FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION & RELEASE Press Contact: Audrey Jones June 22, 2011 Owner & Operator

of Figure 8 Designs Event Creator & Coordinator for Mannequins on The Loop 816.308.9424 ~ figure8gt@yahoo.com ~ http://www.figure8.us/

Press Contact:

Mary Elizabeth Beary

Mary.Beary@yahoo.com 618.447.8333

Mannequins on the loop!

Custom Designed Eco-Friendly Mannequin Creations Raise Money for Joe Edwards Loops Trolley Car Project
On the eve of July 12, 2011 while a crowd full of St. Louis and University City notables including Joe Edwards, University City Mayor Shelley Welsch and representatives of the Kwame Foundation gathered on the rooftop of Moonrise Hotel on Delmar, local artist Jennifer Hayes received the grand prize for her unique creation of a custom designed Mannequin for restaurant and music venue, Blueberry Hill. Thanks to Audrey Jones creative and economy-boosting event brainchild, Mannequins on the Loop she initiated three years ago, this years winner will have her winning design displayed inside the historic Trolley car on Delmar for an entire month. Audrey alone raised just over five hundred dollars from individuals, and businesses in University City and St. Louis City to go towards funds keeping the Trolley Car Rail Track Project moving forward while bringing awareness to University Citys unique art and artists, venues and businesses all along Delmar who displayed the delightful designs in their windows. And all with a key factor of only using eco-friendly materials in the mannequin designs. Audrey is very pleased with the outcome of this years Mannequins on the Loop, themed, Here Comes The Trolley; I thought it was very successful this year because we keep expanding awareness about the event as more people see the mannequins and talk about it. I was very happy to speak with Mayor Welsch who personally approached myself and the artists offering her continued support. So, many more people and businesses are becoming more and more aware of this artistic event that by completely eco-friendly designed mannequins all over Delmar, raise awareness for the Trolley Car project, gives the Loop even more of an artistic edge, helps get attention for the businesses displaying the mannequins, and creates greater awareness about being environmentally conscious. This is all so important for our economy here, and our communitys environment. Several University City businesses, boutiques and restaurants took part in the event in efforts to raise needed funds for the Loops Trolley Car Rail System endeavor spearheaded back in 1997 by Joe Edwards. Some of the businesses involved

THIRD ANNUAL

were; Blueberry Hill, Pizazz, Headz n Threadz, TAG, Big Shark Bicycle Co., Dick Blick Art Materials, Plow-Sharing, Avalon, Sexy Budha, Craft Alliance, NAPPS, Macro-Sun, Subway, HSB Tobacconist, and Miss M's Candy Boutique. These businesses collaborated with Audrey by helping with fundraising, and displaying the many mannequins inside of their storefronts windows to raise attention for local art and for the event, as well as for their business. Audrey came up with this years Here Comes The Trolley theme with a hopeful eye on seeing the Trolley Rail Car system here and running in the near future. A $45 million project, $25 million was funded from the federal government with the rest being raised in a myriad of ways. Only $5-$7 million more dollars are needed for St. Louis City and University City to see Joe Edwards envisioned dream become a reality. Audrey says, My vision was to connect with the businesses in The Loop and bring exposure to our community. This year especially since the trolley is one of the main features in our community. I wanted to again incorporate businesses, artists and designers using recyclable materials, eco-friendly consciousness, and lastly raise money for the trolley! It is a significant landmark we are all very proud to have. The connection it will make when complete, between University City and the City of St. Loui,s is also an important plus for our community economically and in additional public transportation alternatives. The history of the streetcar (known as the trolley) today once traveled down Delmar Boulevard. Today Trolleys (not streetcars) are being used very successfully in several major cities in the US. Joe Edwards concurs, The Trolley Rail Track System will initially run about 2.2 miles from City Hall in downtown St. Louis, all the way to Delmar here in University City. It will run through our Citys most attractive, popular areas and districts like Forest Park, the History Museum, the Science Center, and along the Loop district. Economically, this type of system will reduce vehicle emissions, rising costs for gasoline, and it will make any conventions, national events or seminars look more seriously at St. Louis for this added advantage in transportation that is distinctive and unique. There are only about six or seven cities using these systems now and they have a 70% higher ridership than their buses and other public transit systems. Edwards added that the last time a Trolley Car traveled the streets of St. Louis was in 1966, stating, Its a shame we ever got rid of them. Fortunately, the people of St. Louis City and University City, politicians and driving forces like Audrey Jones and Joe Edwards will continue to bring our Trolley Car rail system project to life, and greatly benefit the lifestyle, economy and earth-conscientiousness of our City. Winner of the event for her magnificent mannequin design, St. Louisan Jennifer Hayes says of Joe Edwards and the event, Joe was a blast to work with, it was really nice to get to know him a little bit better. It was really a ball! The three things I focused on after meeting with Edwards about the design for Blueberry Hill; were the live music venue (the Duck Room), the incredible food served and all of the celebrity, historical and musically influenced memorabilia there. She chose to integrate his image in the mannequin as well since, He is such an icon in St. Louis and especially in University Citys history and economic work on behalf of the Loop. So, I incorporated a few images of him on the Mannequin that he had taken in the little photo booth at Blueberry Hill.

Winner, Jennifer Hayes; Her winning mannequin design; design collaborator & Trolley Project lead, Joe Edwards

When asked how it felt to be chosen this years winner, Hayes says, I was thrilled, of course! It was really flattering and I was proud of my work, so I was really happy about it. It was icing on the cake because I dont typically enter contests with a goal to win. Getting the chance to develop a rapport with Joe Edwards, and just participating was really a good move, it was outside of the box for me. Mannequins On The Loop is a collaborative marketing, fundraising, artistic design effort between the artists, designers and merchants, who are always enthusiastic and excited when the project is presented to them. In support of the University City recyclable initiative, Mannequins on The Loop will continue teaming up with the City every year. The Loop is anchored by Joe Edwards and his landmark attractions; Blueberry Hill, Tivoli Theatre, The Pageant, Pin Up Bowl and the all-new Moonrise Hotel. YouTube video covering last years SECOND Annual Mannequins on the Loop see what Joe Edwards has to say about the project, as well as some of the business owners involved in the event! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrmHKfh_ZPg http://visittheloop.com/news/ http://looptrolley.org/index.html

For further information about Events, Economic Revitalization projects or any matter relating to news and information the Historically acclaimed, Loop District, you may contact the Loop Special Business Districts President, Jessica Bueler. Jessica was recently hand selected by previous President Joe Edwards who served as President for over 30 years and will continue to serve on its board and co-chair meetings in partnership with Jessica. Jessica Bueler President, The Loop Special Business District hsbtobacconist@gmail.com 314.583.2181