Applicant #6: Mark Saunders

Mark Saunders is a 20-year-old from St. Louis.

Mark's video application:

Mark's current situation:

Just hanging out in the StL!

Mark's blog post:

The Arts are Alive in St. Louis

I've been a part of the arts community since 5th grade. I first started contributing to the arts by being involved a choir starting out as a 1st soprano and ending up a counter-tenor. Being involved in the arts has always been an important part of my life. There has never been a moment where I haven't been involved with something pertaining to expressing yourself. I'm more of a theatrical person and love music as well. I'm an avid singer and actor. My dancing is coming along with the awesome training from college. But I've also delved deeply into photography, and I have a great appreciation for artists in the St. Louis area. Paintings don't make themselves.

With the recent cuts of art programs going on in not only St. Louis, but the whole nation, the wonderful opportunities that I was given at such a young age are now becoming more and more difficult to come by with the passing years. With the recession affecting everything in it's path, the arts have had to suffer greatly. I would love for all of the people in St. Louis to know that one way the arts are making a come back is by being located in malls! One being Crestwood Court. This mall has suffered great losses in stores and sales, but it's been fighting back with over 4 theater companies, a hip-hop dance studio, and many art stores with opportunities for anyone to learn more about certain types of art. These chances need to be publicized and talked about. Let's spread the word!

Mark