Our Mission

CommUNITY Arts STL a 510(c)3 nonprofit organization that mobilizes the local arts community and their resources to aid

Saint Louis's anti-violence efforts

from tragedy to unity

On February 6, 2017 a local dancer, Rain Stippec, and a local fighter were ambushed by two gunmen in Soulard, Saint Louis. Rain took eight bullets in the back and in just in the first week following the shooting, Rain underwent seven surgeries, most lasting upwards to 5 hours at a time.

In response to this tragedy, Rain's closest artistic friends decided to create a concert to help offset the climbing medical costs. The concert to grew, to their surprise, to a two-weekend festival in Grand Center featuring

local arts and community organizations

Due to the overwhelming response of the arts community the team of artists dared to continue using the arts to aid Saint Louis.

Our Catalyst

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Listen

Listen to founder, Paige Walden-Johnson's personal storytelling session with Campfire at Home Podcast on how CommUNITY Arts came to be

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More media

Follow our timeline of media from the beginning to our present

MEDIA

Our Team

Paige
Walden-Johnson

Saint Louis, MO

Founder

Executive Director

I am always looking for partnerships and collaborations, feel free to contact me to connect.

EMAIL ME

Phone:

(513) 482-0931

With a BFA in Modern Dance and a minor in Psychology from Webster University, Paige believes in the power of the arts as a communicator, educator and healer. She has performed with Collective Motion and Karlovsky & Company Dance as a company member, and in collaborative freelance work. Her choreography has been featured by Ashleyliane Dance Company, St. Lou Fringe Festival, and Principia College.

After the shooting of her dance friend, Rain Stippec, Paige decided to refocus her artistic career for the community. While working with the Violence Prevention Commission, local hospitals, law enforcement, and community agencies, Paige to shows St. Louis how impactful an artist can be.

In addition to her work with CommUNITY Arts, Paige is currently the Director of CS Academy at Central Studio and a company dancer with Collective Motion Dance Company.