Explore Art - March/April 2014 by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

exploreart spring calendar

2014

ma rc h a pri l

exhibitions

FEATURED EXHIBITION

Featured

T Exhibition

Tickets Members: FREE Adults: $12

Anthropomorphic Stele, El-Maakir-Qaryat al-Kaafa, near Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, 4th millennium B.C.E. Sandstone. National Museum, Riyadh, 998.

Seniors over 55: $10 Students with ID: $6 Children 12 and under: FREE Groups of 10 or more (call ahead to reserve): $8 per person

Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia April 25–July 6 | Galleries L13–15 More than 200 recently excavated objects, not seen outside of Saudi Arabia until 2010, this exhibition represents more than 7,000 years of the Arabian Peninsula’s largely unknown cultural history. The objects tell the story of ancient trade routes that carried frankincense and myrrh and the Islamic pilgrimage routes that guided the faithful to Mecca and Medina. Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is organized by the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ExxonMobil and Saudi Aramco are gratefully acknowledged as principal co-sponsors of the tour of Roads of Arabia in the United States. Sponsorship is also provided by The Olayan Group and Fluor Corporation. This exhibition is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

On the cover Nabataean tomb at Mada’in Saleh (detail). Photo courtesy of Mohammed Babelli.

816.751.1ART

FREE EXHIBITIONS In the Looking Glass: Recent Daguerreotype Acquisitions Through July 20 Gallery L10 Highlighting a commitment to the earliest form of photography, the museum’s daguerreotype holdings now include more than 800 pieces. This exhibition displays the newest works of this remarkable collection, expanding the vision to include European daguerreotypes and beyond. Pierre Victor Plumier, French (active 1840s–1850s). Lady in costume (detail), ca. 1850. Daguerreotype, half plate. Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, 2007.17.28. © Nelson Gallery Foundation.

Living with the Spirits: Decorating Homes in Traditional China Through July 20 Gallery 222 Explore the world of Chinese gods, heroes and villains in this vibrant exhibition of popular New Year prints. New Year Print (detail), Chinese, 19th-early 20th century. Ink and color on paper. Bequest of Laurence Sickman, F8844/216.

Color and Line: Masterworks on Paper Through August 24 Gallery P27 This exhibition features 13 European masterworks of the 19th and early 20th centuries. These works highlight the ways in which artists used rich color and meticulous line not only to represent the world in naturalistic fashion but, increasingly, to explore abstraction. Egon Schiele, Austrian (1890–1918). Standing Woman in a Patterned Blouse, 1912. Graphite and gouache on paper. Gift of Richard S. Davis, 53-18.

nelson-atkins.org

FREE EXHIBITIONS Splendors of Japanese Art Through December 31 Gallery 205 Select Buddhist art, screen paintings, lacquer wares, ceramics, woodblock prints and textiles from the museum’s outstanding collection of Japanese art. Recent acquisitions are introduced as highlights in displays. Kaigetsudô Ando, Japanese (1671–1743). A Courtesan (detail), early 18th century. Hanging scroll: ink and color on paper. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 32-83/5.

TOURS Interactive Collection Tour Wed–Fri 1:30 p.m. Thurs/Fri 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sat/Sun 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. Meet at Info Desk Drop in for a FREE guided tour and spend up to an hour looking at and discussing works in the collection.

Updated Mobile Guides

Tours for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired March 15 & April 19 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Info Desk | FREE Ages 12 & up | Reservations required Explore the collections through a combination of tactile experiences and verbal descriptions in this monthly tour. Bring family and friends or an accompanying companion to find new meaning in art! Tour topics vary each month.

NEW games, tours and more—fun for all ages! Check out a FREE device at the Bloch Lobby Info Desk or use your own. Go to naguide.org to begin.

art

+ family

FUN

FOR F A MI L IES !

Join us every Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m. for FREE hands-on activities, close looking and conversation with museum guides in the galleries and in the Bloch Lobby.

WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES In March and April, we celebrate signs of spring like the blooming cherry blossom trees and enjoy the screens in the Japanese gallery. Gallery Activity Explore landscape screens in the Japanese collection. Learn about the important role nature plays in Japanese art.

Story Time for Preschoolers Join us every second Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in Noguchi Court for story time led by librarians from the Kansas City Public Library.

FUN Spot Decorate your own folded screen inspired by the season of spring.

Check out the next Explore Art for updates about family programs and events.

816.751.1ART

calendar Key R

Reservations

Tickets For reservations and tickets, call 816.751.1ART (option 2).

Members only

Programs are FREE, unless a price is listed. The discounted price for museum members is listed first; the public price follows.

MARCH

S aturda y

Print Society Chinese & Japanese Prints Tour 2–3:30 p.m. Meet at Info Desk | R FREE for Print Society members/$10 Non-members Curator Ling-en Lu will walk the Print Society through two Asian galleries currently exhibiting prints. Join the discussion about the print techniques and their place in Asian art.

Friends of Art NEW! Gallery Hack 6–8 p.m. | Bloch Lobby, Various Galleries | M T This un-highlights tour uncovers hidden stories of one of Kansas City’s most spectacular cultural institutions. You’ll see some of the museum’s most fascinating treasures in this unique experience. Join Happy Hour from 6–7 p.m. in Bloch Lobby (special drink prices for members). Tour from 7–8 p.m.

F rida y

W E D N E sda y

Artful Conversation 1–2:30 p.m. | Info Desk | R Uncover new ideas and share inspiring dialogue with a docent and other participants who share your interest in art! Conversation continues in Rozzelle Court (Dutch treat).

T hursda y

Artist’s Talk Jerry Spagnoli: The Art of the Daguerreotype 6–7 p.m. Atkins Auditorium | T Daguerreotypist Jerry Spagnoli explains the historical significance of the daguerreotype, the first photographic process, and how he combines a sense of beauty with the high level of technical skill required for success in this difficult medium. This program is sponsored by the Photography Society.

Andy Brayman 6 & 7 p.m. Meet at Info Desk | T Andy Brayman creates ceramic artworks that are a playful mix of functional, decorative and conceptual. Follow him through the galleries as he shares his singular perspective. Note: All participants attend a brief presentation of the artist’s work in Lens 2. Series continues April 18. YFA Second Friday Happy Hour 6–8 p.m. | Creative Café Start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early with the Young Friends of Art and partner Shave to Save from the American Cancer Society. Cash bar with special prices for members.

nelson-atkins.org

Five prominent scholars of Islamic art and culture are joined by four international artists, including Ahmed Mater, Shahzia Sikander and Kansas City’s own Asheer Akram, for this multi-session exploration of the impact of Islamic art on contemporary artistic practice. In conjunction with the exhibition Echoes: Islamic Art & Contemporary Artists. The Symposium is supported by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. FRiday, march 7 Collective Performance by Hayv Kahraman 6 p.m. | Atkins Auditorium | T Contemporary artist Hayv Kahraman presents a provocative performance exploring a single artistic perspective through multiple voices that is at once informative, performative and generative.

SATURday, march 8 Symposium Sessions 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. | T $15/$5 Students (Member discounts: Society of Fellows 30%, Friends of Art 20%) 10 a.m.–Noon Translations: Mughal Painting and Contemporary Miniatures Noon–1 p.m. Box lunch available $19 (pre-order when you register) 1–2:15 p.m. Translations: Calligraphy and the Arts of the Book 2:30–4:15 p.m. Translations: Geometry, Design and Modernism Visit nelson-atkins.org for full list of speakers and topics. Gallery L5 featuring Hayv Kahraman’s Icosahedral sculpture.

Spring Fever Sale! Thursday, March 20–Sunday, March 23 Museum Store | Bloch Lobby

nelson-atkins.org

Unique home décor, jewelry, children’s items and books at substantially reduced prices. Join us adjacent to the Museum Store. Additional discounts do not apply.

MARCH

S A T U R da y

Public Demonstration Making a Daguerreotype 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Lens 2 | T See how the daguerreotype, the first form of photography, is made! Join modern daguerreotypist Jerry Spagnoli as he demonstrates this intricate process. Space is limited.

Take 5 Home 7–8 p.m. | Lens 2 | T Welcome home! Explore the idea of home with curator Stephanie Knappe, Charlie Vega of Blackbird Design Studio, Evie Craig of reStart Inc, and Edward and Dianna Peden of former missile silo Subterra Castle. Series continues April 17.

F ri da y

Behind the Seen 25 Years of “Wax On, Wax Off” Tales From the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park 6–7 p.m. | Sculpture Hall T

thurs da y

Know Your Museum Tour 11 a.m.–Noon & 1:30–2:30 p.m. Meet at Info Desk | M T Consider the world in a moment of time! Learn about works of art in various collections that were created within a narrow timeframe of history. Society of Fellows In the Vault 6–8 p.m. Kirkwood Hall | M T Nelson Society level & up Nelson Society level members and above are invited for an exclusive tour with conservator Elisabeth Batchelor. Start with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in Kirkwood Hall. Then go on a behind-the-scenes viewing of a very important and famous restoration currently taking place in the conservation lab. Limited to 36 guests.

The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park has seen it all; from installations and sculpture maintenance to interactions with wildlife and humans alike. Hear untold stories from conservators Joe Rogers and Alicia Halligan about this iconic Kansas City landmark! Series continues April 25.

satur da y

Conservatory Connections Airs and Dances of the World: A Musical Conversation 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. Meet in stair hall between Galleries 205 & 206 Nelson-Atkins Building Zsolt Eder on violin and Gloria Britez Scolari on viola present new compositions inspired by folk music from countries around the globe. Short pieces will be paired with visual art that resonates or connects with the music. Series continues April 26.

Rozzelle Court Restaurant

Lunch Wed–Sun, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Happy Hour @ Bloch Lobby Thursdays, 5:30–8 p.m. Served dinner & live music Fridays, 5–10:30 p.m. Menu and performers change weekly. Reservations 816.751.1ART (1278), option 2. Friday, March 14 Dinner & Live Music in Honor of St. Patrick’s Day 5–10:30 p.m. | R Celebrate Irish culture! Dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jonathan Pye and his team of culinary artisans. Live music by Garrick Hall and Staneslash Heaney and full bar available. Sunday, APRIL 20 Easter Brunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | R Kansas City Easter tradition combines elegant food with priceless art in a beautiful Italian-style courtyard. Live music by Maggie Pruitt to accompany the festivities. Full bar available. Make reservations early. $33 members $37 non-member adults $16 children 12 & under 15% service charge added to total bill. Save the date for Mother’s Day Brunch May 11! 816.751.1ART

MARCH/APRIL

Passport to India Sunday, March 30 FREE Family Festival | 12:30–4 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon filled with dance, fashions, art and culture of India—Bollywood style!

All programs are FREE. Where T is noted, please reserve tickets. Additional parking and shuttle service will be available at MRI Global, 425 Volker Boulevard starting at 11:45 a.m. DANCES OF INDIA Family Performance 12:30–1 p.m. & 2:30–3 p.m. Atkins Auditorium | T Local Indian dance groups will dazzle audience members by performing various styles of folk, fusion and Bollywood dances. Art Talk 1:30–2 p.m. | Lens 2 | T

ROCK YOUR WALK FASHION SHOW 3:30–4 p.m. | Bloch Lobby Learn the stories behind traditional and contemporary designs during a colorful fashion show accompanied by Indian Bollywood music. Pick up a passport to get it stamped at these different stops throughout the museum: (1–4 p.m.)

Join professor Marcella Sirhandi as she discusses India’s famous Mughal paintings and the contemporary miniature movement.

• Try on a sari or designs featured in the fashion show and snap a photo of yourself.

Gallery Walk 2–2:30 p.m. | Gallery L8 Bloch Building

• Learn with museum guides in the South and Southeast Asian Art Galleries.

Following the presentation in Lens 2 (above), drop in for an informal discussion with Bashir Ahmed and Marcella Sirhandi on a walk through the Echoes exhibition.

• Get a temporary tattoo while local artists demonstrate traditional Henna designs.

INDIAN FOOD 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Bloch Lobby | $3–$5

• View a selection of Mughal books from our own collection.

• Write your name in Hindi with the help of community volunteers. • Create your own Indian design-inspired paper cuff bracelet.

Enjoy Indian food and drink available for purchase.

R Reservations T Tickets M Members only

APRIL

F R I da y

The Curator is IN! The World’s Fair Returns 7–8 p.m. | Gallery 215 Take a walk with curator Karin Jones as the museum celebrates the return of works featured in Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, 1851–1939 after its celebrated four-city national tour.

S atur da y

New In-gallery Program Series Family Hour in the African Gallery 1–4 p.m. | Gallery L9 Explore the newly reinstalled African Gallery! Enjoy a variety of activities each month, including hands-on art processes, storytelling and performances, as you learn and connect with African art and culture. Series continues May 3.

WEDNESDAY

HAPPY HOUR @ Bloch Lobby 5:30–8 p.m. | Thursdays Small plates, full bar, artful experience, eclectic music.

APRIL

FRIDAY

YFA Second Friday Happy Hour 6–8 p.m. | Lens 2 Join Young Friends of Art and special guests from the KC Film Fest for happy hour. Several lucky YFA members will leave with FREE film passes in hand. Cash bar with special prices for members.

S A T U R da y

Slow Art Day 10 a.m.–Noon Meet in Bloch Lobby | R One day each year, people all over the world visit local museums and galleries to look at art slowly. View five works in the museum’s collection for 10 minutes each and join others in Rozzelle Court for lunch and conversation. Optional lunch sold separately.

S U N da y

Murphy Lecture Capturing Fragments of the Divine: Relics and Power 2–3 p.m. Atkins Auditorium | T Only after he built an exquisite chapel to house the Crown of Thorns and other relics did King Louis IX become canonized as Saint Louis. Noted art historian Cynthia Hahn shares the story of rulers, their collection of Passion relics and the creation of the greatest art works of the Christian era. The Murphy Lecture honors Dr. Franklin D. Murphy, Chancellor of the University of Kansas, 1951–59, and is presented in partnership with the Kress Foundation Department of Art History and the Spencer Museum of Art.

T H U R S da y

Know Your Museum Tour 11 a.m.–Noon & 1:30–2:30 p.m. Meet at Info Desk | M T Take a closer look at women in the arts—whether artist or subject—and discuss how they have influenced art for centuries. Take 5 Dirt 7–8 p.m. | Lens 2 | T Dirt … can you dig it? Join curator Nii Quarcoopome, conservator Paul Benson, William McFarlane from Johnson County Community College’s Department of Anthropology and Sean Starowitz of Byproduct: The Laundromat, as they define dirt, whether it sparks creative expression or a cleanup job.

S A T U R da y

Print Society Intersections with Fred Geary: Swept up by the Revival 2–4 p.m. | Lens 2 | R FREE for Print Society members $10 Non-members Karl Marxhausen will present his research on Fred Geary and the fascinating intersections with people who did their part to further art in Kansas City.

F R I da y

Behind the Seen One of a Kind: The Unique Nature of Daguerreotypes 6–7 p.m. | Sculpture Hall | T Conservator Saori Lewis discusses works from In the Looking Glass. Her talk will highlight the processes of the medium, identifying various types of cased photographs and how to care for them.

F rida y

Charlotte Street Artists’ Walks Warren Rosser 6 & 7 p.m. Meet at Info Desk | T

Join celebrated painter and Kansas City Art Institute professor Warren Rosser for a tour through the galleries on this final walk of the 2014 season. Note: All participants attend a brief presentation of the artist’s work in Lens 2.

The IMP Ensemble will perform new works as part of the Exchange of Mid-Western Collegiate Composers festival by exploring improvisation in the broadest possible definition— where listening (observing) and responding (performing) become a way of real-time creation.

S aturda y

Conservatory Connections IMP Ensemble 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. | Gallery 220

816.751.1ART

APRIL

ROADS OF ARABIA Opening Events and Information

W ednesda y

Society of Fellows & Business Council Opening Reception 7–9 p.m. | Bloch Lobby & Featured Exhibition Galleries M T

Celebrate with the Board of Trustees, director Julián Zugazagoitia, curators Kimberly Masteller and Robert Cohon at the Society of Fellows and Business Council opening reception. Join us at this reception as we transport you to a faraway land and discover the culture of the Arabian Peninsula.

T hursda y

Member Preview Day 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Featured Exhibition Galleries M T

Enjoy your exclusive member benefit and experience the new featured exhibition before anyone else in Kansas City. You see it FIRST, you see it FREE!

T hursda y

Special Presentation The Coming Storm: The Civil War and American Art 6–7 p.m. | Atkins Auditorium | T Smithsonian American Art Museum curator Eleanor Jones Harvey examines the impact of the Civil War on American art, looking to photography and genre painting as a way of understanding the human cost of war, and landscapes as an emotional barometer for the nation’s psyche during this turbulent period.

R Reservations T Tickets M Members only

Enhanced Art Experience, Friends of Art Opening Reception Family, Art Explorer, Art Lover levels 6–7 p.m. | Kirkwood Hall | M T You are invited to an intimate reception with curators Kimberly Masteller and Robert Cohon. As part of this exclusive benefit for upper-level members, enjoy appetizers, cocktails and entertainment. Following, join fellow Friends of Art members for a grand celebration. Friends of Art Opening Reception 7–9 p.m. | Bloch Lobby & Featured Exhibition Galleries | M T Welcome Roads of Arabia in style with fellow Friends of Art members, live music and conversations with docents in galleries as you tour the featured exhibition. Cash bar available. Space is limited. Anthropomorphic Stele, Near al-Ula-Mada’in Saleh-Tayma, Saudi Arabia, 4th millennium B.C.E. Sandstone. National Museum, Riyadh, 997.

M A Y E V ENTS S ave th e d a t e !

F rida y

The Curator is IN! In the Looking Glass: Recent Daguerreotype Acquisitions 7–8 p.m. | Gallery L10 Join curator Jane L. Aspinwall for an engaging gallery conversation about the exhibition and the stunning daguerreotypes on view.

enrollment required for all classes

studio classes & workshops

The Ford Learning Center has been made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

SPRING Session of Studio Classes for Ages 3–Adult The world-class collection of the Nelson-Atkins’ is the inspiration for our studio programs. Direct experience with art in the galleries provides students with a foundation for art making in the Ford Learning Center classrooms. Experience a unique learning environment for children and adults unlike any other in Kansas City!

ENROLLMENT Enroll today online (nelson-atkins.org/calendar), or by phone 816.751.1ART (1278), option 2. Enrollment is on a first-call, first-served basis. Credit/debit card payment required. Cost: Museum members receive discounts on classes, 30% for Society of Fellows and 20% for Friends of Art. Please provide the following information when you call: Student’s name, address, date of birth, home phone, emergency phone and the parent/guardian name. We accept individual enrollments only; one person may not enroll students from multiple families. Enroll early—class size is limited. Enrollment deadline is three days prior to a class or workshop. Classes that do not reach a minimum enrollment will be cancelled and fees refunded. Parking for museum members is free and $8 per vehicle for nonmembers. Parking for under 30 minutes is free while dropping off or picking up a student. Cancellations/Transfers/Credits: Students can cancel an enrollment five business days prior to a class or one-time workshop to receive a refund less a $15 cancellation fee per enrollment. Transfers from one class to another can be up until five business days prior to a class with a $10 transfer fee. No refunds or transfers will be made for cancellations made less than five business days prior or due to missing a class. We do not issue credits toward future classes or workshops if you cancel an enrollment or miss a class.

816.751.1ART

STUDIO CLASSES & WORKSHOPS START IN ART Ages 3–4 | 10–11:30 a.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 $140 Nurture a child’s creativity! Young children explore art concepts by working with paint, collage and clay. Visits to the galleries contain age-appropriate activities that allow students to see and talk about art as a group. Students should feel comfortable without a parent or guardian.

PEOPLE & PLACES Ages 5–6 | 10 a.m.–Noon or 1:30–3:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 $150 Discover the fundamentals of art—line, color, shape, texture, pattern and more by investigating the interesting people and places—some real and some imaginary—that are found in art in the galleries. MEET THE ARTISTS Ages 6–8 10 a.m.–Noon or 1:30–3:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 $150 Learn about the lives and work of artists such as Willem de Kooning, Andrew Wyeth and Joseph Cornell. Create paintings and sculptures that are inspired by their ideas and interests but with your own creative twist!

SPECIAL ADULT/CHILD CLASS WITH COMMUNITY ARTIST FABRICS OF AFRICA Ages 8–12 with adult 10 a.m.–Noon Saturdays, March 29–April 26 $160 per adult-child pair Instructor: Sherry Whetstone Explore African fabrics together, especially Kuba cloth woven in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with community artist Sherry Whetstone. Pattern, design, quilting and simple sewing techniques will be incorporated as you develop your own beautiful work of textile art. Woman’s Ceremonial Skirt (detail), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba people (Shoowa subgroup), late 19th-early 20th century. Raffia and dye. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund, 2003.27.2.

CLAY: MODERN TO ANCIENT Ages 7–9, 9–13 10 a.m.–Noon (Ages 9–13) 1:30–3:30 p.m. (Ages 7–9) Saturdays, March 29–May 17 $160 Investigate various hand building processes in clay and glaze techniques. Begin with the art of today and travel back in time to discover ancient pottery in the exhibition Roads of Arabia. THE NATURE OF DRAWING Ages 8–10 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 $150 Work on developing your drawing skills and representing what you see on paper with nature as the subject matter. Lessons will focus on shading, line, depicting three-dimensional form, showing distance and personal expression.

R Reservations T Tickets M Members only

SPRING BREAK WORKSHOP Middle School Makeover Ages 12–14 | 1–4 p.m. March 18–21 | $110 Hey, cool shirt! Middle school students will get inspired by art in the galleries and use Adobe Photoshop to create an original t-shirt design. No prior Photoshop experience needed. Fees include cost of shirt and printing.

CARTOONING: WHAT IF?! Ages 9–13 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 $150 Instructor: Bill Brewer Look at the world around you and ask for example, “What if gerbils jump rope?” Then draw cartoons about what you imagine in funny illustrations, gag cartoons, comic strips and comic books! DRAWING THE FIGURE Ages 13–16 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 $150 From ancient Egyptians to contemporary artists, the human figure has been an enduring subject. Work with a variety of drawing media as you explore the figure as well as proportion, gesture and implied movement. Draw from sculpture in the galleries as well as a draped model.

E Enrollment required for all classes.

Member discounts available! Society of Fellows 30% | Friends of Art 20%.

STUDIO CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

STUDIO CLASSES

F OR ADU L TS AGES 16 AND OLDER LANDSCAPES IN WATERCOLOR 1–3:30 p.m. Fridays, March 28–May 2 | $150 Instructor: Sarah Bracco Where do you start when you begin a landscape painting? Explore techniques such as learning to simplify shape, value and color plus fundamentals of composition. Watercolor and some mixed media will be explored. DRAWING: THE COMFORT ZONE 10 a.m.–Noon Saturdays, March 29–May 17 | $150 Instructor: Suzann Geringer Designed for adults with minimal-to-no drawing experience, this class develops skills of looking carefully and translating what you see onto the page. We’ll keep it simple, focusing on the basic elements of drawing and having fun with the experience! CHINESE BRUSHWORK: HARMONIOUS LANDSCAPES 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 | $200 Instructor: Valda Hsu Chinese landscape paintings represent not only the outward environment, but also an artist’s inner world and the relationship between man and nature. Explore this unique philosophy and learn techniques used in both traditional and contemporary brushwork.

ACRYLICS—A YOUTHFUL APPROACH! 1:30–4 p.m. Saturdays, March 29–May 17 | $180 Instructor: Suzann Geringer Learn to work with acrylics as you try out some of the artistic processes offered to younger students at the Ford Learning Center. Color theory, brush techniques and composition will all be included in this class. DRAWING IN THE SCULPTURE GARDEN 6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursdays, April 10–May 15 | $150 Instructor: Tara Tonsor Enjoy spring evenings by drawing in the beautiful Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. Work on composition, creating the appearance of three-dimensional form on the page, line quality and portraying distance.

Just for Grandparents/Grandchildren STORIES IN CLAY Ages 6–12 with adult | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Sunday, April 6 | $50 per adult-child pair Think about a special memory or event that you share as grandparents and grandchildren and create a clay platter that expresses it in your own unique way. Visit the exhibition

Once Upon a Time: Stories in Contemporary Ceramics to see how artists have been inspired by stories.

816.751.1ART

STUDIO CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

FRIDAYNIGHTFUN

Connect With Community Artists

DAZZLING PATTERNS Ages 6–12 with adult 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Friday, March 28 $50 per adult-child pair Instructor: Nina Irwin After a visit to the exhibition Echoes: Islamic Art & Contemporary Artists, create a decorative ceramic tile inspired by the exquisite forms and patterns found in Islamic architecture. Participants will glaze and leave their work to be fired. Finished pieces will be available for pick-up beginning April 12.

The Ford Learning Center offers classes for adults proposed and taught by artists from the local community who bring their unique perspective and talents to the museum.

CONNECT & CREATE Ages 6–12 with adult 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Friday, April 11 $40 per adult-child pair

CREATIVE iPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY Ages 14–Adult | 10 a.m.–Noon Saturdays, March 29–April 19 | $80 Instructor: Megan Wyeth

Experiment with creating your own woven sculpture after seeing examples of art created by connecting and weaving, including the magnificent Dusasa I, made of bottle caps.

The iPhone is a powerful tool for documenting your life and making creative images. Learn the basics of taking photographs, various apps and creative possibilities to enhance images. Participants need an iPhone and iTunes account to access apps, some free and some available for a small charge.

ANCIENT ANIMALS Ages 7–12 with adult 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Friday, May 9 $50 per adult-child pair Visit the exhibition Roads of Arabia to see animals represented in ancient art and create a three-dimensional platter with your own inventive animal design. Participants will glaze and leave their work to be fired. Finished pieces will be available for pick-up beginning May 28.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ARTFUL ABSTRACTIONS Ages 14–Adult | 10 a.m.–Noon Saturdays, April 26–May 17 | $80 Instructor: Megan Wyeth Abstract photographs can be visually powerful. Tap into your creative spirit and take chances using your camera to photograph the museum’s sculpture and architecture. All cameras welcome!

THINKING AHEAD TO SUMMER SUMMER CLASSES & ART CAMPS Spend some of your summer at the Nelson-Atkins! Summer classes for ages 3–adult may be found at nelson-atkins.org. Full day summer camp offerings are available for ages 6–13. Members enroll first, March 3–16.

Reserve online:

Studio Remix Ages 13–18 | 1–4 p.m. Wed/Thurs/Fri, July 9–Aug. 1 $250 Back by popular demand, Studio Remix is a day camp that uses technology to explore art. Teens will access the museum’s collection and select works of art to “remix” into a digitally animated film or video game.

nelson-atkins.org

Teen Guides Each summer, the NelsonAtkins employs local teen guides to lead groups of children through the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. This unique experience builds leadership and career-readiness skills. Applications will be posted on the website in late March.

exploreart

March/April 2014 Featured Curators, Speakers and Staff

G eneral M useum I nformation

Bashir Ahmed Professor, National College of Art Lahore, Pakistan

ADMISSION to the museum is FREE every day for everyone.

S TAY CONNECTED Facebook Twitter Flickr YouTube @ Sign up for our e-newsletter

MUSEUM Hours Mon

Closed

Tue Closed Wed

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Thurs/Fri

10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sat

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sun

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

LOCATION & PARKING The museum is located at 45th and Oak streets, three blocks east of the Country Club Plaza. Enter the garage off Oak Street. Charge for parking, FREE for members. VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES The museum and parking garage are wheelchair accessible. SPENCER ART REFERENCE Library Open to the public. Mon Closed Tue By appointment Wed 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thurs/Fri 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat/Sun 1–4 p.m.

ROZZELLE COURT RESTAURANT A Kansas City treasure, our Italian-style courtyard is an unparalleled setting. Lunch Wed–Sun, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Desserts & Beverages Wed–Sun, 2–4 p.m. Happy Hour Thurs, 5:30 p.m. | Bloch Lobby Served Dinner & Live Music Fri, 5–10:30 p.m. MUSEUM STORE Shop for books, cards, children’s items and a large variety of gifts, jewelry and home décor. Tax free. Members save 10%. Online store nelson-atkins.org/shop. MEMBERSHIP Enjoy FREE parking, FREE admission to featured exhibitions, discounts in Rozzelle Court Restaurant and the Museum Store and special events just for members. To become a member of the Nelson-Atkins, for tickets to events, to enroll in classes, or to ask questions about the museum, call 816.751.1ART (1278).

Elisabeth Batchelor Chief Conservator Andy Brayman Ceramics Artist and Founder of The Matter Factory Cynthia Hahn Professor of Medieval Art Hunter College and The Graduate Center Alicia Halligan Sculpture Technician Karin Jones Assistant Curator, Architecture, Design and Decorative Arts Stephanie Knappe Associate Curator, American Art Saori Lewis Assistant Conservator, Photography Ling-en Lu Associate Curator, Chinese Art Karl Marxhausen Painter, Printmaker and Teacher Nii Quarcoopome Curator, African Art Joe Rogers Conservation Associate, Objects Warren Rosser William T. Kemper Distinguished Professor of Painting Chair of the Painting Department Kansas City Art Institute Marcella Sirhandi Adjunct Professor of Art History University of Missouri, Kansas City Jerry Spagnoli Photographer and Author

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark McDonald (p. 6, 7, 9, 11, 14) Colin Burke (p. 7) Jenny Wheat (p. 8) Ryan Pechnick (p. 13) Emily Smith (back cover)

816.751.1ART

Tombstone of ‘Abbas, Son of ‘Abdallah, Son of Muhammad, Son of Nasih, al-Ma’la Cemetery, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 9th century C.E. Basalt. National Museum, Riyadh, 451.

SOF Events March 20 In the Vault April 23 Roads of Arabia SOF/BC Opening Reception

As you make your travel plans this spring, don’t forget to use your reciprocal museum benefit at over 300 museums around the world. Society of Fellow members can take advantage of this exclusive benefit while visiting museums during your travels. Enjoy your membership anywhere in the world! To see a listing of participating museums, visit nelson-atkins.org/MemberBenefits.

SOF Exclusive Benefit Reciprocal Membership Benefit

The museum’s premier membership group offers vital support to the Nelson-Atkins. Fellows will enjoy these special events. See calendar listings for more events.

SOCIET Y of FELLOWS

4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111

Spend some of your summer at the museum! Classes for ages 3–adult may be found at nelson-atkins.org. Full day summer camp offerings are available for ages 6–13. Members enroll first, March 3–16.

SUMMER CLASSES & ART CAMPS!

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Kansas City, MO Permit #897