art either reflects a Jewish theme or was created by a Jewish artist.”
To be exact, Staenberg has donated 1,231 pieces, with an estimated value of around $5 million. In total, 24 nonprofit organizations in St. Louis, Omaha, Denver, Kansas City, and St. Paul, Minn. have walls adorned by pieces from Staenberg’s collection.
Now add 45 more to that total, all of them hanging inside the newly renovated Tallin Building.
The Crown Center Art
Nearly a year ago, as construction on their new homes ramped up, a group of Crown Center residents visited Staenberg’s offices for lunch and a chance to view some of his art collection.
“Each attendee received a book featuring much of Michael’s collection and was able to select the artwork and artists they liked best for the Crown community,” said Andy Thorp, the executive director of Crown Center.
The selected artwork was installed this past May, bringing new life to those previously blank walls.
“The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Thorp. “Residents have stopped to ask where the art came from, who the artists are, and what the artwork means. When I told them it came from Michael, they asked that we thank him. They said the art brings the space to life and adds color to our community. We have planned a resident art opening in late July where they will be able to meet Michael and learn about the artists and the pieces at Crown.”
“When you walk into the building, art makes you feel good,” said Staenberg. “There is no second chance to make a first impression.”
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