A&E
Aubrey’s Kansas City Adventures Monarch Glass Studio holds creations that captivate the mind through their dangerous origins. BY AUBREY MAKAR A&E COLUMNIST
In a small building on East Truman Road, my friend’s brother, Tyler Kimball, owns Monarch Glass Studio where he makes the most amazing pieces that transform molten glass into something spectacular. Right when you walk in the door there is a variety of glass artwork which immediately captures your attention. There are pieces from
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LE JOURNAL
March 2016
colorful vases to an intricate glass sculpture of a shuttlecock. Each piece is highly individualized by the artist who created it. The studio makes up the entire building and the first thing that we did upon arriving was take a tour. All the levels of the building had something to do with glass blowing even if it was only to store a few pieces. After taking a tour of the studio, we observed the creation of the glass sculptures. It was immediately noticeable that there was a lot of skill involved in this craft. They were constantly dealing with lighting up a furnace that held the molten glass and the scorched metal beams used to gather the glass. I was able to watch with utter delight as Kimball pulled out a dripping ball of glass out of the fiery furnace and transform it into a small pony. The glass was still red with heat
as he finished making it and set it on the metal sheet to cool off. A small bucket was underneath the sheet filled to the brim with colorful glass pieces that we could look through and collect our favorites to take home. Each of the pieces were cut from a bigger project that couldn’t be put back into the furnace due to color differences. The next thing I knew I was given a huge metal rod and directed towards the furnace to gather the glass for a different project. The heat was almost too much as I gathered the courage to get the job done. I have no idea how they are able to make these creations with such ease because I was having a hard time trying to hold onto the stick as I twirled it in the liquefied glass. The rod was heavy, and my knees shook because of the irrational fear that I was going to brand someone with the end of the stick. Thankfully,
no one got a cylinder shaped burn forever etched into their face but it could have easily happened with me driving the rod. After I had gathered the glass it was time to collect our things because they had some real work to do that didn’t include making small horses or dodging a blazing metal rod. Kimball gave us the horses and we excitedly accepted them and tried to decide on names. I named mine Power while my friends took Light and District just to commemorate our time in the studio. Glass blowing is definitely not one of my talents and I highly admire anyone who can do it with such precision and composure. This turned out to be one of my favorite days that I was able to spend with my friends because of the mix of suspense and excitement. Some of the most creative places are in Downtown Kansas City.
River Market Offers Something for Everyone This downtown neighborhood The name is pretty self -explanatory. For the lunch or dinner crowd, is the perfect place for there are plenty of options. You could weekend exploring. stick to the tried and true local chains BY RACHEL ERGOVICH MANAGING EDITOR
Just north of Downtown Kansas City, wedged in between I-35 and the Missouri River, is a quaint neighborhood known as the Kansas City River Market. This small area has a multitude of interesting shops and restaurants that are suited to the traditional and adventurous alike. Spend at least a few hours at the River Market. If you’re a morning person, start your morning with breakfast. Try The Farmhouse, but make sure to get there before 10 a.m. because it tends to fill up quickly. The Farmhouse pancakes and fruit are the best pancakes ever. If you’re not a fan of breakfast food (do those people even exist?), try one of the many coffee shops located in the River Market. Kansas City favorite Quay Coffee will never disappoint. If you’re looking for a coffee house vibe but want some food more substantial than pastries, head to The Opera House Coffee and Food Emporium.
like Bo Lings or Minsky’s. For those wanting to try something new there is an abundance of restaurants serving international cuisine ranging from Mexican and Italian to Ethiopian and Brazilian. There is no where else in Kansas City where you can find that kind of variety. One of the coolest things at the River Market is the farmer’s market. The vendors sell both local and international fruits and vegetables, as well as other merchandise. Next to the fruit and vegetable booths there are people selling baked goods, honey, tea and spices from all around the world. Some of the international vendors
also have shops in the same area as their stands for the farmer’s market. So even if you don’t go on a Saturday morning, you’ll still have the opportunity to buy their products. There’s more to do in the River Market than just eating and shopping, though. Take in some local history at the Arabia Steamboat Museum. If museums aren’t your thing, take in the beautiful views at a number of unique parks in the neighborhood, or bring your four-legged furry friend and play around in an off-leash park. You may even see the new streetcar completing one if it’s test runs. Plan a trip down to the Kansas City River Market with some of your friends. No matter what you’re interested in, you won’t be disappointed.
(Photo by Sophie Nedelco)
