ABOUT US
The School of the Forgotten Arts, is on a mission to explore art forms of the past. From Victorian wax flower making to scrimshaw, we’re dedicated to bringing these hidden treasures back into the spotlight through hands-on workshops, online classes, and curated art supply boxes.
Right now, we're gearing up to offer in-person workshops at the historic Monday Club in Webster Groves, a space as rich in history as the arts we’ll explore. But that's just the beginning!
Soon, we’ll be expanding to offer online classes, paired with curated supply boxes that make it easy to immerse yourself in these forgotten techniques from the comfort of your coffee table, as well as sharing fascinating deep dives into the stories and histories behind each craft, so you can get a true sense of their cultural significance.
The school was founded by Heather O'Shaughnessy, a lifelong artist and native of St. Louis, who has spent years studying the the art of wax portraiture and the lost Victorian parlor art of wax flower modeling. In 2023, she received a grant from the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, allowing her to create a supply box and online class dedicated to the art of wax flower modeling. This grant laid the foundation for the School of the Forgotten Arts, where students can explore and reconnect with the arts that time has left behind.
The School of the Forgotten Arts was created for history enthusiasts and generally creative and curious people. Our hope is to offer an opportunity for everyone to engage in art whether or not they consider themselves artistic.
If you'd like to learn more about our journey, follow along, and sign up for updates.