Julius A. Karash

Stories by Julius A. Karash

A grant from the Arts Council of Johnson County helped freelance illustrator Hector Garcia create “Jazz: The Resilient Spirit of Kansas City,” which appeared on a KC Streetcar during the 2021 Art in the Loop project.

Arts Council of Johnson County Nurtures Artists in Trying Times

By Julius A. Karash | March 22, 2024

A small grant from the Arts Council of Johnson County helped freelance illustrator Hector Garcia navigate the COVID pandemic.

Kansas City Repertory Theater Artistic Director Stuart Carden and Executive Director Angela Gieras.

Arts Business: ‘Many Small Nonprofits are Still Struggling’

By Julius A. Karash | January 26, 2024

Many small nonprofit arts organizations in Kansas City are still dealing with the financial impact of the COVID pandemic.

Bill and Christy Gautreaux with part of their collection inside their home.

Bill Gautreaux Carries on Kansas City’s Legacy of Collecting and Sharing Art

By Julius A. Karash | September 26, 2023

In the wake of some noteworthy deaths, Bill and Christy Gautreaux are carrying on Kansas City’s proud legacy of art collecting and philanthropy.

Artist Michael Toombs in front of a mural commemorating the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.

KC Artist Marks Civil Rights Victory with Brown v. Board of Education Mural

By Julius A. Karash | July 21, 2023

Michael Toombs' mural marking the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education ruling greets visitors at the Washburn University School of Law Building.

Artist Garry Noland has leased studio space at the Holsum building for about four years. He also runs the Holsum Gallery in the building.

An Affordable, Nurturing Haven for Artists in West Bottoms

By Julius A. Karash | March 17, 2023

Holsum Gallery has joined the ranks of art studios that have sprouted in the West Bottoms, offering a creative home for 45 artists.

A traveler viewing panels of art at the new Kansas City International Airport.

Balancing KC’s Needs for Public Art, Smooth Streets 

By Julius A. Karash, Cody Boston | March 16, 2023

The new Kansas City International Airport terminal houses the largest One Percent for Art program in the city's history. Here's a look at the public art, the artists and their impact.

Mark Spencer, new arts program coordinator for the Kansas City Aviation Department, with “Tingmissartoq,” by Christopher Brown (shown behind him), created in 2000 for the KC Aviation Department building.

New Arts Program Coordinator Steps into the Cockpit at KCI

By Julius A. Karash | January 6, 2023

Meet Mark Spencer, who was hired in September by the city’s aviation department to serve as arts program coordinator at Kansas City International Airport.

In early September, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art docent Misty McNally (center) led a group tour of the museum’s “American Art Deco” exhibition, which continues through Jan. 8.

Nelson-Atkins Fees for Docent-Led Adult Tours Reflect Shifting Financial Landscape

By Julius A. Karash | December 9, 2022

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, responding to economic tremors that have shaken the art world, is now charging for docent-led adult tours.

Artist Kathy Liao in her downtown studio with a draft (top right) of her artwork for the new KCI terminal. Titled, “Hello and Goodbye,” the piece will feature acrylic on birchwood panels and ceramic tiles.

Public Art for KCI, the Largest Public Art Project in KC History, is on Track for Installation by the New Airport’s Opening in March 2023

By Julius A. Karash | September 23, 2022

The public art installation for the new Kansas City International Airport is on track for the scheduled opening in March 2023.

Screenshot of Jason Wilcox’s painting, “Bel-Air Will,” from Episode 10 of "Bel-Air."

‘Bel Air’ TV Show Created by Native Kansas Citian Opens New Vistas for Kansas City Artists

By Julius A. Karash | July 5, 2022

Peacock television show "Bel-Air," the brainchild of Kansas City filmmaker Morgan Cooper, has showcased the works of several Kansas City artists.