What happens when a piece of industrial history becomes a blank canvas? Art by Association (A+A) invites St. Louis area artists to apply to Lasting Impressions, a unique group exhibition debuting at Sole Survivor Leather during Maplewood’s premier summer event, Let Them Eat Art on Friday, July 10th.
We are providing cast-off industrial shoe lasts—the elegant, wooden or high-density plastic forms used to shape footwear—to be reimagined through the artist's specific artistic lens. Whether you paint, carve, or apply a mixed-media vision, we want to see your "style" on the last.
There is no jury fee to apply. If accepted, a $25 participation fee covers to cover the cost of the last and event marketing.
Project Highlights:
The Medium: Each accepted artist receives one vintage industrial shoe last.
The Exhibition: Works will be professionally displayed under a tent on Manchester Rd. in the heart of the festival grounds.
No Jury Fee: There is no fee to apply. If accepted, a $25 participation fee covers the cost of the last (which the artist keeps after the show) and event marketing.
NOTE: Artist attendance at the event is NOT required.
The Philosophy: This project is part of our "Nothing Wasted" series.
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: June 10, 2026 or until full - early application is encouraged!
Notification: Rolling acceptance (no later than June 11)
Work Due: July 7, 2026
Show Date: July 10, 2026 5:30 - 9:30 PM
All local St. Louis region artists - including the metro-east - are eligible to apply.