About
The Des Lee Gallery provides Sam Fox School students and faculty a formal gallery space for presenting exhibitions. In addition to hosting student and faculty exhibitions, the gallery has earned a national reputation for showing work by local and internationally known contemporary artists. Located in the heart of the historic Washington Avenue Loft District, the 1,300-square-foot facility is housed in University Lofts, an eight-story, 100-year-old refurbished warehouse. University Lofts is an “art incubator” for emerging visual artists. The Des Lee Gallery opened in 1999.
The gallery is named in honor of E. Desmond Lee, a 1940 graduate of Washington University’s John M. Olin School of Business, who has provided significant support for the University as well as the greater St. Louis community. Lee is the former president of Lee-Rowan Manufacturing Co., a leading manufacturer of closet accessories, plastic-coated shelves, hangers and, other products for consumers and retailers. Over the years he has been a leader in promoting citizenship, civic pride, and dedication to the growth and vitality of the St. Louis region, giving more than $50 million to local institutions and charitable causes. Among his accolades, he was named St. Louis Man of the Year in 1996 and received the National Outstanding Philanthropist Award in 1997.
The Des Lee Gallery is located in downtown St. Louis at 1627 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.
