Lifetime Achievement in the Arts

The Webster Groves Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award was established by the Webster Groves Arts Commission in 2007 and recognizes outstanding citizens of Webster Groves for their contribution and excellence in the arts.  


Award Recipients

2007: Ernestine Betsberg and Arthur Osver
2008: Clif and Nance St. James
2009: Gerald Early
2010: Edward Boccia
2011: Esley Hamilton 
2012: Rudolph Torrini
2013: Marilynne Bradley
2014: Peter Sargent
2015: Ann and Ellen Fusz
2016: Gene Dobbs Bradford
2017: David Clewell
2018: Joneal Joplin
2019: Mary Engelbreit
2021: Steven Woolf
2022: Joe Rath and Dan Warner
2023: Bob Cassilly


Arts Logo.jpg

2023 Lifetime Achievements in the Arts


The 2023 recipient is Bob Cassilly.  

Bob Cassilly websiteCassilly was born in Webster Groves, MO in 1949 and attended Annunciation Catholic School. He began working as an apprentice for local sculptor Rudoph Torrini at the age of 14. In 1993 he and Gail Soliwoda purchased several buildings and warehouses that eventually became the City Museum. The Project for Public Spaces listed the museum among the “Great Public Spaces in the World.” In addition to the City Museum, Cassilly was commissioned to complete several other sculptures including the two turtles for Turtle Park in St. Louis, the Mysterious Monarch butterfly sculpture in Faust Park outside of the Butterfly House and both the Sea Lion Fountains and squid statue at the St. Louis Zoo. In 1993 he created the apples for Webster Groves. These sculptural and whimsical chairs, with “bites” out of the apples that provide seating space, are installed in various areas around the Old Orchard business district. They have been a favorite seat for children since their installation.

The awards ceremony and reception will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gazebo Park in Old Orchard Business District.