Today’s Skywalk Memorial dedication sought to bring some closure to one of Kansas City’s greatest tragedies, when, on July 17, 1981, two skywalks at the Hyatt Regency hotel collapsed, killing 114 and injuring around 200 people.
At the center of the memorial space is a stainless steel sculpture by Kansas City artist Rita Blitt. She spoke with Flatland’s Daniel Boothe. For an in-depth look at the memorial, roll over the picture below.
3 QUESTIONS WITH RITA BLITT, ARTIST, SCULPTOR OF HYATT MEMORIAL
What was your inspiration when designing this piece?
Normally when I create a sculpture, I look at drawings I have made in the past, because those were made from my gut, from a love of creating. And within that body of work I always find the right thing, but for some reason when I got the call to do this memorial, I did some new drawings. Not consciously creating drawings for the sculpture, I just started drawing. But then all of a sudden I saw this drawing on the table, and I thought ‘this is wonderful’ it really felt like the right thing. I didn’t know how it would stand up, so I hesitated, but they loved it, and lo and behold they found a way.”
Is it a depiction of anything? It almost looks like two people dancing, or is it a mother holding her baby?
Yes. It is that. It is all of the above. It is whatever you make of it. You mentioned dancing however, very good. I originally entitled it “Dancing For Life.”
Why did you change it?
Well, I thought it was a nice title, but I began to think what I was going to say today at the Memorial ceremony, and I always like to tell people when they see my work, and I mean it sincerely, that I am sending them love, and best wishes. So I changed the title to “Sending Love” because it makes the piece more meaningful. I wanted to impart maybe feelings to the families and to the park that this is filled with love.”
Roll over the circles for more information:
— Graphic by Kirstin A. McCudden and photos by Daniel Boothe | Flatland
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…