It’s time to get excited!

Art in the Loop is hosting its Kick-Off event this Wednesday, June 5, at 6:00 pm.

Tony Jones, photo by James Prinz

Meet the 2019 artists, listen to a speech from Tony Jones, CBE, Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute, and watch a breathtaking dance performance by Tristian Griffin and James “SugEasy” Singleton; this is an event you do not want to miss!

Join us at the Kansas City Public Library, Helzberg Auditorium, 14 W 10th St, for an evening of excitement, passion and art.

RSVP here: https://www.kclibrary.org/signature-events/kickoff-2019-art-loop-project

 

As you may well have noticed, artwork has been springing up around the Downtown area with increasing frequency (if you need to see what I’m talking about, head over to Washington Square Park or the River Market West Streetcar stop). Speaking of “springing up,” the website pages, which give details about the aforementioned artworks—among others—are up at artintheloop.com. Take some time to learn about upcoming installations and the minds behind them, and get excited for the summer’s excitement.

Here are some works you may be seeing in the city now:

 

Endless, Alonso L Ortega

Endless is an installation that creates a playful, immersive mirage in which viewers can interact with Kansas City’s skyline. Reflective stainless steel planks will be placed strategically to give the illusion that mirrors are growing, unsupported out the ground. The mirrors allow us to perceive the city through a unique perspective, momentarily giving us the chance to create our own world in which to exist. Go check out Alonso’s piece today in Washington Square Park, on the corner of Pershing and Main St.

 

Streetcar Zen, Angie Jennings

Wanting to make photography more interactive, Angie Jennings uses augmented reality (AR) to bring her photography to life using video. Viewers will now be able to see the photographs as the photographer did: the life and breath before and after each image, usually inaccessible, can now be seen. Go see Angie’s work at the KC Streetcar River Market West stop. To access the augmented reality, download the Zappar app, zap (scan) the image, and view.

 

Tact, Ari Fish

Tact is an installation of chain link fence that surrounds a cluster of Redbud trees in Washington Square Park, referencing many sacred sites across the nation and alongside American highways. This piece focuses on the ability of art to act as a catalyst for community interaction, call to action, prayer ritual, and the idea of sacred space.  Go see Tact in Washington Square Park and bring an item of meaning or remembrance to add to the installation.

 

Stay tuned for more artworks that will be installed within the next few weeks, and continue to check our website, artintheloop.com, for updates.


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

 

Once every year, Downtown Kansas City erupts with a richness and vibrancy spurred by the rush of a certain community: artists. This year, Art in the Loop is proud to welcome its lineup of 15 talented artists that have created site-specific work to be shown throughout the Downtown area this summer—along the KC Streetcar route and in Washington Square Park. To congratulate their achievements and celebrate the cultural and artistic excitement that will be infused into our city this summer, we invite everyone to come to the Kick-Off Event Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the Kansas City Public Library, 14 W. 10th Street in the Helzberg Auditorium. During the program, Tony Jones CBE, the Nerman Family President of Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), will speak about Art in the Loop, KCAI, and the role of art in the community.

 

A crowning moment of this evening will be a dance performance by Tristian Griffin and James “SugEasy” Singleton. Griffin received his BFA in Ballet from Texas Christian University and, upon his graduation, danced for Garth Fagan Dance Company for three years. Singleton, on the other hand, has been dancing since age four and winning Hip Hop competitions since his middle school years. His love for the community and culture of Hip Hop stretches as far back as he can remember and his focus has always been to educate, motivate, and inspire people of all ages and capabilities with his passion for Hip Hop. Their performance, entitled When Two Worlds Meet, will combine elements of contemporary ballet and Hip Hop dance into a single invigorating performance.

Art in the Loop is expecting 2019 to be one of the most exciting summers for art in Kansas City and we hope you will join us for its debut. To learn more about the artists and the Art in the Loop Foundation, go to artintheloop.com. Click here to RSVP or for more information about the event (https://www.kclibrary.org/signature-events/kickoff-2019-art-loop-project).


Art in the Loop is made possible through the generous support of KC Streetcar; the City of Kansas City, Missouri; the Missouri Arts Council; ArtsKC and our corporate sponsors including Stinson; AutoAlert; Copaken Brooks; Kansas City Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund; Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts; Confluence; EPR Properties; Henderson Engineers; JE Dunn Construction; McCownGordon Construction; and Port KC. We appreciate in-kind support and guidance provided by the Downtown Council, the Downtown and River Market Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, Kansas City Public Library, and Kansas City Art Institute.

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

The Art in the Loop Foundation is pleased to announce the schedule of summer art installations and performances by local artists who were selected for “Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe.” This year marks the sixth for the Art in the Loop Project and includes artwork based on photography, virtual and augmented reality, hip-hop, poetry, puppetry, electronic music, interactive sculptures and more.

The 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe infuses the center of Downtown Kansas City with innovative and engaging temporary art that will refresh, intrigue and surprise Downtown employees, residents, and visitors. The project also creates opportunities for local emerging and established artists to extend their practice into the Downtown environment with curatorial, professional and logistical support. 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks and performances presented in three locations Downtown:

  1. Art on the Line – KC Streetcar, stops located along Main Street from the City Market to Union Station;
  2. Art in the Park – Washington Square Park, Pershing & Main Street; and,
  3. Art at the Library – Kansas City Public Library Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

Art on the Line (KC Streetcar)
Art in the Loop is partnering with the KC Streetcar Authority to install the following temporary installations and performances at streetcar stops from May through September.

Artist and Art Installations:

  • Christina Bereolos & Amanda Gehin, Macrosmos Caterpillar: Monarch Streetcar
  • Evan Brown, The Doodle Stop (Union Station Stop)
  • Rachelle Gardner-Roe, Herons & Hummingbirds Cross the Road (Kauffman Stop – North Bound)
  • Jane Gotch, Public2 (Viewable at Union Station, Library, and River Market West)
  • Amanda K. Guerra, Earth Bound (North Loop Stop)
  • Angie Jennings, Streetcar Zen (River Market West Stop)
  • Evan Maddox, New Atlantean Tourism Posters (Crossroads South Bound Stop)

Performances:

  • Jane Gotch, Public2 – Sat., Aug., 24, Time TBD (River Market West Stop)
  • Sheri Purpose Hall, A Wonka-Riffic Trip – Sep. 7, Time TBD (Union Station Stop)
  • Karen Lisondra, Abuela – Fri., June 28, 11:30-1:30 (Onboard KC Streetcar)

Art in the Park (Washington Square Park)
In partnership with the Municipal Art Commission and Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Kansas City, Missouri through a competitive selection process, three local artists (see list below) were selected to enliven Washington Square Park from May through September.

Artists and Art Installations:

  • Ari Fish, Tact
  • John Hachmeister, We Remember, We Forget
  • Alonso L. Ortega, Endless

Performances:

  • Jade Osborne & Calvin Arsenia, INTER RELATION>SHIP – Wed., Jun. 19, Time TBD
  • UN/TUCK Collective, Trans/Portal – Sat., Aug. 17,  Time TBD

Art at the Library (Kansas City Public Library Central Library, 14 W 10th St.)
The 2019 Art in the Loop Kick-Off Event will be held at the Library and is co-presented by Downtown Council; the City of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Art Institute.

Wednesday, June 5, 6:00 p.m.
2019 Art in the Loop Kick-Off
at Kansas City Public Library, Central Library
14 West 10th Street

As the 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe begins its nearly five-month run in and around Downtown Kansas City, meet its lineup of artists and performers and get a peek at their featured works.

The 15 participants in the annual outdoor exhibition are introduced by Art Director Bo Hubbard, co-founder of Alter Art Space and currently a resident at the Charlotte Street Foundation. A big-screen slideshow spotlights their artwork and performances. Tony Jones CBE, The Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute will also speak.

Art in the Loop organizers will announce participants in the Streetcar Sounds Summer Music Series. And dancers Tristian Griffin and James “SugEasy” Singleton close with a hip-hop and contemporary dance, When Two Worlds Meet.

Click here to view the 2019 artists’ concepts.

The 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe is made possible through the generous support of KC Streetcar; the City of Kansas City, Missouri; the Missouri Arts Council; ArtsKC: and our corporate sponsors including Auto Alert, Confluence, Copaken Brooks, EPR Properties, Henderson Engineers, JE Dunn Construction, McCownGordon Construction, PortKC, and Stinson Leonard Street. This project is also supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.

We appreciate support and guidance provided by our partners: Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KCMO-Public Works Department, KC Streetcar, the KC Parks, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Art Institute, Union Station and The Bridge 90.9.

For more information about the project, the artists and performance schedule visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or twitter.com/ArtintheLoop.
# # #
Contacts:
Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (o) 816-979-1072 (c) 816-718-1355
Bo Hubbard, Art Director, hhubbard@kcai.edu

KC Streetcar
Donna Mandelbaum, Communications Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org

City of Kansas City, Missouri
Eric Bosch, KCMO, City Architect, eric.bosch@kcmo.gov
Heidi Markle, KCMO Parks Department, heidi.markle@kcmo.gov
Consuelo Cruz, Arts Marketing Coordinator, consuelo.cruz@kcmo.org

Kansas City Public Library
Anne Ducey, Exhibit Director, anneducey@kclibrary.org

 

Art in the Loop is pleased to introduce our 2019 Art Director Bo Hubbard.  As Art Director, Hubbard plays an essential role in curating, writing, organizing, and representing the artists, artwork, and mission of the Art in the Loop Foundation.  

He will lead the 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe which works with artists to engage the Downtown Kansas City community through a series of site-specific art installations and performances in the center of Downtown Kansas City from May 1 through September 30, 2019. This year’s site partners include KC StreetcarWashington Square Park, and the Kansas City Public Library Central Library. Our 2019 artists will be announced later this month.

Hubbard is an artist and organizer based in Kansas City. He is currently a first-year resident at the Charlotte Street Foundation (CSF) and a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute’s Painting Department.

Hubbard is a Co-Founder of Alter Art Space, a queer artist collective working to provide multidisciplinary opportunities within a DIY night-life atmosphere. Alter received a Rocket Grant from CSF in 2017 as well as a Meow Wolf DIY Award. Alter has worked with a variety of organizations including the Nelson-Atkins, the Art in the Loop Foundation, and Missie B’s as well as collaborating with local collectives such as Un/Tuck, Electrosexual, and Lost Thought Productions. Alter has received press recognition in VICE magazine, the Kansas City Pitch, and KC Studio.

Hubbard was awarded the LeRoy Neiman Fellowship Program, a 15-week intensive studio program, in 2016 on behalf of the Kansas City Art Institute and Ox-Bow School of Art. Bo has assisted at Penland School

of Craft, the Oklahoma Arts Institute and interned at the Reading Reptile and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Hubbard’s solo studio practice has recently been spent creating rugs and discovering the process of machine tufting. With the rugs, he is investigating color, shape, and composition to create surreal, abstract landscapes. This body of work, similar to Bo’s previous pieces, explore the fluidity between functional, decorative, and conceptually activated objects found in a home setting.

Get behind-the-scenes insight on the creative process for many up-and-coming artists in Kansas City today when Charlotte Street Foundation’s Studio Residency program opens its doors on April 20th for its annual Open Studios event!  Doors will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This is your opportunity to meet with the artists, learn about their work and processes, and enjoy free entertainment! Performing residents will showcase their work through free music, readings, performances and more. Open Studios is a free event that is family friendly and open to the public!

Learn more at https://charlottestreet.org/event/open-studios/

Getting There:

The Town Pavilion is located at 1100 Walnut Street.  The studios are on the 6th Floor.  The closest KC Streetcar Stop is Metro Center.  Free parking is also provided by Commerce Bank. You can use the Commerce Bank parking garage located at 1025 Main Street/Commerce Bank. Please park anywhere that is not reserved.

KC Streetcar has teamed up with Our Daily Nada, Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, Read Poetry–Andrews McMeel Publishing and VMLY&R to celebrate National Poetry Month with a poetry context and poetry-themed events:

  • KC Poetry on the Move: Poetry Workshop with Barbara Varanka. Saturday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • KC Poetry on the Move: Featured Poet: Jessica Ayala. Saturday, April 20. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., performance begins at 7:00 p.m.
  • KC Poetry on the Move: Featured Poet: José Faus. Saturday, April 27. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., performance begins at 7:00 p.m.

All events are open to the public and located at Our Daily Nada at 304 Delaware Street. Details on all programs can be found at https://kclibraryfriends.org/kcpoetry and http://www.ourdailynada.com/events.

KC Poetry on the Move is a community-wide celebration of National Poetry Month and is sponsored by the KC Streetcar Authority, Our Daily Nada, Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, Read Poetry–Andrews McMeel Publishing and VMLY&R. The diverse and engaging submissions encompass the sights, sounds and flavors of Kansas City.

“Collaborations like this strengthens our connection to the community we serve,” said Donna Mandelbaum, communications director with the KC Streetcar Authority. “The KC Streetcar not only transports our riders to their destination but gives them the experience of exploring their community in a deeper way through partnerships with businesses and organizations on the streetcar route.”

The community-wide call for poems asked local writers to submit original works either inspired by Kansas City or with a Kansas City theme. Entries were reviewed and winners selected by a panel of local poets and writers.

About the KC Poetry on the Move Winners:

Lindsey Weishar holds an MFA in Poetry from UMKC and works at Literacy KC in Kansas City, Missouri. She writes for Verily and Ploughshares, and her chapbook, Matchbook Night was published in 2018.

Alarie Tennille was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia in the first class that admitted women. Alarie misses the ocean but loves the writing community she’s found in Kansas City. Alarie serves on the Emeritus Board of The Writers Place and coordinates Rose Garden Readings at Loose Park.

Jerry Woods is a Project Manager in International Sales at Automatic Systems, Inc., and has a BS in Petroleum Engineering. He has published a few articles for the China Daily – China’s only National English-speaking website. Jerry also lived in Germany for six years where he was a professional dancer, choreographer and appeared on German TV in JFK: The Rock Opera and in Tony N Tina’s Wedding as Father Mark for the English Theater Frankfurt.

Hannah Steinhauser can be found scribbling speculative short stories and love poems in different nooks around the city. She has a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Kansas, is an operations manager during the day, and slings drinks at a ramen bar o’ nights.

KC Poetry on the Move is working with local artists to take the winning poems and turn them into posters, which will be printed and displayed in the KC Streetcars and at KC Streetcar stops during the month of April. Winners are also invited to read their poems at KC Poetry on the Move events throughout April.

The Art in the Loop Foundation is looking for talented, local musicians to perform on the KC Streetcar or at Streetcar stops during our 2019 Art in the Loop Streetcar Summer Sounds Music Series. The theme for our 2019 project is “Make/Believe”.

Artwork will be installed at KC Streetcar stops and in Washington Square Park. We want to bring music and artwork together and are seeking local musicians who want to experience performing in a unique setting, engaging with their audience in a distinctive way.

How to apply:

  • Complete the form at the following link, including links to an online music sample or video. Applications without music samples will not be considered.
  • Within the artist statement, please indicate why you’d like to perform as part of the Streetcar Sounds Music Series and what instruments you would use during your performance.
  • Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/DowntownKC/2019-Streetcar-Music
  • Applications are due Friday, April 26, 2019.

The details:

  • $300 stipend for one 2-hour performance with breaks. As these are paid musical performances, gratuity/tips should not be solicited.
  • This is a competitive selection process. Qualified applicants will be notified of their selection status prior to June 1, 2019.
  • Musicians must be local. Musicians can be individual or groups. Group size onboard a streetcar is limited to 4.
  • If performing at streetcar stop, musicians must be able to provide their own amplification system. A portable power source is a plus.
  • Musicians must be able to perform acoustic-style while on board the streetcar.
  • Planned performance times and dates are listed below but subject to change.
  • Check out last year’s performers at https://www.artintheloop.com
Locations Performance Dates Time
KC Streetcar Stops and/or on-board Streetcar Vehicle Thursdays: June 6 – August 1*
No performance the week of July 1
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art in the Loop – Kick-off Event Wednesday, June 5 6:00 p.m.
816 Day Celebration August 16 TBD
Art in the Loop – Closing Reception Wednesday, November 6 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Applications Due:

Apply here, https://form.jotform.com/DowntownKC/2019-Streetcar-Music

For more information, contact ann@downtownkc.org or visit www.artintheloop.com

Party Car by Amy Kligman, 2018 Art in the Loop Project

The Art in the Loop Foundation is excited to present the 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe!  Again this year, we are partnering with the Downtown Council, KC Streetcar, the City of Kansas City, Missouri and KC Public Library to produce the 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe, an annual curated outdoor exhibit of artworks and performances along the KC Streetcar route, in Washington Square Park and at the KC Public Library, May – September 2019. Our goal is to create unique and entertaining, cultural and artistic experiences for Downtown employees, residents and visitors – while also giving local artists the opportunity to build new audiences.  Our complementary Art in the Loop Music Series will showcase local musicians with performances onboard KC Streetcar, in Washington Square Park and at the Kansas City Public Library.

Sponsorship Opportunities

New sponsor benefits are available this year including recognition as the Art Car Sponsor, the Streetcar Stop Sponsor, and the Title Card Sponsor, which includes recognition at each artwork. All levels include recognition in Art in the Loop/Downtown Council social media posts. Click here for more information about sponsor levels.

Last year we showcased the work of 33 local artist groups, including over 76 individual artists and produced a weekly lunchtime concert series that stretched out over 16 weeks with a total estimated attendance of 6,400. We estimate nearly 350,000 people had the opportunity to view our artwork installed along KC Streetcar route. Wouldn’t you like to associate your brand with our creative community along the KC Streetcar route and in Washington Square Park?

We need your help to make this project a success! Over half of the funds raised will go directly to local artists who are working and building their arts businesses in our region. This project also supports efforts to attract talented and creative people to live and work Downtown by providing unique cultural and entertainment opportunities.

To secure your sponsorship, make a donation, join our communications list, or ask questions, visit https://www.artintheloop.com/support or contact Ann Holliday, program director of the Art in the Loop Foundation(AILF), ann@downtownkc.org or (816) 979-1072, by March 31, 2019. 

Kansas City area artists – apply now to create temporary art for KC Streetcar, Washington Square Park and KC Public Library Central Library.  APPLICATIONS ARE DUE, SUNDAY MARCH 3! Stipends will range from $500 to $5,000.  Click the link below to apply!

Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking artists to engage the Downtown Kansas City community through a series of site-specific art installations and performances in the center of Downtown Kansas City from May 1 through September 30, 2019.

The goal of the Art in the Loop Project is to infuse the center of Downtown Kansas City with innovative and engaging temporary art that will refresh, intrigue and surprise our audience of Downtown employees, residents and visitors. Equally important, the project will also create an opportunity for local emerging and established artists to extend their practice into the Downtown environment with curatorial, professional and logistical support.

The theme for our 2019 project is “Make/Believe.”  How can creative making transform reality for both artist and audience?  We ask makers to explore the ability for art to be transportive and for fantasy to be collective. 

Sites for proposed artwork include KC Streetcar, Washington Square Park and Kansas City Public Library Central Library.  Stipends will range from $500 to $5,000.

Applications are due March 3, 11:59 p.m.

Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking artists to engage the Downtown Kansas City community through a series of site-specific art installations and performances in the center of Downtown Kansas City from May 1 through September 30, 2019.

The goal of the Art in the Loop Project is to infuse the center of Downtown Kansas City with innovative and engaging temporary art that will refresh, intrigue and surprise our audience of Downtown employees, residents and visitors. Equally important, the project will also create an opportunity for local emerging and established artists to extend their practice into the Downtown environment with curatorial, professional and logistical support.

The theme for our 2019 project is “Make/Believe.”  How can creative making transform reality for both artist and audience?  We ask makers to explore the ability for art to be transportive and for fantasy to be collective. 

Sites for proposed artwork include KC Streetcar, Washington Square Park and Kansas City Public Library Central Library.  Stipends will range from $500 to $5,000.

Applications are due March 3, 11:59 p.m.

Party Car by Amy Kligman, 2018 Art in the Loop Project

SlinkyBall by Denise DiPiazzo, 2019 Art in the Loop Project

Running Idle by Daniel Chase, 2019 Art in the Loop Project

Night People by Stephen Proski, 2019 Art in the Loop Project

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking a talented individual to assist with the implementation of temporary public art installation and performance projects in collaboration with their partner organizations the Downtown Council (DTC), the Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID), KC Streetcar, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. This is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in art administration and project management.

A stipend will be provided at the completion of the internship.  We will work to create a valuable experience for the intern that includes mentorship and the development of skills and knowledge that will benefit you in the future.

Arts Intern – Responsibilities

  • Communications & Social Media
    • Work with staff to create content for websites, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
    • Assist with photo-documentation of art installations and performances
  • Assist with Call for Artists and Selection Process for Art in the Loop’s annual curated outdoor exhibit of temporary art and performances in Downtown Kansas City by organizing applications, preparing for Artist Selection Panel meeting, and preparing artists contracts and related materials
  • Assist with opening and closing receptions as well as other events such as art walks as needed

The ideal candidate should possess:

2018 Art in the Loop Staff & Interns

  • Strong written/verbal skills;
  • Be detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Ability to take on multiple projects and see them through to completion
  • Experience with Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and event support is a must;
  • Experience with WordPress is a PLUS;
  • Experience photo-documenting art performances and installations
  • Familiarity with Adobe Products
  • Photo editing skills

The intern will need will need access to:

  • A computer
  • photo editing software

When:

The internship can be divided into 3 sessions:

Session 1: Feb – April

Session 2: May – Aug

Session 3: Sep – Dec

10+ hours per week (hours may vary.)

This intern must be able to work collaboratively and efficiently with others and is expected to support events. This intern should have strong communication skills. The intern meets weekly to discuss assignments and progress with staff.

Stipend: A stipend will be paid on completion of each intern session

Apply:  Please send a letter of interest, resume and brief writing sample to Ann Holliday, Director of Arts Initiatives, ann@downtownkc.org.  No calls please.

Learn more:
www.artintheloop.com