Category: Press

An Immersive Retrospective from One of Saint Louis’s Most Iconic Pop Artists

SAINT LOUIS (April 17, 2025) – The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (WCHOF), the leading chess cultural center in the country, will present “Charles Houska: Master of Play,” a joyful and colorful retrospective celebrating the vibrant, whimsical world of Charles “Charlie” Houska—one of Saint Louis’s most beloved pop artists. On view from May 1, 2025, through April 5, 2026, this exhibition marks the artist’s 60th birthday and the 25th anniversary of his Central West End-based Houska Gallery.

Curated by WCHOF Chief Curator Shannon Bailey, “Master of Play” invites visitors into a visually immersive environment featuring more than 75 works spanning Houska’s remarkable 30+ year career. Known for his bold outlines, vivid palettes, and joyful portrayals of animals, portraits, and nature, Houska’s work brings a sense of optimism and fun to every canvas—and now, to the game of chess.

“This retrospective recognition by the WCHOF is such an amazing honor,” said Houska. “As an artist, the privilege and opportunity of putting it all together has been so fulfilling.”

 In a special collaboration with the WCHOF, Houska has created brand-new chess-themed commissions, including an imaginative, exclusive 3D-printed chess set, glow-in-the-dark pieces showcased in a blacklight gallery space, and custom outdoor vinyl installations that extend the exhibition beyond the gallery walls “Charlie has turned the gallery into a ‘Fun House-ka,” said Bailey. “It’s a celebration not only of his artistic evolution but of his ongoing dedication to community, creativity and joy.”

The exhibition highlights key themes and milestones in Houska’s life, from his early influences—Andy Warhol and Keith Haring—to his transition from graphic designer to full-time artist. It also chronicles his impactful collaborations with organizations like St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Herman Miller HQ and Absolut Vodka. Through mural projects in schools and support of animal welfare groups like PAWS and Stray Rescue, Houska’s legacy extends well beyond gallery walls.

Visitors will also discover personal reflections, testimonials from fellow artists, and loaned works from more than 25 collectors. From his iconic fish motifs to his Foo Dog and Day of the Dead series, “Master of Play” offers a vibrant and heartfelt portrait of an artist who has made an indelible mark on Saint Louis and the broader world of contemporary art. The Saint Louis community is invited to the opening reception of “Master of Play” on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. Meet the artist, peruse the immersive exhibition, and enjoy appetizers and fishbowl cocktails by Brennan’s. Bring your young artists to our Play and Create Space, complete with poster-sized coloring pages of Houska’s work, face painting by Circus Kaput and open, all-level chess play with a grandmaster! Complimentary admission and valet.

ST. LOUIS – Musicians Janet Evra and Will Buchanan will be taking the stage for the World Chess Hall of Fame this month for their contemporary music series!

Read the Article

The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF), the leading chess cultural center in the country, is proud to announce “Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets”, a whimsical and engaging exhibition that showcases more than 50 animal-themed chess sets from around the globe. Opening on January 30, 2025, and running through August 31, 2025, this family-friendly exhibition invites visitors to explore the imaginative ways artists have drawn inspiration from the natural world to reinterpret the familiar chess board.

Read the Article

New Exhibition to Offer a Whimsical Celebration of Wildlife and Artistry Through the Lens of Chess

SAINT LOUIS (January 13, 2025)

The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF), the leading chess cultural center in the country, is proud to announce Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets,” a whimsical and engaging exhibition that showcases more than 50 animal-themed chess sets from around the globe. Opening on January 30, 2025, and running through August 31, 2025, this family-friendly exhibition invites visitors to explore the imaginative ways artists have drawn inspiration from the natural world to reinterpret the familiar chess board.

“‘Paws and Pawns’ celebrates the creativity of chess artists and the enduring connection between chess and the animal kingdom,” said Emily Allred, Curator of the World Chess Hall of Fame. “This exhibition invites visitors to see chess through a new lens while highlighting the incredible diversity of wildlife and artistic traditions worldwide.”

For centuries, artists have reimagined chess pieces by drawing on the beauty, diversity, and symbolism of animals. Regal lions and mighty Tyrannosaurus Rexes, often seen as kings of the jungle and prehistoric rulers, appear as commanding kings in some chess sets. In other cases, artists subvert expectations by elevating meek or delicate creatures like frogs and mice to positions of power on the chessboard. Whether showcasing the humor of beloved pets or celebrating the splendor of wildlife from diverse ecosystems, these chess sets offer a playful and thought-provoking perspective on the animal kingdom.

“Paws and Pawns” will feature a menagerie of artifacts from the WCHOF collection, alongside special loans from Chess Collectors International members, local collectors, and talented artists. Highlights include:

• A Dinosaur-themed Sculpture by Justin King, a Saint Louis-based artist celebrated for his intricate cardboard creations
• Rare Antique Bronze Chess Sets by Austrian artist Franz Bergman, featuring anthropomorphic dogs and pigs
• Ocean and Bug-themed Chess Sets by Texas artist Laura Sturtz
• Wood-burned Chess Set and Board by Saint Louis artist Sophie Binder
• The Madwoman of Chess, or Autonomous was a Woman, a sculpture by Donna Dodson that honors the strength of the chess queen and powerful women

“Chess sets have long served as canvases for artists to share their perspectives on the world around us,” said Allred. “We’re excited to highlight the ingenuity and humor with which artists have depicted animals in chess, transforming familiar creatures into powerful kings, queens and pawns while celebrating the beauty and diversity of the natural world.”

Visitors of all ages will enjoy interactive activities, workshops, and events designed to inspire curiosity about the natural world and the artistry of chess. Admission is free and open to the public.

---

While chess is often considered a serious game, it can also be fun and artistic. The World Chess Hall of Fame’s new exhibit, Paws and Pawns: Exploring Animal Chess Sets, on view January 30 through August 31, highlights the artistic side of the game. Featured artists looked to animals to reimagine familiar chess pieces in a new way. Viewers can expect to see an array of animals—from mice and frogs to lions and black widow spiders.

Read the Article

“Clash for the Crown: Celebrating Chess Champions” explores the histories of the World Chess Championship and Women’s World Chess Championship through a display of artifacts from the collection of the WCHOF, FIDE and loans from world chess champions including World’s No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and private lenders.

Read the Press Release

The World Chess Hall of Fame hosts Donna Dodson: Match of the Matriarchs and other Amazonomachies. This exhibit features what may very well be the first all female life-sized chess set alongside other recent sculptures. Themes of womanhood, marine life, and the history of chess are explored throughout the gallery.

Watch the Video

Though I’ve never been the most incredible player, I’ve always loved chess. It was a staple in my household growing up—my parents owned multiple boards of varying shapes and sizes, from a standard wooden set to a magnetic, foldable board for car rides to a mini plastic one bundled in with other strategy games like checkers and backgammon. I played often with my dad and sister, while also challenging bots online. While I never played competitively through school or a club, I’ve continued to play on a casual basis over the years, challenging friends at bars or sparring in blitz matches with players all over the world—India, Romania, Japan, Nigeria—through the Chess.com app.

Read More…

Episode 2 | 26m 46s | Video has Closed Captions

Visit the World Chess Hall of Fame and the historic chess sets that connect chess with culture, art, and history; a preview of the upcoming American Cup and breaking news surrounding the Candidates Tournament field of players; and brush up on your skills with lessons by Grandmasters Var Akobian and Yasser Seirawan in chess school.

Watch the Video