Art in the Loop Announces 2023 Performance Series

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

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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

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‘Black Boy Joy’ Interview with Khyneesha Edwards

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

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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 

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KC Streetcar Wrap Reveal 2023

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. 

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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

 

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Art in the Loop Announces 2023 Visual Artists

(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. 

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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

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