Local Artists, Local Brews, Shared Creativity… Art That Gives Back

By Julie Tristan

When St. Louis artist Neeka Allsup stands before one of her colorful canvases, she’s often still deciding what it wants to become.

“I still need to paint the bird,” she laughed. “I’m debating on what color it needs to be based on the other colors in the painting.”

Known for her imaginative, dreamlike works, Allsup says much of her creativity stems from what she sees in her sleep.

“I have very vivid dreams that are in full color,” she said. “A lot of different stuff is going on.”

Art has always been a part of Allsup’s life. Growing up in Texas, her parents owned a toy store and children’s art gallery.

“I grew up selling my paintings in the gallery there,” she said. “It was very fun. I had a great childhood.”

These days, Allsup’s inspiration may come from her dreams, but one dream she never imagined came true this year, seeing her artwork featured on a beer can.

“It’s cool,” she said. “So many people have told me, ‘Wow, I see you everywhere! I can’t even open a beer without seeing your art now.’ It makes me feel a little bit famous. I’m very honored to be on the can because it’s a St. Louis local beer I’ve been drinking since I moved here. It feels special.”

That can belongs to 4 Hands Brewing Company, which teamed up with the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) to design five unique beer labels, each created by a local artist.

“We wanted it to be St. Louis-focused and citywide-minded,” said 4 Hands representative Liz Swyers. “It was really up to the artist to decide what they wanted to say and why.”

One of those artists, Cbabi Bayoc, is well-known across the city for his bold murals that brighten neighborhoods and celebrate community.

“What I love about art is that it can beautify a neighborhood,” Bayoc said. “It can change the vibe of a room or a street, it’s an outlet to express yourself.”

For his City Wide design, Bayoc shifted his style slightly.

“It’s not my typical design, people know me for faces,” he said. “So I liked slipping in something more abstract when I could. It was an opportunity to do that.”

He described his design as a collection of fingers and hands, symbolizing connection.

“I like showing how, when we come together, we can make dope stuff.”

Beyond the vibrant designs, the 2025 City Wide Artist Series also gives back to the arts community.

“The Regional Arts Commission was our 2025 City Wide recipient,” said Swyers. “We give one dollar per case to nonprofits each year. This one was special because RAC turned 40, so we wanted to connect art and beer and help tell their story through City Wide.”

Allsup’s label ties back to her mural created through the St. Louis Mural Project, where 28 murals were painted throughout the city. Her imagery of rivers reflects both her personal journey and St. Louis’ deep connection to its waterways.

“I had a dream about a river and that my life was being flooded with change,” she said. “I thought about all the rivers in St. Louis and how historically significant they are.”

Both Allsup and Bayoc say having their work on a beer can is more than a career milestone it’s a community connection.

“I feel like I’m part of a special club of St. Louis artists that have been honored to be on the can,” Allsup said.
“It’s a really cool way to represent St. Louis,” she added, “and to share artists with the world so people can know who’s making art here.”

Where local art meets local beer, it’s truly a masterpiece you can hold in your hand