MYTHMAKERS: A Group Exhibition Curated by Megan Mantia

From the Organizers:
“Featuring work by some 14 artists and collaboratives, Mythmakers embodies the youthful, make-your-own-fun, do-it-yourself-and-together spirit of the Kansas City art scene. Organized by artist/curator Megan Mantia, the densely packed exhibition will showcase a cross-section of emerging artists who place themselves at the center of their work, constructing mythic personas and fantasy narratives that fuse autobiographical aspects with illusions of grandeur, typically with a sizeable dose of humor thrown in as well.

“While expressed through diverse media and formats, this personal mythmaking frequently involves performative elements, which this exhibition will emphasize. Opening night will feature ‘scheduled activations of personalities and installations,’ says Mantia, who also notes that the collaborative nature of many of these artists’ work will encourage audience participation.

“‘These artists offer sharp pop-culture commentary, and are proud of their Midwestern origins,’ writes Mantia, who is herself a member of Rah! Booty, Whoop Dee Doo, and Ssion. ‘They start with something personal, and twist it until even the oddest attribute is admirable and accessible. Most distinctively, this art takes fantasy and fabricates it for interaction — each artist involves the community in their work, and lavishes thought and attention on their potential audience. And all of these artists work fast and energetically- the excitement is in trying to keep up.’

“Featured artists include Megan Mantia, Drew Bolton, Spencer Brown, Cody Critcheloe, Kyle Devine, Ariel Hart, Hooliganship, Lamano, Dustin Maberry, Rah Booty!, Leone Anne Reeves, Elisha Stetson, Ryan Tacata, Jaimie Warren + Ariel Williams.”

Location: Charlotte Street Foundation (1828 Walnut, KCMO)
Opening with special performances: Friday, November 20 from 6-9pm
Exhibition on view: November 20, 2009 – January 2, 2010
Hours: Thursday + Saturday, 12-5pm

posted by: Tricia Rock

Holiday Ric Rac Roundup

Tonight, November 19 from 5-9pm check out the Ric Rac Roundup at Californo’s (4124 Pennsylvania, KCMO). This local craft fair features 17 artists/designers/crafters and is perfect for finding some unique holiday gifts. Check out a list of participants below:

Dirty Laundry (bath fizzies and other adorable stuff)
Sodapop (fabulous bags, buttons, everything you could want)
Emmy-Ray (jewelry)
Early Jewelry
Lost and Found (jewelry)
Andrea Yates (ceramics)
Alissa Ross (plush stuff)
Sandi Devenney (plush stuff)
Oddly Correct (coffee)
Kdog Photographers
Pati Lord Judy (cute aprons, etc)
Linda Davis (custom pet portraits)
Emily Blodgett-Panos (jewelry)
bon bon atelier (coolest stuff ever)
Glazed Earth (ceramics)
Liz Gardner (apparel)
Scarlett Garnet (jewelry)
Emily Eakes (fabulous wall art)
Lusterbunny (jewelry)
Foldedpigs (ceramics)

posted by: Tricia Rock

The Obsidian Art Collective at The Honeytree Gallery

You are invited to join The Obsidian Art Collective for their first group show Introductions. This event will be hosted by The Honeytree Gallery (504 E 18th Street Unit 102, KCMO) Saturday, October 17. Doors will open from 5pm to 8pm and live music will be provided by Suzannah Johannes.

The Obsidian Art Collective is a recently united group of Kansas City artists. Introductions will feature current works of art by:
KateE Burke
Christie Mann
Megan Embers Roelofs
Ryan Johnson
Sara McManus

posted by: Tricia Rock

First Fridays: “Cardinal Directions,” My Associate Cornelius, Salvatore Conti

We can’t make it to Kansas City for First Fridays tonight but that’s not going stop us from compiling this list of shows we would see if we could.

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CARDINAL DIRECTIONS BY SANTIAGO CAL, DUAT VU, JOHN HENDRIX AND SHAWN BITTERS

Sandmaker, screen printed sand, 68″ x 20″ by Shawn Bitters

Artists’ Statement:
“How have your physical surroundings impacted who you are today? Where are you now and how did you get there? Cardinal Directions engages these questions, discovering that our sense of self is often inextricably bound to the spaces we inhabit over the course of our lives. This exhibition brings together artists teaching at universities to the North, South, East, and West of Kansas City, each of whom is drawn towards the examination of personal identity, geography, and the idea of interfacing with real or imagined boundaries.

“Featured artists include John Hendrix from University of Washington in St. Louis, Shawn Bitters from University of Kansas, Santiago Cal from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Duat Vu from Missouri State University.”

Opening reception, 6-9 pm Oct 2 : closes Oct 30
Arts Incubator Gallery, 115 W 18th KCMO

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MY ASSOCIATE CORNELIUS GALLERY SHOW – POSTER ART BY DESIGNER A. MICAH SMITH

This show features screen printed posters designed by A. Micah Smith under his pseudonym My Associate Cornelius.

Opening reception, 6-9 pm Oct 2 : closes Oct 31
Bridgeport Church, 112 W 18th KCMO

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BROKEN IS BEAUTIFUL — THE MISS HAVERSHAM COLLECTION BY SALVATORE CONTI

The inspiration for this collection by Salvatore Conti comes from Miss Havisham, a character in the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

Artist Statement:
“I decided to liberate Miss Havisham from her tattered wedding dress and tattered life by re-writing her story, and create a series of jewelry making broken as beautiful. I wanted to rectify Miss Havisham’s life with an epiphany, a revelation that we can prosper from being broken, we can resurrect our lives, in the same way a grain of sand irritates an oyster and creates a pearl.

“In my version of the story, Miss Havisham sheds her broken world and realizes that she too has become a pearl. She too has blossomed, finally, from her grief and brokenness and has transformed into something new.  She has inspired herself and has moved forward and has re-invented her world.”

Opening reception, 6-9 pm Oct 2 : closes Oct 31
Blue Gallery, 118 Southwest Blvd KCMO

posted by: Brent Carter

WearHaus at The Bulldog

If you haven’t heard of WearHaus, I’ll share with you a synopsis from the company itself:

“WearHaus is a Kansas City based event planning company focused on fashion. The company started in 2002 and prides itself on building a community for up-and-coming designers who seek a network of resources in the industry. WearHaus is a creative, community driven company, built on networking. What started as a small shopping market has turned into large scale fashion shows, even larger designer markets, workshops and a boutique and studio space.

Our new space is located in the heart of the art’s district – The Crossroads.  We are open every First Friday featuring exciting entertainment and fashion minded exhibits from 6pm to 10pm.  The boutique features independent designers and is available for private parties, wedding celebrations, ladies nights and more.  Shopping is welcomed by appointment.  Come check us out at 1800 Central Suite 204, Kansas City, MO 64108 or call us at 816.842.1678.

WearHaus provides a venue for designers to expose their lines directly to consumers and professional buyers. In return, shoppers get the unique experience of finding something new and local. WearHaus strives to create business relationships not just locally but nationally. To see a full list of our services please visit the SERVICES page.”

Tonight, Wednesday, September 9 from 5:30 – 9:30pm WearHaus will host its monthly Second Wednesday event at The Bulldog (1715 Main, KCMO).

Trunk Show from 5:30- 9:30pm
Troubadour’s Music Club from 8:00-11:00pm
Shopping, Drink Specials, Beauty Bar, Networking, Live Music and More!

Support local designers by buying smart – Shop the WearHaus Designer Trunk Show

This is a monthly showing of Kansas City’s MOST talented local designers featuring original clothing and accessories. Come check out HumaNature Salon’s Beauty Bar featuring make up, hair, manicures – all your beauty needs.

Don’t shop at the mall, buy LOCAL!

September Designers Include:
AMCC Sales – Jewelry
Scarlett Garnett – Jewelry
Urbantique – Accessories & Home Decore
A Shade Crazy – Clothing

What’s the Troubadour’s Music Club?
This is a night of acoustic performance from KC’s finest musicians presented by Good Show Music
Performances from 8:00-11:00pm

posted by: Tricia Rock