In tough economic times it's good when you can report on a win-win situation. Many people think that's what you've got going at the Crestwood Court shopping center.

The mall was losing stores. It decided to fill some of those empty stores with artists. Give them a break on their rent. It's better than having one empty store front after another for shoppers walking through the mall. They figured a few artists would move in at first. But now 65 groups representing more than 200 artists are moving into the mall.

Saturday (May 2) will be the grand opening. It's all free. If you want more info here's the Regional Arts Commission website: http://www.art-stl.com/

It's a win for the artists. The rent is super-cheap. They would never be able to afford such a place without some kind of special deal. Shoppers who come to the more traditional stores there become "patrons of the arts" and the "patrons of the arts" who come to check out the galleries and studios are potential retailer shoppers.

It breathes life back into the mall. It brings energy. That's good to have in these times.

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