Swan Meadow - Queer Art Co-Operative
Description
Swan Meadow was created by partners Mellody + Fern Meadow, in St. Louis Missouri in September of 2024. As an art cooperative, Swan Meadow exists as a Queer-focused community and retail space creating, amplifying, and gathering around visual art in St. Louis. Their communal space is KN95+ mask-required and welcoming to all, though they intentionally prioritize Queer and Trans people. Swan Meadow provides masks for everyone courtesy of MaskBlocSTL.
Cost: They also offer a number of Scholarships and sliding scale tickets with priority for BIPOC individuals. You may message them on Instagram or email fern@liketheplant.com to inquire! No paperwork or explanation required, just let them know if you need one. They currently provide 3-5 free events per month and have plans for larger low/no-cost quarterly events (both in-person and virtual). Folx are also always welcome to come by and share space during open hours to chat or just chill in a Queer-centered environment.
About the Founders:
- Mel (they/them) is a lens-based artist, creative technologist, storyteller, our Art Director and film photography fanatic. Their work is steeped in inspiration from Lesbian & Queer films from 90s-00s that bend conceptual time, space, and story structure.
- Fern (they/them) is an illustrator, web/motion/graphic designer, and our resident RISO expert. With a background in studio art and environmental justice, Fern finds their best work nestled between the analog and digital. Their work is informed and inspired by nature, mental health, and queerness.
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Detailed Resource Information
Populations Prioritized
Restrictions/Eligibility Criteria Present
- Restrictions/Eligibility Criteria Present
Restrictions/Eligibility Criteria
- They intentionally prioritize Queer and Trans people
Gender
- Transgender Women
- Transgender Men
- Non-Binary
- Agender
- Cisgender Men
- Cisgender Women
- Gender Non-Conforming
- Genderfluid
- Genderqueer
- Queer
- Questioning
- Two-Spirit
Sexuality
- Asexual Spectrum
- Aromantic Spectrum
- Bisexual
- Pansexual
- Gay
- Heterosexual / Straight
- Lesbian
- Queer
- Questioning
- Two-Spirit
Locations Served
Geographically Bound
- Yes
Location(s) Served Notes
- St. Louis City
State
- Missouri
County
- St. Louis City (MO)
Identity Affirming Vetting Policies
Queer-Owned/-Led
- Yes: Queer-Owned/-Led
Trans-Owned/-Led
- Yes: Trans-Owned/-Led
BIPOC/Black-Owned/-Led
- Yes: Black-Owned/-Led
Other Accessibility Factors
COVID Guidelines: Masking Policy
- Requires masking
COVID Guidelines: Notes
- KN95+ mask-required, masks provided for everyone. They have 2 air purifiers running (Coway Airmega AP-1512HH); the space is 750sqft so this allows for over 4x air changes per hour. All workshops capped at 15 people.
Ways to Access Resource: Notes
- Street parking only, often many open spaces, but if you need one right in front of the shop, feel free to call and they will move their car so that you can park close. 1 block away from two bus stops: Cherokee @ Compton WB and Gravois @ Cherokee EB/WB
Cost
- Free
- Standard Pricing
Cost: Notes
- Currently provides 3-5 free events/month and has plans for larger low/no-cost quarterly events (both in-person & virtual). Folx are also always welcome to come by and share space during their open hours to chat or chill in a Queer-centered environment.
Language Interpretation Offered
- Does not offer language interpretation
Language Interpretation Offered Notes
- "We currently don’t have the funds to hire interpreters for workshops, but instructions are always printed. Unfortunately, we (the owners who work the counter) don’t know ASL, but are happy to communicate over written message." Films include subtitles.
Language Translation Offered
- Does not offer language translation
Accessible to Wheelchairs & Mobility Devices
- Ramp(s) available
Accessible to Wheelchairs & Mobility Devices Notes
- The space is on the first floor, with no steps, but there is a ramp. The ramp is 37in wide at its narrowest point and 37in long. Ramp has an 8 degree incline. All doorframes are 36in wide.
Sensory Experience (Scent, Noise, Heat, Lighting)
- Dim lighting available
- Scent-free or low-scent spaces available
- Noise-free spaces available
Sensory Experience Notes
- No fluorescent bulbs or harsh overhead lighting, Quiet music playing, but earplugs are offered at the front for anyone easily overwhelmed. A bin of stim toys available on the coffee table that you are welcome to use -- disinfected daily.
Bathrooms Available Notes
- There is a grab bar attached to the bathroom directly to the right of the toilet -- "Please note that because of budget, availability, and architectural restraints, our current building does not have an ADA accessible bathroom."