Alexa Seda, who will receive this year’s Emerging Artist award, is considered a rising star in the St. Louis arts scene. She weaves together her passion for theatre and urban design. As a co-producer at EncoreSTL, a platform that creates opportunities for Black and Brown artists through theatre and youth programs, she has also spearheaded the organization’s Cuéntame storytelling initiative, in collaboration with the Latinx Arts Network STL. With Seda’s background in public health specializing in urban design, her vision extends beyond the stage, such as her role in working to create equitable spaces through creative placemaking.

Alexa is a 2024 Saint Louis Visionary Awardee being honored with the Emerging Artist Award. The Saint Louis Visionary Awards is a independent committee of women to celebrate the numerous contributions and achievements of women who work in or support the arts in St. Louis. From established working arts professionals and arts educators to emerging artists and community impact artists, each year's honorees are truly "visionary".

https://www.vizawards.org/
https://www.encorestl.org/

Lisa Melandri is the executive director of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

Artist, Designer, Producer, Patrick Gutierrez has his hand in many different creative outlets most notably through UVA a brand that Patrick started. He also serves as a Co-Manager of House of Vision (HOV). An innovative "retail space selling apparel, art, books, and other youth and community member-created local products. Serving as a catalyst and entry point into successful entrepreneurship by removing barriers and risk, and providing a safe training ground for our youth and community members." He is using this opportunity to not share his expertise of screen printing with youth but also uplifting and mentoring them to be able to create the dreams they have for themselves.

https://www.dreambuilders4equity.org/house-of-vision