Kauffman Center of Performing Arts Update

KC Photog took this absolutely fabulous photo of the Kauffman Center and Downtown Art.  Last week I was working later than my usual hours and wanted to find where KC Photog found that polka dot vase.   Usually I have taken photos of the front of the Kauffman Center but since I was on different sides of this amazing building I had to capture more.  This building is huge, and the amount of workers employeed in the building is a bonus.  The Kauffman Center is set to open in September.

Columns and Art

Across the street from the Kemper Museum is the Kansas City Art Institute.  It seems there is nothing untouched by art.  I love to visit this area.

Another shot of the Crying Giant

I showed this sculpture by Tom Otterness back in January.  Here it is from a different angle.  This is still one of my favorites.

Architect's Handkerchief

By Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen now sits on the site where Miss Mao Trying to Balancing on top of Lenin's Head  This is a permanent piece of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.  This piece is 12 feet high and weighs 1,200+ pounds.

Spring is in the Air

This magnolia was in glorious bloom Saturday.  Today I saw the first redbud blooms.  Hopefully it will not get hot too fast so all the trees stay in bloom for a month.  Spring in Kansas City is beautiful!

Arbor Hood Ornament

I like this arbor topper better than the porch ornament across the street.  Such a decorative neighborhood.

Porch Hood Ornament

I wasn't sure what to make of this and would like to see it lit up, but not sure I could find it again.  I know I found myself going the wrong way on a one way street and turned around and somehow ended up on this street.  It is fitting for the Art District.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

  

These are the steps leading to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  In the coming week I am going to bring you photos of the Kansas City Sculpture Park which sits on the lawn of the museum.  Despite the look of the sky, it was a nice day and many people were out on the lawn.  I think I can speak for others and say we are ready for spring.  

I've ran several post about William Rockhill Nelson who founded the Kansas City Star newspaper in the late 19th century.  He was a real estate developer who was responsible for the development of the Rockhill District, currently known as the Art District.  Nelson donated his estate for the creation of this museum.  His mansion and the homes in this area were created using limestone from a local quarry.  One of my favorites was this home.  I ran several post about the Art District in January 2011.

Currently the Original Rules of Basketball are on display in the museum.  I had limited time when I took these photos but plan to head back to the museum soon to see these original rules.  Another exhibit I plan to attend is the Monet Water Lilies which is an exhibit from April 9 until August 7.  

Just a Glimpse

Just a glimpse of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  More to come in future posts.  I am going to leave the Art District this week.  

Arched Welcome

The homes in the Art District were developed by William Rockhill Nelson and is known as the Rockhill neighborhood.  He established the Kansas City Star newspaper and was also interested in urban development.  Nelson's name is of note on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  The Rockhill neighborhood, established in 1906, was the first neighborhood to be listed on both the National Register of the states list of Historical Sites and the Kansas City Historical Society.  Most of the homes were made from a local limestone quarry.  

Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head

 Brothers Gao Zhen and Gao Qiang,  make all their work together.  Their pieces have been censored and confiscated by authorities.  China has not appreciated the Gao brothers work portraying political figures and events.  Their first solo show was at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art this year.  The sculpture stands outside the Kemper.  

Kansas City Art Institute

This area breathes art with Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the KCAI. The Sculptures, homes and museums all within blocks of each other.

Standing Figures

The lawns of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has many, many sculptures.  I believe these bronze Standing Figures by Magdalena Abakanowicz remind me of a military formation.  What do you see in them?

Crying Giant

Outside at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.  This Crying Giant is the work of Tom Otterness

AHead above others

Found at Kansas City Art Institute, a four year college of Art and Design.  I admire artist and their work. I failed to find information about these subject and who may have created.  If anyone knows more I would be interested in knowing.

House in Art District

The doors from this home were shown on Thursdays photo.  I found this entire house, not just the doors, quite unique.

Welcome Home

While in the Art District, I found many stately homes and thought I would kick off the series with this beautiful door.