Hoke Ley

Haw Contemporary

Businessman, gallerist and art collector Bill Haw often thinks of his ownership of his West Bottoms gallery as serendipity. Committed to community awareness and establishing the location as a premier gallery, Bill’s reputation has steadily grown since he bought the business—formerly Dolphin Gallery—from founder John O’Brien in 2013.

Long involved in family real estate, Bill has been instrumental in boosting the Stockyards District in the Bottoms—a contribution to continued growth and visibility for local artists. The Livestock Building, which his family owns, is a perfect example, housing artists’ studios in the classic building.

“Our gallery is big,” he says. “We present talent that is in line with our program.”

This inclusive notion means Haw Contemporary isn’t limiting its target clientele to high-end buyers only. “There’s great art you can buy for $700; that’s affordable,” Bill says. “There’s good art at any price.”

He’s also a proponent of representing women artists. Regardless of gender identity, showcasing contemporary art is the goal at Haw—securing Kansas City’s reputation for nurturing exceptional talent. The West and East coasts have numerous resources, but the artists Haw selects create cutting-edge art that measures up—putting KC squarely on the map.

Best known for his huge Neo-expressionist oil paintings, Hunt Slonem is adept at painting birds, bunnies and butterflies. Referencing notables like Andy Warhol, Slonem uses similar Warhol-like repetition as a form of creative meditation.