GALLERY ST. AVIT TO HOLD GRAND OPENING; 20 ARTISTS WILL ATTEND

Twenty artists have indicated they will be present for the grand opening of Gallery St. Avit in downtown Cape Girardeau Oct. 18, starting at 1:30 p.m.

The new gallery, owned by John and Evelyn Boardman, is at the corner of Spanish and Independence. It provides a showcase for area artists.

"We have artwork from more than 20 artists now," said Evelyn Boardman. "The gallery occupies about 3,000 square feet of space and includes everything from paintings to sculpture and handmade jewelry."

The structure at Independence and Spanish consists of three buildings. The first building, at the corner, was originally constructed as a grocery and mercantile store by John St. Avit Sr., who settled in Cape Girardeau during the 1850s.

The buildings were renovated by the Boardmans several years ago. The Boardmans later moved from the building and into one at 31 N. Main. John Boardman still maintains his architecture office in the St. Avit building.