Julián Zugazagoitia Named Director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Director of El Museo del Barrio Becomes

Fifth Director in the Museum’s 75-year History

An exhaustive international search ended Friday March 5 with the official announcement of Dr. Julián Zugazagoitia being named the fifth director and chief executive officer of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  Zugazagoitia, 46, an international scholar, museum director and consultant who has served for the past seven years as the director and CEO of El Museo del Barrio in New York. He was the unanimous choice of search committee members and will begin his position Sept. 1.

Board of Trustees Chairwoman Sarah F. Rowland says the museum has seen incredible growth and an improved stature under the direction of Marc F. Wilson, the museum’s Menefee D. and Mary Louise Blackwell director/CEO for the past 28 years. Wilson announced his retirement last year and will step down June 1. During Wilson’s tenure, the Nelson-Atkins became a world-class destination that earned acclaim for its Bloch Building expansion, the new Ford Learning Center, renovated Kansas City Sculpture Park and dramatic new galleries, including recently opened American and American Indian galleries. Zugazagoitia says it’s an honor to follow Wilson who has led in the museum’s transformation into one of the leading national museums.

“A successor to honor the breathtaking array of accomplishments was not easily found, but Julián Zugazagoitia is just such a person” Rowland says. “He is a man of many talents; a man of broad vision, one whom we believe will honor the accomplishments of others. He has the temperament and the training, plus the passion for the arts we need. His energy has delighted all who have met him.”

A committee made up of nine museum trustees began searching for Wilson’s successor more than a year ago, and they encountered strong interest in the position locally, nationally and internationally. They were taken with Zugazagoitia’s energy as a leader, his passion for the arts, and his international background — born in Mexico City and educated in France; Zugazagoitia speaks six languages and has worked at institutions in the Americas, Europe and Africa.

Zugazagoitia holds a doctorate in philosophy from the Sorbonne Paris IV, with a focus on Aesthetics and Modernism in the arts. His work as a consultant, lecturer and curator has involved projects around the globe with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles. From 1999 to 2002, he served as executive assistant to the director for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. During his tenure at El Museo del Barrio, a leading museum of Latino and Latin American art, Zugazagoitia led the institution through a $44 million capital campaign and a full renovation, which opened in 2009 to critical acclaim.

“Julián has been a great leader for El Museo and brought it to new heights, culminating in a major capital renovation,” says artist Tony Bechara, chairman of the board of El Museo del Barrio. “He strengthened our institution financially, and he galvanized the community and art lovers nationally and internationally by bringing superb exhibitions and programs to the museum. While we are sad to see him go, we are also honored that he is pursuing his commitment to the arts in a world-class encyclopedic museum such as the Nelson-Atkins.”

Louis Smith, chair of the Nelson-Atkins search committee, says he was delighted that Zugazagoitia had accepted the offer. “Julián has an impressive national and international background, a passion for the Nelson-Atkins and Kansas City, and the commitment and energy to build on the outstanding work and legacy left by Marc Wilson and his leadership team.”

On his visits to Kansas City, Zugazagoitia has been struck by the vibrancy of the city, especially the arts culture, the university, science and research climate, and the community’s commitment to philanthropy.

“I see a city that offers a high quality of life, a city with a great deal of civic pride and investment in the arts,” Zugazagoitia says. “I look forward to being part of the synergy that exists between the arts, science and business institutions in Kansas City.”

The Nelson-Atkins, he says, holds a compelling history as a museum that has been committed to excellence from its beginnings in 1933 and has built one of the top encyclopedic collections in the country. He learned of Kansas City and the Nelson through referenced works while a student at the Sorbonne in Paris. “I am beginning to learn about the potential of this city. I spent time with Kansas City Symphony Director Michael Stern and looked at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. It will be a joy to continue to help prove that the arts are integral to everyone’s lives.”

Zugazagoitia says he has curated many exhibits and collections. “I see myself more as a generalist. With the Nelson, I see different collections talking to each other. I want to see the ensemble rather than the individual piece. There is a dialogue that is created and brings even more to life. We continue to raise the bar and keep in high when people have that one-on-one experience. It is how we help people live these moments.”

He also sees education as critical. Art must be a relevant and transformative experience, he says. He applauded the strengths of the collections at the museum. “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of the visionary Marc Wilson, and I look forward to getting to know the talented staff, the generous patrons and the civic leaders,” he says. “My family and I are so looking forward to joining the community and making Kansas City our home.”

Zugazagoitia is married and has two children, ages 6 and 10.

INTERNATIONAL BACKGROUND

Zugazagoitia’s international background includes the following highlights:

• Born and raised in Mexico City, Zugazagoitia’s father was a mathematician and his mother is a stage and screen actress.

• Graduated from L’Ecole du Louvre, with a major in modern and contemporary art and concentrations in Egyptology and Medieval art.

• Educated at the Sorbonne Paris IV in France, earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy, with a focus on Aesthetics and Modernism. His dissertation was titled The Total Work of Art as Horizon Modernity: Wagner, Mallarmé, Monet and Rodin

• Lectured in art history at the Sornas School of Design, Paris.

• Served as Cultural Attaché, Permanent Mexican Delegation to UNESCO, Paris.

• Worked as a consultant with the Getty Conservation Institute, developing European and African projects while based in Paris and Rome, 1991-1999.

• Served from 1997 to 1999 as director of visual arts with the Spoleto Festival, Italy.

• Served as executive assistant to the director at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, organizing exhibitions and conferences, 1999 to 2002.

• Awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres Medal, French Ministry of Culture, 2003.

• Served as a curator for the 25th Sao Paulo Biennale in Brazil in 2002 and the international art fair ARCO 2005.

• Became director/CEO in 2002 of El Museo del Barrio, where he repositioned the museum nationally and internationally as one of the foremost museums on Latin American and Caribbean art and developed major collaborations with such institutions as the Museum of Modern Art, the National Portrait Gallery and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Currently serves as vice chair of the Cultural Institution Group, made up of New York City’s top 33 cultural institutions.

• Currently serves as chair of the cultural committee for NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for the city.

• Has served on the Board of the Association of Art Museum Directors since 2007.

James Brinsfield
Sky Way


DOLPHIN is pleased to present Sky Way, James Brinsfield's first solo exhibition at the gallery, on view March 12 - May 8, 2010.  James Brinsfield was born in 1949 in Chicago, IL. He received his B.F.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for an M.F.A. in studio painting. He has had 14 one-person exhibits...

Jim Leedy; Cosmos

THE LONG WINTER 

Exhibition & Performance by Davin Watne

THE LONG WINTER, a new project contained in two phases; the first being a performance or "party" opening night, and phase two consisting of the "party's" residue. Utilizing sculpture, sound, performance, painting, fashion, animation and drawing, the installation will encompass and present a multi-sensory experience for the viewer and challenge their cognitive understanding of visceral empiricism. 

UCM Gallery of Art & Design, Warrensburg, MO

MARCH 11 - APRIL 10, 2010

OPENING RECEPTION: THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 5 PM - 7 PM

WITH A SPECIAL OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE FROM 5PM TO 7PM

THE LONG WINTER
Exhibition & Performance by Davin Watne
MARCH 11 - APRIL 10, 2010

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm, Saturday 12pm - 4pm, Thursdays open until 8 pm
UCM Gallery of ART & DESIGN | 217 Clark St | Warrensburg MO 64093

The Consulate of México and Mattie Rhodes Center present

"Este es mi México"

a collection of children's artwork from around the world

 March 5 - 26

Opening Reception: Friday, March 5, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

"Este es mi México" is a collection of the children's artwork from the 2008 edition of the drawing competition of the same name.  Each year, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs sponors this contest for children between 7 and 11 years of age.  Children create pieces of artwork that express an idyllic México engraved in their memories from their earlier years, their travels to the country, and stories, myths, and songs they have heard.  The use of colors, materials, shapes, and subjects express the full range of emotions that show a deep connection to their lives.

Liberty Arts Squared

PRESS RELEASE

P.O. Box 302, Liberty, MO 64069

staff@libertyartsquared.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:   Jennifer Hardesty, Marketing - jhardesty@kc.rr.com or Cory Unrein - staff@libertyartsquared.org

 Arts Festival on the Square in Liberty, Mo. June 5, 2009

Liberty, Mo – Historic Downtown Liberty, Mo. will be the site of an arts festival June 5, 2010, 10 am to 7pm.  The festival is named, “Liberty Arts Squared,” for the location around the courthouse square, as well as the four categories of art featured at the festival.  The festival is a juried show, which will include visual (painting, sculpture, pottery, certain crafts), literary/written, performing and children’s arts.    The festival is free to the public, with plenty of free parking available. 

“Our goal is to bring quality arts to the community, support local and regional artists, and host a fun, family friendly event,” said Heather Jones, who is event co-chair with Trish Hughes. 

Over 100 booth spaces are available for artists to display their work.  Sponsorship, food vendor and volunteer opportunities are also available.  

“We are excited about the quality artists who are coming” said Carol Kariotis, member of the Liberty Arts Commission, and Director of Kaw Valley Arts and Humanities.  Steve Karol, Karol Fine Arts, will be showing digital photography and paintings in Corbin Theatre.  Mr. Karol has exhibited work in many area Liberty locations including Martha Lafite Thompson Wildlife Sanctuary and Crepes on the Square.

Watercolorist, Mark Anderson, will have a booth at the festival and will also include demonstrations.  Mr. Anderson has exhibited widely throughout the Mid-West and Alaska including paintings exhibited in the 6th Annual Juried Art Show of Burlington, Iowa, ; Paintings exhibited in, \"Not Under Glass\", a national exhibit of fine oil and acrylic paintings, St. Louis, MO;  Paintings exhibited in Artists Along The KATY Trail traveling exhibit; exhibits at The Rozier Gallery, Jefferson City, Missouri; Award Winner Painting on exhibit, \"Portrait of Miss Lucy\" The Kansas City Museum; Soldotna, Alaska Oil painted mural commissioned, placed in permanent installation in Gourmet Gardens, Soldotna, Alaska; and numerous solo exhibits.  Mark Anderson, Watercolorist, photographer and Liberty resident, teaches art at Oak Park High School.

Artist and vendor applications are being accepted now.  For an application, or more information go to www.libertyartssquared.org

The festival entries are juried, with a $500.00 Best of Show, $500.00 Best Overall Booth Display prizes, and a number of other cash awards in the visual, folk arts and crafts and literary arts categories

Music performances will take place throughout the day of the festival, and all will be free to the public.  Wandering performers will be on hand.  Literary readings will take place at selected venues, as well as in writer’s booths.   

The festival is presented by Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. (a non-profit Main Street organization) and the City of Liberty Arts Commission.

Liberty, Mo. is located 20 minutes northeast of downtown Kansas City.  To come to the festival, take the Highway 152 exit off of I-35 and go east two miles to the historic downtown.

*attached with this press release – painting by Mark Anderson, title: Fleeting Glimpses, watercolor on handmade paper

(Used with permission)

EWARE: Marc Digeros and Other Boys That Get Low

March 4^th – 27^th

Opening Reception First Friday March 5^th from 6 – 9pm

 There is a lot of enthusiasm for low fire ceramics today. LA artist, Marc Digeros is the first when uncovering the men that have gotten in touch with earthenware. He attended the University of Minnesota, BFA, and the University of Washington, MFA. In 2000, Marc moved to Los Angeles where he still resides. He has worked for the architect Frank Gehry since 2001, as the Model Shop Manager.

Other invited artists include Marty Fielding, Middleburry, VT; Arthur Halvorsen, Boston, MA; Brian R. Jones, Portland, OR; and Joe Pintz, Bowling Green, OH.

Marc Digeros, Purple Ewer

Marty Fielding, Oil can

Press Release for Byron Cohen Gallery

The Byron C. Cohen Gallery will continue the exhibition Lesley Dill : The Strange Experience of Beauty during First Friday, March 5th from 7 - 9 pm. The show will be on view through March 26th.

Lesley Dill's Artist Statement:

Radiance is a fierce word for me, not a soft one. When we breathe and when we speak we divide light. Speech is given out of our mouths and off of our bodies as a kind of radiance. These human rays of targeted meaning reach out and allow for a separation of the physical luminous heat. Radiance implies a concentration of energy in an object, or person, that by nature of its intensity must fling out, must expand so it is discernible as deserving this word. I find I think or say this to myself a few times a day. Repetitive use of language can be obsessive and nervous (Kafka "I am a hesitation before birth, my life is a hesitation before birth"), explanatory ("I have given my whole life to words, chewed this dog hunger into a long meal"), mantra like in a soothing indecipherable way, or a linguistic touchstone – a word or words that locate you regardless of setting. Or more – inner word(s) as song. The power of language to affect as private murmur is so varied and complex. I find I often use the same language over and over, and for me, it always seems to mean something different, and something is learned.

Please see the attached image.

Image info is as follows:

Lesley Dill

Poem Voice #2, 1995

oil stick, paint, tea and wire on muslin

152 x 45 inches

--
Byron C. Cohen Gallery for Contemporary Art
2020 Baltimore, Suite 1N
Kansas City, MO  64108
(t) 816.421.5665  (f) 816.421.5775
http://byroncohengallery.com
http://artnet.com/cohen.html
byroncohengallery@gmail.com

Join us February 18th as we visit the 'Vine'...

TOUR OF THE AMERICAN JAZZ MUSEUM
Experience Kansas City's storied past & gain access to the newly opened John Baker Jazz Film Collection

PERFORMANCE BY CHRIS CLARKE & CONNECT @ THE BLUE ROOM
Enjoy live jazz while we partake of light appetizers and a free drink

___________________________
 

The American Jazz Museum   1616 East 18th Street KCMO 64108 Click here for driving directions **Museum tour begins @  6pm** Located in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, MO, the American Jazz Museum showcases the sights and sounds of jazz through interactive exhibits and films, the Changing Gallery exhibit space, Horace M. Peterson III Visitors Center, Blue Room jazz club and Gem Theater. Since its inception in 1997, the Museum has hosted thousands of students, scholars, musicians fans for over 200 performances, education programs, special exhibitions, community events and more each year, providing an opportunity to learn about the legends, honor their legacy, or simply enjoy the sounds of Kansas City jazz.  Our mission is to celebrate and exhibit the experience of jazz as an original American art form through research, exhibition, education and performance at one of the country's greatest jazz crossroads - 18th & Vine.  As the only museum in the world solely focused on the preservation, exhibition and advancement of jazz, the American Jazz Museum is dedicated to public service and collaborative efforts to expand the influence, awareness and appreciation of jazz within Kansas City and to audiences worldwide.   About the John Baker Jazz Film Collection Exhibit   The culmination of nearly 10 years of careful collection, inspection, restoration and digitization of 16 and 35-mm film, a significant portion of the American Jazz Museum's John Baker Film Collection is finally ready for public viewing.  The JBFC exhibit focuses on the first three areas of a planned series of rotating thematic content: "Big Bands," "Women in Jazz," and "African-American Dance and Jazz," with commentary from renowned African-American film expert Pearl Bowser.   Click here to learn more about the American Jazz Museum

The Blue Room @ the American Jazz Museum **Live Performance begins at 7pm** While enjoying the performance by Chris Clarke & Connect we'll partake in light appetizers and a free drink! Designed to resemble a nightclub from the 1930s, the Blue Room is not only a jazz club featuring live music four nights a week, but also a part of the permanent exhibit at the American Jazz Museum.  Each of the nine tables on the lower level are display cases of rare artifacts of Kansas City jazz, including photos, ticket stubs and musicians contracts.  On the upper level, a "wall of fame" showcases images of dozens of musicians who helped craft the "Kansas City sound," and shadow boxes display guitars, saxophones, clarinets, sheet music, records, programs and other artifacts. The Massenburg Mural celebrates the history of jazz and the African-American experience through compelling interpretations of jazz legends and inspiring quotes.

: ABOUT THE KANSAS CITY ARTISTS COALITION