Arts & Entertainment
Sculpture Alley Adding Public Art Venue to Crossroads Neighborhood
By Kevin Collison Several Crossroads property owners are creating a new venue for public art in downtown, designating an alley that runs behind some prominent galleries as “Sculpture Alley” and commissioning works to display there. “It’s a good way in which neighbors can work together to use a public space for public art,” said Suzie…
UMKC Downtown Conservatory Plan Collapses After Losing Key Funding
By Kevin Collison In a major setback to downtown’s cultural ambitions, the planned UMKC Downtown Conservatory has suffered a fatal financial blow, losing a $20 million private pledge essential to building the project, according to sources familiar with the endeavor. The sources told CityScene KC that the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation has withdrawn its $20…
Folly Theater Fundraising for Ambitious Improvement Plan and Endowment
By Kevin Collison The historic Folly Theater, a downtown cultural jewel for 118 years, is in the middle of its most ambitious fundraising and improvement program since it was spared the wrecking ball in 1981. “We knew we needed to grow,” said Gale Tallis, executive director. “There was a beautiful renovation in 1981, but things…
Powerful World War I Painting ‘Gassed’ to Debut New Gallery at National World War I Museum
By Kevin Collison “Gassed,” one of the most powerful works of art depicting the horrors of World War I or any war, will be the centerpiece of the new Wylie Gallery debut at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The 21-foot long by nine-feet tall painting by renowned artist John Singer Sargent shows British…
Crossroads Deja Vu, Haw Contemporary Expands into Former Dolphin Gallery Space
By Kevin Collison (Update: The Haw Contemporary opened March 30 and this week will be its first First Friday in the Crossroads Arts District. The opening exhibit is “Drawing Paintings, Painting Drawings” by artist Eric Sall. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) The Crossroads building recently vacated by the Kemper gallery…