Designed by owner and founder Eleanor Wilson Ruder to be casual, friendly and “un-gallerylike,” Compônere Gallery of Art was one of the first galleries of its kind in the St. Louis area. Since 1986, Compônere has showcased the work of talented artists in Missouri and the surrounding region. Today, Compônere — located in the University City Loop across from the popular Blueberry Hill restaurant — is the go-to gallery for shoppers of all ages seeking handcrafted jewelry, affordable prints and paintings, functional and decorative glass and ceramic art, imaginative Steampunk lamps and more.
In October 2010, Compônere expanded for the second time, increasing its floor space by over 30 percent. The new space, under the title Artisans @ Compônere, overflows with one-of-a-kind jewelry, original art and fine crafts. The remaining space has been redesigned to enhance the gallery experience while retaining the friendly, eclectic atmosphere for which Compônere Gallery of Art has become known.
Owner and founder, Eleanor Wilson Ruder, opened Compônere Gallery of Art and Fashion in University City’s Delmar Loop in March 1986, after teaching art for 16 years in the Hazelwood, Missouri, and Ladue, Missouri, school districts. A graduate of University City High School and Washington University in St. Louis (Fine Art degree; Art Education, K-12, degree), (See My Artwork) Eleanor -- and her husband, John Ruder — have four sons, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One of their sons, Johnathan, is the co-owner of Go Music, located next door to Compônere.
An active member of the University City business community, Eleanor was elected in 1989 as commissioner. Eleanor also served as president of the St. Louis Gallery Association, secretary of the local chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art, president of the Community Loop Foundation, chairman of the Loop in Motion Arts Festival and the Friday Evening Gallery Walk.
Like other area business leaders and residents, Eleanor eagerly awaits the arrival of the Loop Trolley street car line to University City. She looks forward to welcoming Trolley riders, both area residents and visitors, to Compônere Gallery, where they will view a broad and unique collection of original artwork by regional artists.
An active member of the University City business community, Eleanor was elected in 1989 as commissioner. Eleanor also served as president of the St. Louis Gallery Association, secretary of the local chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art, president of the Community Loop Foundation, chairman of the Loop in Motion Arts Festival and the Friday Evening Gallery Walk.
Like other area business leaders and residents, Eleanor eagerly awaits the arrival of the Loop Trolley street car line to University City. She looks forward to welcoming Trolley riders, both area residents and visitors, to Compônere Gallery, where they will view a broad and unique collection of original artwork by regional artists.
We are located on one of the top 10 streets in America!
