July 13, 2020 (St. Louis) - Urban Chestnut is proud to announce we're hosting one of the #42Doors of Hope, a series of local art installations to raise funds for Hope Lodge St. Louis. In partnership with the American Cancer Society of MO, the project aims to raise money for cancer patients and their caregivers who come to St. Louis for treatment.

As part of the Hope Is Home initiative, the American Cancer Society has partnered with local artists to create 42 doorways, symbolizing the 42 guest suites available at the new Hope Lodge facility. Each door is unique, as is each patient’s journey to wellness. However, the doors are part of a collection — a community — representing what each guest experiences at Hope Lodge St. Louis.

Our Grove Bierhall, located in The Grove, is host to the door created by Brett Kessinger.
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Artist's Statement: For this piece, “Reenvisioning the Fight,” I’m using my late aunt Judi as inspiration. It will feature the silhouette of a woman enduring chemotherapy — her bare head representing the continuous battle against cancer. The woman will only have one recognizable feature: her lips. Not only is the anonymity a way to be representative of all women undergoing treatment, but it is also a way to portray the loss of identity that women can feel as they lose their hair through the process. Although loss of identity may come with the loss of hair, the lips can be seen as the framework to one’s character, and that is why they are so prominent in this piece. The woman’s chin is tilted upward to represent hope for the future and strength in the face of adversity, and her scarf falls onto her chest in the form of the cancer awareness symbol. I want this door to portray the beauty in, rather than the fear of the fight.

The next time you visit The Bierhall, stop by to see our door. Tag us in your photos and use #42Doors to be featured on social media.

You can also visit all 42 doors located across the bi-state region, and join us in celebrating this journey. After visiting the doors, you'll be able to vote for your favorite.  Don’t forget to upload your pictures to your social media platforms and tag us at #42Doors #HopeisHome.

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