KCPL STAFF SHOW

   The Kansas City Public Library recently curated a wonderful show of artwork created by their librarians and staff members.  The Library’s downtown space is columned with beautiful classical architecture that elevates the local artist’s work by framing them in a powerful museum like context.  The KCPL’s architecture is as beautiful a space for art as the Nelson Atkins or NYCPL.  The reception had an excellent performance by local folk trio “Tiny Escalators.”

   My favorite work in the show is “Galaxy Chest” by artist and musician Nash High.  “Galaxy Chest” is a sculpture and computer program that generates light patterns from a box. The work resembles a mysterious treasure chest filled with sparkling goods, but instead of being from some long lost time, it hails from the future.  The smooth cloth lined box has a glowing screen inside producing original star like patterns that playfully change over time.  The “Galaxy Chest” is a wonderful contemporary multimedia sculpture that inspires awe and stirs the imagination.

   Other stand out works from the show were Shiela Story’s landscapes.  The thick textured paint in Story’s “Kaw Point Bridge” is confidently meaty.   The abstract shapes of the bridge against the water make for a striking image.  “Streamers Over Used Car Light” by Leslie Case is delightful.  The streamers form an abstract pattern with different colors and light much like a Monet landscape where the light is the subject and not the objects themselves.  Samantha Edwards’ illustrations colorfully bring popular tales to life with subtly detailed watercolors.

   Nicole Brewer’s sublime architecture photography is inspiring.  The sense of space in “Corcomroe Abbey” is epic, and captures the magnificence of the locale.  David M. Cox’s “Metropolis” features a lovely shot of New York’s Eastern bridges.  The black and white scheme calms the chaotic city and allows you to enjoy the details. 

   Bob Pedersen’s “Handprints” are raw and relatable.   David Joiner’s “Mariner” features clean Matisse like patterns and shapes similar to contemporary artist Alyson Khan’s abstractions.  Michael Brown’s superhero airbrushing brings a graphic comic style to the groups show.  And Jason Bruenn’s ink works such as “Arrowhead” are delightfully detailed.  Travis Bird’s sketch digital portraits are refreshing.  Modern psychedelic works by Brad Krohe and Marley Bryant are quirky and charming.  And Joanna Marsh’s cosmic landscapes are equally fun. “Wildlife Calendar,” a torn paper collage by Clare Hollander, shatters space similar to a Cézanne.  Andy Dandino’s sculpture is meaty with a texture similar to a Giacometti or Schiele.  Kaite Stover’s “Prairie Night Fire”  is a bold landscape of a wildfire at night.  Having lived in areas where the mountains glow with fire at night, and it rains ash in the day, I can say their painting captures the intense looming glow of the blaze.

   Sculptures, baskets, and textile work on display by Clare Hollander, Kathy Meyer, Debbie Wachs, Ronda Cornelius and Amanda Barnhart are all made delicately with patience.  Debbie Gamm’s abstractly quilted “Marti’s Memory” rivals powerhouses like Faith Ringgold or Louise Nevelson. Buddy Hanson’s “Purple Minimal: Handmade”   shows a lovely photo of a custom colored handmade bass - crafted with great precision.

   Finally, another favorite of mine from the show,  “African-American Civil War Soldier” by John Horner captures a piercing and emotional expression from a young face.  The psychology in the portrait is rendered immaculately and is powerful and memorable.

   Check out all the artists in the show and visit their personal sites to see more of their work.  Visit your local KC Public Library to meet some of these friendly faces behind these talented creations.  For all your art and culture needs follow SharksEatMeat for daily updates.