Art to Make You Smile

This book features a series of paintings by St. Louis, Missouri artist Rich Brooks. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the Soulard Art Gallery, Rich began painting at a makeshift studio on the sidewalk in front of his Soulard home. Brooks was raised in Keokuk, Iowa. The collection is relatable and was inspired by fairytales, childhood, animals, pop culture, festivals, and holidays. The works place a high value on wit, wisdom, humor, and good old-fashioned fun. It helped to prove Brooks' long-held belief that art has the power to change someone's mood and even transform lives.