‘Flower Garden’ Interview with Madeline Marak

Flower Garden
Madeline Marak and Art in the Loop will be installing the ‘Flower Garden’ at the River Market West Streetcar Stop, and everyone’s invited to help! We interviewed the artist to learn more about the process of creating the ‘Flower Garden’ Stop by to help make the flower garden grow. Local musician ‘Alber’ will also be there to play and celebrate!

July 22 from 6-9 pm at the River Market West Streetcar Stop
Featuring music by Alber

What is the goal with ‘Flower Garden’?

Flower Garden is a colorful, layered relief sculpture that celebrates creativity and community collaboration. I gathered drawings that kids left behind at the children’s art studio I work for to create the flower shape designs. After scanning the drawings and laser cutting them out of colored acrylic, the public gets to use their creativity to make their own stacked flowers that stay for the duration of the installation. I hope the piece reminds someone of a time they were creative and inspires them to be creative in whatever form that takes. 

 

How has this project differed from your previous work?

In previous public art projects, I have used materials such as steel rods and reflective tape to create framing devices for viewing the landscapes in which the sculptures were placed. For this project, I wanted to propose something lighter and more colorful while staying close to materials you might find in an urban environment. 

 

What are you most excited about for the community event on July 22?

I am very excited to see how participants interact with the piece and what responses they have. Art-making can bring up memories, feelings, fun conversations, and so much more. I can’t wait to see the color combinations and layering the public creates. I can imagine how I might layer acrylic flower shapes onto a streetcar shelter, but the best part about public engagement is seeing all the different ways others approach creativity. 

 

How did you decide on the base background?

The base background of stylized leaf shapes is similar to the start of any garden. First, there are seedlings, then buds, and then flowers. I wanted there to be layers of growth happening throughout the installation to show my creative process of making the Flower Garden project. 

 

What has been your experience with Art in the Loop before this?

As a newcomer to Kansas City, my first experience of Art in the Loop was the Streetcar ‘Darrius’s Garden’ by Devin Edwards. It was such a thrill to board a piece of moving art with bold, bright colors and such a unique stylistic expression. I was very inspired.

 

Why did you submit a project this year?

I love how much public art there is in Kansas City. The public projects I’ve done in the past have all been cherished experiences. I was excited to have the opportunity to engage with the Kansas City community through art. 

 

Thank you, Madeline Marak, for sharing more about your art and story!


For more information about Madeline’s artwork and the other artists featured this year, visit www.artintheloop.com

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is made possible through the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, JE Dunn, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, and other corporate partners. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee.

Project partners include the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com or www.facebook.com/artintheloop

# # #

Contacts:
Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355
Marissa Starke, Visual Arts Director, marissastarke@gmail.com, (c) 816-519-4236
Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jademuse@gmail.com

KC Streetcar
Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org, (c) 816-877-3219

 

‘Party Balloons’ Interview with BubbleGum Kurt

Party Balloons

BubbleGum Kurt will be at the Crossroads Northbound KC Streetcar Stop this summer as they install their Live Painting! We interviewed the artist to learn more about the original artwork Party Balloons that inspired the live painting. Stop by regularly and enjoy their monthly visit to the artwork site as they add to and grow their celebratory Party Balloons installation.

July 7th from 5 – 8 PM
August 11th from 6 – 8 PM
September 1st from 6 – 8 PM
October 20th from 6 – 8 PM
November 3rd from 6 – 8 PM 

Can you give a brief introduction to Party Balloons?

This was originally a series I did during my undergrad. It was initially several party balloons. The process was to inflate a balloon, add stuff onto it layer by layer, and then let it slowly deflate. I took pictures of the process of decaying and of the fully deflated balloons. In school, it was more like throwing spaghetti at the wall and then analyzing why I did that later. I’m definitely that kind of creator. Looking back on that, I wasn’t in a good mental state, and so when I was making things, I wanted to pile things I loved onto other things to create joy in my art where I couldn’t find it in my normal life. Then, watching the balloon deflate and decay while still holding that joy felt very beautiful and sad at the same time. I still want to unravel what that means, which I think is why I want to revisit it. While I’ve definitely evolved from my past work, I still like to look back and question why I was drawn to those images and ideas.

Why a live painting?

I wanted to mimic the process I did with the original project. Adding more images onto something over time. I’ve always been really interested in patterns. Repetition but not exact repetition. There’s that human element of trying to draw the same thing over and over again. I loved how “in the moment” Party Balloons were and the stuff that was created either by my hand or with the materials decaying. When I submitted my proposal for a live painting, I wanted to pay homage to the original work.

What has been your live painting experience before this?

I’m not much of a painter. I do a lot of printmaking, mostly, and I do love to draw. For me, painting is another way of processing what I’m drawn to imagery-wise. I have a lot of experience with live performance. I have a series called Birthday Party, where I make an installation and perform in it. I also invite people to perform in the space with me. So I have experience with live performances in front of people but also with an interactive element. I’m pretty comfortable performing, but I don’t think I’ve ever done a mural. I’ve assisted with mural paintings but never painted my own piece, so for me, this is definitely a meeting of mural painting and the performance aspect of it. I also find painting very meditative.

What do you find meditative about it?

I really love getting in the zone of making marks, and many of my pieces involve repetition. I use a lot of repeated images and symbols. Smiley faces, for example. I repeat those smiley faces over and over and over again, but they’re all slightly different. I find that meditative and beautiful how I’m doing the same mark, but it’s always slightly different. It’s similar to this performance exercise where you say the same word over and over again until it loses its meaning. Your mouth becomes this way of making a sound that used to be a word that makes sense, but now it’s devolved and becomes this noise. That’s what I’m going for.

What are your plans for each session?

The goal is to have a good product done by the end of each session but still with room to grow and add for the next session. I want to challenge myself to get something to a good spot but add more. The first session is the only one I have a clear plan for. I’m going to start by gridding out the image of the balloon to be the size of the streetcar shelter. Then I will tape butcher paper or newsprint to the back to act as my skeleton. I’m going to be painting the bones of the balloon rather than an exact pattern. From there, I want to find a good flow of how to fill in the deflated balloon. I like to add negative space to my pieces, so I have a tester of the vinyl, and I’m working on how to remove paint from it so I can make negative space.

What are some of the challenges you’re worried about for this long project?

I’m worried I’ll get visually stuck. By the third session, I might walk up and have no idea what to do, which is an anxiety I frequently have anyways. Still, I’m confident I’ll be able to come into each session and be excited about what I’m making. Another thing about doing interactive public works is that you can have all these great conversations with people. Still, there is that worry of someone coming up and trying to challenge and degrade what you’re doing. It’s happened to me before, so I’m definitely worried about that. Overall though, people are usually excited about the art.

How do you feel when people talk to you and ask questions?

I typically have a very performative energy, but adding on painting is a new layer. I think either no one will want to bother me, I’ll just be painting and chilling, or one person will start talking to me. Then that’ll bring in more people asking questions and interacting with me. Both possibilities would be great and fun. I love talking about my work, so I wouldn’t have a problem with people asking me questions.

What has been your experience with Art in the Loop?

I’m not originally from Kansas City. I moved here about 5 years ago, and I didn’t have a car for the first year and a half, so I took a lot of public transportation. I took the streetcar to the farmers market every weekend, and I remember seeing the Art in the Loop art at the stops. I particularly loved one that looked like a word search, but it was rubber bands, and you had to stretch it out. Basically, I’d interacted with the projects in the past. I feel like my creativity comes from my childhood because my parents were really weird decorators. They would put stuff up on the walls that was not wall hanging stuff like baskets and hats and stuff they would find on the ground. Being exposed to creativity, especially at a young age, is so important. I think it’s great that we have that in this city. It’s great having art in a public place for all to see. Creativity is an underdeveloped skill in a lot of ways, and I think it’s a good foundation tool for growing up and learning.

Why did you decide to apply this year?

I am an artist who mainly functions in the DIY space. I’ve done lots of cute galleries in town that are run by younger artists and smaller events like that. I’ve been trying to apply for more formal spaces. I got a piece at The Box Gallery, which felt great, and I applied to Art in the Loop in the past, but looking back, I was not developed enough as an artist.

What attracts you to Art in the Loop?

Putting art in public spaces and places where it normally isn’t is very important to keep it as a pillar of our society. It’s a great way to celebrate local artists, and it’s extremely important that they’re actually paying their artists and valuing their work. There’s so much room for it to grow; I can’t wait to see how it develops. Having art be present as a young child can shape people. Kids can challenge that part of their brain and be excited about something. Art is this whimsical thing that can challenge people of any age and make people excited again. Art is so influential in kids’ lives, and to keep it once you grow up is so important.

Thank you, BubbleGum Kurt, for sharing more about your art and story!


For more information about Kurt’s artwork and the other artists featured this year, visit www.artintheloop.com

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is made possible through the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, JE Dunn, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, and other corporate partners. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee.

Project partners include the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com or www.facebook.com/artintheloop

# # #

Contacts:
Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355
Marissa Starke, Visual Arts Director, marissastarke@gmail.com, (c) 816-519-4236
Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jademuse@gmail.com

KC Streetcar
Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org, (c) 816-877-3219

Black Boy Joy Yoga
Join us for
a morning of mindfulness
2023 Art In the Loop Event, July 8, 8:30 a.m. at the Union Station Streetcar Stop

(Kansas City, Missouri) – The Art in the Loop Foundation is pleased to host a morning of yoga, thanks to local artist, Khyneesha Edwards, on Saturday, July 8, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Union Station Streetcar Stop, located near Pershing and Main in Downtown Kansas City. This event requires a reservation and is free. 

Black boys and men deserve healing, so let’s heal together – claiming joy is a great place to start! Khyneesha Edwards, graphic designer and 2023 Art in the Loop Visual Artist, invites Black men and boys, across Kansas City to take part in Black Boy Joy Yoga. While all are welcome, this event was created to be a safe space for Black men and boys as they practice mindfulness and prioritize wellness, with the ‘Black Boy Joy’ streetcar art as a backdrop.

Black Boy Joy Yoga will be led by yogi, Joshua Davis. This beginner-friendly session will include breath work, meditation, grounding poses, and guiding commentary about claiming joy. The minimum age to participate is 5 years old. Children 5-12 must be accompanied by a guardian.

A few other things to note:

  • Dress in cool, breathable clothing
  • Water will be provided, but we suggest bringing a water bottle for backup hydration
  • Don’t forget your own yoga mat! If you don’t have a yoga mat, a firm rug or thick blanket will do. We’ll have a few extra yoga mats on hand, but we can’t guarantee enough for everyone.
  • Come with an open heart and an open mind! Yoga is about finding and embracing home, peace, power and joy within yourself, in whatever way that looks like for you.

Learn more about the Black Boy Joy streetcar stop art HERE

Register here! MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND.

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is made possible through the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, JE Dunn, Stinson LLP, and other corporate partners. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee.


Project partners include the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar Authority, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com or www.facebook.com/artintheloop

# # #

Contacts:

Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355

Marissa Starke, Visual Arts Director, marissastarke@gmail.com, (c) 816-519-4236

Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jademuse@gmail.com

 

KC Streetcar
Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org, (c) 816-877-3219

 

Artworks are appearing at KC Streetcar stops and across the sides of KC Streetcar #804, a sense of vibrancy has been infused into Downtown KC, and beginning in July, the excitement continues with a series of public performances taking place all across Downtown. The Art in the Loop Foundation is pleased to present an incredible summer revue of free performances. For fans of music, dance, and acrobatics, we are certain that there will be something engaging for everyone. 

For ten summers, Art in the Loop has been committed to the project of enriching the Downtown KC area. This year, artists and performers responded to the theme “Celebrate” by questioning the various definitions of celebration, investigating the intersections between art and celebration, and imagining the ways we can work together to celebrate Downtown. Art in the Loop is thrilled to announce the performing artists for 2023.

Performance Artists

  • Circus Scorpius, aerial acrobatics, 816 Day
  • Encodetherobot (Xavier Martin), solo musician, Streetcar Reveal
  • Mimi Nichole, solo vocal music, Oppenstein Park
  • Kansas City Dance Collective, vintage jazz-inspired dance, Oppenstein Park
  • Kirstie Lynn and Galen Clark, folk duo, Closing Reception
  • The Swallowtails, folk rock, Kick-Off Event
  • Soundz of Samba, samba band, 816 Day
  • Tristian Griffin Dance Collective, modern dance, Kick-Off Event
  • True Lions, punk folk, Oppenstein Park
  • Underground Homies, musical duo, 816 Day
  • Zee Underscore, musician, Art Walk

On July 12th at Oppenstein Park, expect punk folk, vocal music, and vintage jazz-inspired dance. On 816 Day, aerial acrobatics, samba, and an energetic musical duo will be an exciting spectacle for anyone walking through the City Market. And on September 13th, join us for a guided tour at the 2023 artwork with the artists, music, and a reception.

The following is a list of this summer’s performance artists and days. More information about each can be found at our website: www.artintheloop.com

Oppenstein Park Performances
Wed., July 12, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. in Oppenstein Park, 12th & Walnut, Kansas City, MO

  • Mimi Nichole: Mimi’s ultimate career goal is to capture the attention of the world one song at a time. With her passion for music and humanity, Mimi plans to bring back music with substance, and real truths. She aims to create timeless sounds that forever bask in the vibrations of the universe.  
  • Kansas City Dance Collective: A local dance company whose choreography celebrates Kansas City’s Jazz History with big band 1920’s themed music and character work adding that classic 1920s prohibition-era Jazz style that the city loves to embrace. 
  • True Lions: Al Hawkins and Fritz Hutchison make the band True Lions. They are experimental, queer artists and multi-instrumentalists in KCK. They’re a punk folk duo specializing in regionally-specific Ozark old-time interpreted as noise art. 

816 Day Celebration
Wed., August 16, 5:30–8:00 p.m. at the City Market, 20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 

  • Underground Homies: Their project is called “Made in KC”- the celebration of how this city has shaped who we all are as people and artists. They’ll share songs, stories, and even create a song with the crowd that speaks of the impact and effects KC has had on all of us. 
  • Circus Scorpius: A dynamic display of breathtaking physical acrobatics, Kelsey Aicher is an aerial acrobat whose background in screenwriting is expressed in the rich narratives she infuses into her performances. 
  • Soundz of Samba: Take a musical excursion that will engulf you in the biggest parade in the entire world – Carnival of Rio de Janeiro! Bass drums, bells, shakers, snares, and whistles all recreate the national rhythm and dance of Brazil—Samba.

Art Walk + Performances
Wed., September 13, 5:30–8:00 p.m. along the KC Streetcar Route in Downtown KC

  • Zee Underscore: A genre-spanning performance filled with energy and fun, Zee Underscore will make a party with the incredible vocals from Zahra Briggs and her band. 
  • This event will include a walking tour of the artwork installed at KC Streetcar shelters and on vehicle #804 by the 2023 Art in the Loop visual artists.

Closing Reception
Wed., November 8th, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library – Central Library.

  • Kirstie Lynn and Galen Clark: While folk is the core of their sound, Kirstie and Galen have an impressive blend of jazz, classical, americana, and country. Their music is a beautiful melting pot of gorgeous vocals and mesmerizing chords. 

The performing artists are selected for the annual program through an online application process open to artists in the Kansas City metropolitan area. A selection panel consisting of local artists, producers, performers, and community members reviewed over 30 applications and selected 10 artist teams.


The 2023 Art in the Loop Project Visual Arts Director is Marissa Starke, a non-profit executive with a 13-year history in nonprofit management, corporate and community relations, and team leadership. Our Performance Art Director, Jade Osborne, is an international performance artist, arts activist, facilitator, mentor, and speaker. 

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is made possible through the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, and other corporate partners. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee.

Project partners include the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City Public Library, City Market, Union Station, AIHub KC, Signco, Service Printing & Graphics. For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com or www.facebook.com/artintheloop

# # #

Contacts:

Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355
Marissa Starke, Visual Arts Director, marissastarke@gmail.com, (c) 816-519-4236
Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jademuse@gmail.com

KC Streetcar
Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org, (c) 816-877-3219

Black Boy Joy Yoga

Art in the Loop is thrilled to host Black Boy Joy Yoga at the Union Station streetcar stop on July 8th from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. We interviewed artist Khyneesha Edwards to learn more about the original artwork Black Boy Joy that inspired the event.

Why did you apply to Art in the Loop?

I thought it seemed like a great way to connect with the community and other artists so I went to the info session. The 2023 theme of ‘Celebrate’ really resonated with me and I spent a lot of time brainstorming. I decided on Black Boy Joy because I wanted to focus on putting positive images of Black boys and Black men into the world. There’s so much negativity in the news and the media when it comes to Black people in general, but especially Black men. There are so many injustices that my people are fighting through, so I wanted to put something out there that would be a light in these dark times. 

Why focus on Black men specifically?

As a Black woman, I understand the importance of uplifting Black men and not just focusing on myself. We heal and we get free together. I wanted to say, “I see you, I hear you, I’m with you. You all go through so much, and society puts all these expectations on you.” I wanted Black men to be able to be joyous and express themselves. Live unapologetically. 

How did you come up with the art on the KC Streetcar stop?

The theme of ‘Celebrate’ gave me a lot of inspiration for the colors and the aesthetic. I chose bright colors because I wanted Black men and boys to feel free to live out loud and in color. They don’t have to suppress themselves. They can shout and exclaim without caring who’s looking. The lines going through the design represent liberation and that free-flowing vibe.

What inspired you to organize a yoga event along with your art piece?

At the info session, it was mentioned that community events are encouraged, and so after stewing on it for a while, I thought about ways Black men can express joy. One that I’ve picked up more lately is yoga. Yoga is gaining more popularity among all cultures and communities. I find it to be a great way to practice wellness in a very intentional way and I want to bring that to the community. I wanted to show that there is joy in claiming your health and your wellness.

Who is invited to Black Boy Joy Yoga?

The event is meant to be a safe space for Black men and Black boys to practice yoga. I want to ensure that this is a space for Black men and boys to exist freely and be with one another. All are welcome, though, especially if they understand the message and want to be allies to the Black community. 

Black Boy Joy Yoga is also a fundraiser; can you give more details?

The two organizations that are benefiting from this event are Black and Brown Men’s Healing Circle and High Aspirations. I’ve been following these two organizations for a while and they do a lot of great work in the community, especially for uplifting Black men and boys. Black and Brown Men’s Healing Circle focuses on men of color. They meet every Sunday and connect over  mental health, issues that impact men of color, meditative practices, ancestral healing, and more. High Aspirations works with boys ages 8-18 and gets them involved in the community, focusing on their social, academic, emotional and spiritual success. There are many ways to donate: 

  • Purchasing special Black Boy Joy merchandise at the yoga event. There will be t-shirts, yard signs, stickers, and keychains and $500 will go to each organization.
  • Donating directly to the organizations’ websites and Instagram accounts: @bbmhckc & @highaspirationskc
  • Donating directly by scanning a QR Code at Black Boy Joy Yoga

What was the process for making the merchandise?

I pulled the blue and green colors from the art I made at the streetcar stop. The artwork at the streetcar stop is very groovy, and that gave me a lot of inspiration. I used a bold font to allow the masculine and feminine aesthetics to coexist. There are confetti-esque marks around it to show the joy and celebration that this is all about. I also use the phrase ‘Black boy joy’ on all of it to keep it simple and open to interpretation. 

What does the phrase ‘Black boy joy’ mean to you?

To me, it means Black boys and men expressing themselves unapologetically and in ways that feel authentic to them. There are so many stereotypes out there, but Blackness is not a monolith. We are so many different types of people. I want Black boys and men to give themselves permission to be who they want to be.

What have your experiences been with ‘Black boy joy’ that led you to create this piece?

What I’ve appreciated recently is the reclaiming of it. I’m so here for Black men choosing to heal and rise above what society places on them. I have a nephew, who’s seven, and I love getting to see him learn and grow and experience this world. He has so much innocence, happiness, curiosity and wonder. When I look at him, I see ‘Black boy joy,’ and I want him to keep exploring what that means for him

How is this project different from the other work you’ve done?

I work full-time as a designer for a direct marketing agency, so I have clients I work with for that position. I also have freelance clients, where I might be creating a logo or a flyer for a business. This project is different because it’s a project that anyone can enjoy. It’s not for a specific company. Having a public art piece that anyone can enjoy, appreciate, and share is feels very special to me.

What’s been your journey as an artist?

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved to create. I asked for art supplies all the time. I got into writing in elementary school, then fashion, then photography. I’ve always loved being creative. Once I got to college, I decided I wanted to combine all of it and get a degree in Fashion Communication. I explored marketing, journalism, photography, graphic design, styling, art direction, and PR. I really gravitated toward design because it’s so free, fun, and expressive. I struggled with it a lot during my freshman year, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What is the value of the arts in creating social change?

Art connects people. Art gives people a lens into a world that might exist outside of themselves. Art makes you stop and think. It kind of slows you down for a bit. Also, people can take so many different things from art, and we can find those differences and connect with each other. Art plays an important role in spreading awareness about issues. My hope is that there will be some little Black boy with his dad, his brother, or his class, and he can walk past Black Boy Joy and say, “that boy looks like me.” He can be happy and feel seen. Growing up as a Black girl, I didn’t always see myself represented that well in TV shows, media, or even toys. As you get older, it takes a toll on you to not see yourself represented. Fortunately, things are getting better with more Black creatives being uplifted and showing the world they exist. I want the next generation to feel seen. That’s important because it inspires them to do what they see. For example, seeing Serena Williams play tennis could spark a little Black girl to want to do that. It shows them that they can dream bigger and do whatever they want to do. 

Thank you, Khyneesha Edwards, for sharing more about your artwork and event!

To attend Black Boy Joy Yoga, RSVP Here: www.eventbrite.com/e/black-boy-joy-yoga For more information about Edwards’ artwork and the other artists featured this year,  visit www.artintheloop.com

Edwards is a graphic designer born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. She works full-time as a graphic designer for a Washington, D.C.-based digital marketing agency, takes on freelance clients, and offers career-consulting services with Resumes By Neesha. In addition to working full-time and freelancing, Khyneesha serves on the board for AIGA KC, where she’ll lead as President for the 2023-2024 term.


The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is made possible through the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, and other corporate partners. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee.

Project partners include the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com or www.facebook.com/artintheloop

# # #

Contacts:

Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355
Marissa Starke, Visual Arts Director, marissastarke@gmail.com, (c) 816-519-4236
Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jademuse@gmail.com

KC Streetcar
Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org, (c) 816-877-3219 

The public is invited to attend the unveiling of KC Streetcar 804 for the 2023 Art in the Loop Project: “Celebrate” on Wednesday, June 21, from 11 AM – 12 PM at the Union Station Streetcar Stop located on the KC Streetcar line. This will be a chance for guests to see meet local artist Fred Trease and see his artwork ‘Disco Cloud’ wrapped around the Streetcar. This event will also feature a music performance from DJ and Producer Encode. Encode is a character, an artist, and a project created by Xavier Martin. This event is free and open to the public however, we do ask that you RSVP here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023.com for planning purposes.

2023 marks the tenth year of the Art in the Loop Project. The Art in the Loop Project is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks presented in partnership with the KC Streetcar Authority. Artists responded to the 2023 theme of “Celebrate” and addressed questions about how one defines celebration in their lives. Artists addressed this theme of celebration in art, identity, culture, community, and more.

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is provided artistic guidance by Marissa Starke, who is serving in her first year as the visual art director for Art in the Loop. Marissa Starke is a non-profit executive with a distinguished, 13-year history of success in non-profit management, corporate and community relations, and team leadership. A visionary leader with a demonstrated history of working in the fine art industry, Marissa has pioneered and led dozens of arts initiatives and programs across Missouri and Kansas, offering expertise in curation, community engagement and arts advocacy.

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is provided artistic guidance by Jade Osborne, who is serving in her first year as performance art director for Art in the Loop. Jade Osborne is an international performance artist, arts activist, facilitator, mentor, and speaker. She has worked in non-profit education, served in AmeriCorps, and has been a Poet and Artist in Residence (Capoeira & Aerial Acrobatics). She was the first female Capoeira performer in the U.S. and in Hong Kong and helped pioneer aerial acrobatics in Kansas City with Voler – Thieves of Flight Performance Ensemble. 

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is made possible through the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, and other corporate partners. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee.

Project partners include the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or twitter.com/ArtintheLoop

# # #

Contacts:

Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355

Marissa Starke, Visual Arts Director, marissastarke@gmail.com (c) 816-519-4236

Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jademuse@gmail.com

 

KC Streetcar

Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org, (c) 816-877-3219

 

(Kansas City, Missouri) – The Art in the Loop Foundation is pleased to announce the 2023 Art in the Loop artists and art installations.

This year marks the tenth year for the Art in the Loop Project, which includes artwork based on photography, painting, digitized illustrations, paintings, and more. The Art in the Loop Project is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks presented in partnership with the KC Streetcar.  Artists responded to the 2023 theme of “Celebrate” by addressing questions about how one defines celebration, what are the intersections between art and celebration, and what celebrating Downtown Kansas City looks like.  

Artists are selected for the annual program through an online application process open to artists in the greater Kansas City area. A selection panel consisting of local artists, curators, educators, and community members reviewed over 100 applications and selected 8 artist teams.

The following artists’ works will be displayed at KC Streetcar stops and on one KC Streetcar vehicle between June and November 2023. You can find images of each installation online at www.artintheloop.com

Artist and Art Installations:

  • Arin Yoon, Here, with you, at the River Market North Streetcar Stop
  • Adrianne Clayton, The Little Princess, at the ARTwall at 13th and Grand
  • Bubblegum Kurt, Party Balloons, at the Crossroads Northbound Streetcar Stop 
  • Fred Trease, Disco Cloud, on the KC Streetcar #804
  • Isaiah Lee, Demonstrations 3, at the Metro Center Northbound Streetcar Stop
  • Kaitlyn B. Jones, How to Build an Altar for the Living, at the Library Southbound Streetcar Stop  
  • Khyneesha Edwards, Black Boy Joy, at the Union Station Streetcar Stop 
  • Madeline Marak, Flower Garden, at the River Market West Streetcar Stop  

The Art in the Loop Foundation will hold a Kick-Off event for the 2023 Art in the Loop Project: Celebrate, on Wednesday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library Central Branch. This will be an evening of art and music as we introduce the 2023 visual and performance artists. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with a reception followed by a program at 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Attendees can RSVP for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023.com.

The Art in the Loop Foundation is very excited to have a guest speaker at our Kick-Off Event this year. Michael Toombs is an accomplished artist and art activist. He is the CEO and founder of Storytellers Inc. Toombs is a leader and aid to artists throughout Kansas City. He specializes in interactive community based art works to bring people together through art.

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is provided artistic guidance by Marissa Starke, who is serving in her first year as the visual art director for Art in the Loop. Marissa Starke is a non-profit executive with a distinguished, 13-year history of success in non-profit management, corporate and community relations, and team leadership. A visionary leader with a demonstrated history of working in the fine art industry, Marissa has pioneered and led dozens of arts initiatives and programs across Missouri and Kansas, offering expertise in curation, community engagement and arts advocacy.

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is provided artistic guidance by Jade Osborne, who is serving in her first year as performance art director for Art in the Loop. Jade Osborne is an international performance artist, arts activist, facilitator, mentor, and speaker. She has worked in non-profit education, served in AmeriCorps, and has been a Poet and Artist in Residence (Capoeira & Aerial Acrobatics). She was the first female Capoeira performer in both the U.S. and Hong Kong. She helped pioneer aerial acrobatics in Kansas City with Voler – Thieves of Flight Performance Ensemble. 

Art in the Loop is proud to partner with AI Hub this year. AI Hub is a creative coworking space that caters to artists, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. They have been a great help making this year’s Art in the Loop project possible by giving our artists the technical tools to bring their art to life on the KC Streetcar shelters.

The 2023 Art in the Loop Project is made possible through the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, and other corporate partners. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee.

Project partners include the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or twitter.com/ArtintheLoop

# # #

Contacts:

Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355

Marissa Starke, Visual Arts Director, marissastarke@gmail.com, (c) 816-519-4236

Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jademuse@gmail.com 

KC Streetcar

Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org,  (c) 816-877-3219

The 2023 Call for Performing Artists for the summer series is open!  Musicians, dancers, spoken-word and perfomance artists are encourged to apply by May 22.  Performances will take place monthly in Downtown Kansas City.   An information session was held on May 15, 2023.  Click here to learn more and view the slide presentation.

Deadline for submissions: Monday, May 22, 2023, 11:59 p.m.

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is in search of performing artists to bring their creativity to Downtown Kansas City for the 2023 Art in the Loop Performance Series.

Through a competitive, open-call process, AILF selects local artists to perform along and near the KC Streetcar route as well as at other sites in Downtown Kansas City. This performance series will feature multi-sensory performances such as spoken word, dance, music, improv, etc., while also highlighting the visual artworks installed along the KC Streetcar route. 

Artists will receive a stipend for their work and selected artists will perform at one of five Art in the Loop events: 

  • June 21st: Kick-off Ceremony at the Central Library

  • July 12th: Summer evening concert on July 12th

  • August 16th: 816 Day at City Market

  • September 13th: Outdoor Performances at Streetcar Stops

  • November 8th: Closing Reception at the Central Library

2023 Theme/Prompt: Celebrate

How do you celebrate? This year we are asking artists to show us how/what they celebrate in their lives. This could be the celebration of art, identity, culture, community and more. How do you reflect celebration in your artwork and art practice, your community, and your city? 

For the 2023 Art in the Loop Performances, we are looking for artists to respond to these questions and to explore their vision of celebration. Proposed performances should reflect these questions and ideas in ways that engage and stimulate Kansas City audiences through public performances. 

Eligibility:

Professional artists, musicians, spoken-word artists, dance artists, and other performers, at least 18 years of age residing within 50 miles of Kansas City are eligible.

For more information or to apply, visit: www.artintheloop.com or contact Jade Osborne, Performance Art Director, jademuse@gmail.com.

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking visual artists to engage the community through an exhibition of public artwork along the KC Streetcar route in Downtown Kansas City from May 31 through November 31, 2023. This is our 10th annual summer public art program. Through a competitive, open-call process, AILF selects local artists to create temporary, site-specific work along and near the KC Streetcar route in Downtown Kansas City. Your artwork will be viewed by thousands of KC Streetcar riders and Downtowners daily! Selected artists will receive funds and project support to bring their artwork alive for a 6-month outdoor program.

Our 2023 theme is “Celebrate.”

How do you celebrate? This year we are asking artists to show us how/what they celebrate in their lives. This could be the celebration of art, identity, culture, community, and more. How do you reflect celebration in your artwork and art practice, your community, and your city?

For the 2023 Art in the Loop Project, we are looking for artists to respond to these questions and to explore their vision of celebration. Proposed projects should reflect these questions and ideas in ways that engage and stimulate Kansas City audiences through public art installations.

This year artists may submit proposals in 5 categories:

  • KC Streetcar Wrap + Shelter
  • KC Streetcar Shelter (Within the Frame)
  • KC Streetcar Shelter (Live Painting)
  • KC Streetcar Shelter + Sculpture
  • ARTwall Installation + Shelter

The application requires a written description of your proposal, a visual concept, and a short narrative about your goals for public engagement. Stipends will range from $1,000-$2,500 depending on the category. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 17, 11:59 CST. Applications must be made online via the application portal.

For information about eligibility, the selection process, evaluation criteria, and important dates, review the application guidelines. Applicants are also encouraged to learn about artist projects from previous years. Annual catalogs from past years’ programs can be found here.

Important Links:

 

Learn more about the call at an information session:

  • Thursday, February 23rd from 11 – 12 pm at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, in person and via zoom –  Click here to register
  • Wednesday, March 1st from 6 – 7:30 pm, Information Session and Workshop at AI Hub 511 Delaware Street Suite 50 KCMO – Click here to register
  • Saturday, March 11th from 10 – 11 am, Information Session Mix and Mingle at KCAC 3200 Gillham Road KCMO – Click here to register

Performance artists and musicians, stay tuned for our second call for artists in which we will have opportunities for performances along the KC Streetcar route and more.

Questions may be directed to Art in the Loop Visual Art Director, Marissa Starke, marissastarke@gmail.com, or Program Director, Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org.

Art in the Loop Mission:
The mission of the Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is to contribute to the visual identity, enrichment, and revitalization of Downtown Kansas City, create new opportunities for artistic development, and expand public interaction with new art of excellence. AILF values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive art community.

The City of Lawrence is excited to announce that the 33rd annual Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition is coming back in 2023 after a period of hibernation due to Covid-19.

The Lawrence Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition (ODSE) is in its 33rd year! The ODSE was founded by local sculptor and executive director of the Kansas Sculptors Association Jim Patti in 1988 to provide an opportunity for area sculptors to showcase their work in various locations in downtown Lawrence.

The ODSE is now sponsored by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission (LCAC) and receives financial and staff support from the City of Lawrence. To see what the most recent Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition looked like, see our 2019 event brochure here.

The LCAC is seeking artists and/or teams wishing to be considered to develop work for this temporary, one-year public art exhibition program.

Works that explore an expanded, ephemeral notion of art in the public realm are strongly encouraged. This might include:

  • Performance, Music, Spoken Word
  • Interactive
  • Socially Inspired
  • Temporary Installations
  • Dance
  • Video Projections
  • or other Innovative Approaches

For more information, see the 2023 Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition Call for Artists.

If you’re interested in applying, we encourage you: Don’t wait! The application window closes at midnight on Saturday, December 17th. 

Fill out the online application here.