314 Day Mural by Taylor Marrie at the City Market at Sophies Artist Lounge on 3/14/25. Credit: Photo By Taylor Marrie
by Zaria Mac | The St. Louis American
How did you spend your 314 Day? Among the variety of activities was the 314 Day City Market at Sophie’s Artist Lounge. Also produced in part by Walls off Washington, the event brought local artists and their niche together for an evening of camaraderie and celebration.
DJ MAXA set the tone playing all the hometown favorites including Chingy, and Nelly. She brought the STL vibe playing the “Right Thurr” remix that featured Trina and Jermaine Dupri. This was a song many had not heard in years and a nostalgic reminder of the national reach of the St. Louis hip-hop style in the early 2000s.
“Right Thurr” made another appearance on the specialty drink menu at the bar. It was an intoxicating mix of Withered Oak, a Blackberry-Lemon syrup topped with a splash of club soda. Other drinks on the specialty menu were “Simply the Vess,” “One of Them Days” and most cleverly “Expired Tags,” a blend of Encrypted Vodka and Aperol, sweetened with elderflower and finished with Cava.
The Withered Oak in the “Right Thurr” drink was provided by the 4 Hands Brewing Company located in Lasalle Park offering a variety of brews, seltzers, and weekly tastings. Their vendor table was set up near the entrance, giving samples of their “small batch rye Whiskey Port with Caribbean rum finish” and samples of their new hard iced tea, Yes.Tea.
Next 4 Hands was an ambitious young woman, Tazja of More Mocha, who is leading a baked goods non-profit organization. Her aim is to become the premiere fundraising vendor for organizations in the Black community, like Double Good and Girl Scout cookies. “My goal is to get rid of poverty in the Black community”, she said, “by sharing God’s love – and my cupcakes – with the world so they will be able to help themselves.” More Mocha’s current flavor menu includes Over the Arch Dream, Midwest Cookie Monster, Red Velvet Cardinal Cheesecake, St. Louis Strawberry Shuffle, and Lou Lemon Supreme.
Moving throughout the room there were various jewelry and clothing vendors. Anora Gems by Anuqn brought with her a collection of statement pieces. They included large plumeria flowers in yellow and in light purple ready for the spring. Anuqn is also a visual artist and displayed prints of various celebrities like Kendrick Lamar and Marvin Gaye for sale as well.
Usha.nga featured beaded jewelry made by Her jewelry. The pieces are inspired by contemporary African body adornments – and mix style with intention. Aside from the beaded jewelry, she also had several silver and brass pieces. Using these materials further cements her jewelry in Afro traditions as they have historically been used as energetic tools.
Just past the bar was a set up for Be Airrogant, a Black-owned luxury skin care company “crafting indulgent skin care experiences for the daring and bold.” Their body bar and lotion can be purchased exclusively on their website and is now available in Airrogant Gold and Airrogant Black.
Towards the rear of the room were crates of vintage records that predominantly featured St. Louis artists, made available by Demun Records. There was “The New Look” by Fontella Bass, Oliver Sain’s “Main Man” and Ike and Tina’s “In Person” album all for sale in their original packaging.
STL t-shirts and merchandise from One Time Supply Co. featured a display of canvas and prints by Pia Rene, owner of Saints Studio and Gallery. Entering the hall, there was a flash tattoo set up by Shidd Ink, offering classic STL symbols like The Arch, the famous Imo’s logo and an Air Force 1 shoe. The main attraction was to the rear of the gallery hall, an 8- foot backdrop hand painted mural by visual artist and photographer Taylor Marrie.
It featured two giddy individuals hanging out under thick clouds with the St. Louis skyline in the background. The figures stood in a field of luscious grass filled with St. Louis imagery like toasted ravioli and a soccer ball. Towards the sky, one subject sprayed from a can of paint that dissipated into a bright red 314. A table of her work that represented a variety of mediums from stickers to clay pottery, prints, and canvas.
314 Day City Market showcased brilliance and creativity to indulge in at every turn. Hopefully, this vendor fair becomes a tradition for the hometown holiday.
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
