Den Smith
(314) 452-5622
densmithart@yahoo.com
I would like to introduce myself as an Artist. As a lifelong artist, I am confident in my ability to create expressive and interesting pieces that match the needs of assorted clientele. Based on my experience and education, I feel that I am well-suited as an Artist.
Ever since I could hold a pencil, I have been creating works of art. From pencil sketches to paintings, I did it all. At a very early age, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Before High school I was enrolled in private lessons to encourage my interest. By the time I finished high school, I knew that my area of expertise was painting, but enjoyed all disciplines.
During my education at Southern Illinois University, I studied art history, design, drawing and painting. The 3-D bug bit me and finally I settled on sculpture as my BFA major. I also pursued an Art Education Certification, with teaching as a back up plan. Throughout college, my work was selected to be in many art shows, including a Purchase Award by the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana. As I was completing my Masters in Fine Art at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri, I worked at the Saint Louis Science Center in their exhibits department. There I was able to utilize my sculpture and artistic skills repairing and maintaining the Dinosaur Exhibits and developing and creating new work. After earning my MFA, the SLSC offered me a full time position
In my eventual 30 year gig at the SLSC I was a preparator in the museum, moving into design where I illustrated and designed educational materials and exhibits. I designed and created most of the exhibit entrances for traveling shows. Painted dozens of murals for events and exhibits. I was also utilized in the Graphic department designing the institutional logo used for 10+ years as well as numerous illustrations throughout the institution and several publications.
I have also maintained my livelihood as an artist for the past 40+ years, through exhibiting my artwork in galleries and festivals, as well as free lance work, being involved in several book publications and event displays.
When COVID hit, my livelihood as an artist was greatly effected. Working from home for a short period, eventually ended as the Saint Louis Science Center could no longer succeed financially and I was part of a mass layoff, resulting in me losing my job too close to retirement. I now find myself with years of experience . I had the joy of creating not only for myself but for the public through my exhibits, murals and publications associated with SLSC.
I have the will to keep creating and as I continue my work, if there is some way my skills can aid your team keep me in mind.
I could be defined as “old school”, though I did take the time to learn some computer programs to aid me throughout my career.
One recent year, while painting on a 40 ft. Mural of the Badlands, a vinyl installer was working nearby on the project installing vinyl wall graphics. He watched and praised my work and said, “there aren’t many of you around anymore”,
I said, “I know”, to the man holding the roll of vinyl.
Den Smith Artworks 
Denny,
Thank you for the housewarming gift and the secondary piece. Both grace our home and add much to the joy we get from being around your art.
We are humbled and grateful.
Colleen and Barney
I am a 39 year old mother of one, and have always been creative in my own way. I just saw your art work at the `Strange Folk Fest` in O’Fallon,Il. I must say your work made me feel like in a candy store wanting to buy them all. Not working right now, I was not able to do so. I am sure thankful that I can keep up with your work online and one day purchuse it. Thank you for making this colorful, creative art my eyes can gaze upon. ~KrIsTeN
I hear the Strange Folk Festival is no more. How can I add to my collection of your art that I have collected over the years? What’s coming up in the St Louis area??
Kim, I am waiting to hear about fall shows, i have work at Serendipity in the Loop on Delmar, Or contact me at densmithart@yahoo.com for inquires on work or commissions
thanks, Den
Where can I buy your boxes in St. Louis. Or are the ones pictured here for sale?
Amazing! (i would like the page but can’t remember password.) you’ve got an awesome body of work i know this is just a tiny fraction but it’s really all wonderful. my DS artwork is on display in my master bedroom, where there’s plenty of time to talk about art.
Really thanks a lot coming from a seasoned artist yourself, visual or musical it’s all coming from the same place and you know where that is, it’s where it’s at.