URBAN CULTURE PROJECT PRESENTS:
EVENT HORIZONS

A TOURING PROGRAM OF NEW WORK BY THOMAS COMERFORD, SABINE GRUFFAT & BILL BROWN 

Film, video, and new media artists Thomas Comerford (Chicago), and Sabine Gruffat & Bill Brown (Madison, Wisconsin) present a program of work that follows shimmering paths of desire across space and time

FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 8PM
URBAN CULTURE PROJECT SPACE / 21 East 12^th Street, KC MO 64105
816.221.5115 / www.charlottestreet.org
$5 suggested donation

 
Featuring:

• The Indian Boundary Line by Thomas Comerford 41 mins.,16mm/8mm/S8mm on digital betacam, color, sound
• Time Machine by Sabine Gruffat & Bill Brown 40 mins., multiple channel, multimedia live performance

 
Over the last eight years, Chicago musician and filmmaker Thomas Comerford has been at work on a series of quietly-observed films that contemplate the entwined social, political, and environmental histories of Chicago (Figures in the Landscape, 2002; Land Marked/Marquette, 2005). The Indian Boundary Line (2010) follows a road in Chicago, Rogers Avenue, that traces the 1816 Treaty of St. Louis boundary between the United States and “Indian Territory.” In doing so, it examines the collision between the vernacular landscape, with its storefronts, short-cut footpaths and picnic tables, and the symbolic one, replete with historical markers, statues, and fences. Through its observations and audio-visual juxtapositions, The Indian Boundary Line meditates on a span of land in Chicago about 12 miles long, but suggests how this land and its history are an index for the shifting inhabitants, relationships, boundaries and ideas of landscape -- as well as the consequences -- which have accompanied the transformation of the “New World.”
 
Time Machine is a live, multimedia performance in which Sabine Gruffat and Bill Brown explore new way of telling stories with technologies that are both cutting edge and obsolete. Our Time Machine is built from a variety of machines: a slide projector, an analog video switcher, a record player, a digital video projector, and a computer. Analog and digital signals are combined or rerouted, audio signals are patched through video inputs, and machines are utilized in ways they were not originally built for. During the performance, the stage becomes the control panel for an immense ship and the screen becomes a window through which we visualize different spaces and times. Sometimes we are aboard a transatlantic freighter; sometimes we are whisked into the future amid a constellation of unknown stars; other times we are driving down an American highway peeking into old motels. In all of these locales, we are space-time tourists driven by an exploratory urge.
 
Biographies:
 
Thomas Comerford (b. 1970, Richmond, VA) is a media artist, musician, and educator residing in Chicago. Trained in sculpture, performance, and the classics, he began making films in the early 1990s. In 1997, he embarked on an influential series of films, made with a pinhole motion picture camera and home-made microphone, under the title, Cinema Obscura (1997-2002). His recent films are site-specific to Chicago and explore the evidence, revision, and erasure of histories in the landscape. His work has screened at many festivals and venues, including the Ann Arbor Film Festival, Anthology Film Archives, San Francisco Cinematheque, and the London Film Festival. Comerford has also toured the United States with his films, screening in spaces ranging from church basements and backyards to regular old movie theatres. As songwriter, singer, and producer for the rock band Kaspar Hauser, Comerford has performed his music around the Midwest and eastern U.S. and released three LP records. He currently teaches film production, DIY exhibition, and punk rock history at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Sabine Gruffat is a French-American artist and Assistant Professor of Digital Media at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her performance, photography, and video work deals with the language and cultural significance of both old and new technologies. Her work has been exhibited and screened at venues worldwide including PS1/MOMA, Art in General, and Zolla Lieberman gallery.
 
Bill Brown has been making first-person experimental documentaries since the mid-1990's. His films explore the landscapes of North America, and have screened in venues across the world, including the Viennale, the Rotterdam Film Festival, the London Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Film and Video Production at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
 
Links:
 
Thomas Comerford:
thomascomerford.net
kasparhausermusic.net
 
Sabine Gruffat:
www.sabinegruffat.com/Timemachine.html
www.sabinegruffat.com/BIKEBOX.html
www.sabinegruffat.com/Arduino-Video-Synth.html

Bill Brown:
www.heybillbrown.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqzAv0wc09o
 
Tour Dates:
6/12 Gadabout, Bloomington, Indiana
6/13 Flyover Film Festival, Louisville, Kentucky
6/15 Minicine, Shreveport, Louisiana
6/16 The Groj, Fayetteville, Arkansas
6/17 Spencer Art Museum (Univ. of Kansas), Lawrence, Kansas
6/18 Urban Culture Project, Kansas City, Missouri
 
Urban Culture Project is an initiative of the Charlotte Street Foundation, an organization dedicated to making Kansas City a place where artists and art thrive. Urban Culture Project creates new opportunities for artists of all disciplines and contributes to urban revitalization by transforming spaces in downtown Kansas City into new venues for multi-disciplinary contemporary arts programming. For more information, visit www.charlottestreet.org.

June Nelson-Atkins E-news: Summer of Style

June 2010 Enjoy your summer in style at the Nelson-Atkins! Enjoy glamorous photographs, discover ancient treasures, admire beautiful glass and more on your next visit. Admission is free every day. Museum members receive free tickets to exhibitions, free parking in the Museum garage and special discounts. Click here to learn more about membership. Visit our current exhibitions and check the calendar for details on all upcoming programs and events. Now @ the Nelson-Atkins is the free monthly e-newsletter of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The Nelson-Atkins is located at 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit our website. High Fashion and Hollywood Glamour Step into the golden age of Hollywood glamour with the new exhibition Edward Steichen—In High Fashion: The Condé Nast Years 1923-1937. The exhibition features approximately 150 photographs of some of the 20th century's best-known celebrities and public figures, including Gary Cooper, Katharine Hepburn, Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford. Make a date, and reserve your tickets today! Members see it FREE. Are you the cat's meow? Take our Guess Who's In High Fashion quiz and find out! Explore the Fashion of Edward Steichen Coco Chanel said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." Find out more about the fabulous Chanel and her creations featured in Edward Steichen—In High Fashion at a lecture by fashion historian Valerie Steele Saturday, June 12. Click here for free tickets. For more insight into the world of fashion and photography, join curator April M. Watson for a gallery talk in the exhibition Friday, June 18. Exhibition tickets are required. Explore Treasures of Egypt The new Egyptian galleries are the perfect destination for a day trip this summer. Explore the treasures of an ancient Egyptian tomb including coffins, statues and a real mummy. Bring your friends and family to decipher hieroglyphics, learn about gods and goddesses and unlock the mysteries of the ancient underworld. Get a new perspective by visiting Exploring Egypt: 19th Century Expeditionary Photography to view photographs of historical places, including the pyramids, where many objects like these were found. Admission is free. Come back as often as you like. Collection Highlight: Examining Water Lilies In 1893, Monet bought land adjacent to his property in Giverny, dug a pond and turned it into a Japanese-inspired water garden. This contemplative environment served as inspiration for a series of paintings over the next 20 years. Typical of others in the series, it is not so much the lilies that have captured Monet's attention, but rather the dream-like effects of mist and light on the delicate forms and colors in this liquid, floating world. At the end of June, the Museum will begin an examination of Monet's Water Lilies. Special in-gallery presentations will explain the process. Details coming soon. Imagine Venice Close your eyes and imagine romantic architecture, shimmering light, canals and gondolas. Venice. Three Visions in Glass explores the dramatic and versatile work of three artists inspired by the city of Venice and its history. Combining tradition and innovation, these artists produce visually dazzling and unexpected forms derived from the diverse cultures surrounding Venice. This exhibition is free and open through Aug. 15.   FIRST: Edward Steichen, American, 1879-1973. Lee Miller wearing a dress by Jay-Thorpe and a necklace by Marcus in Condé Nast's apartment, 1928. Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York. © Condé Nast Publications. SECOND: Edward Steichen (American, b. Luxembourg, 1879-1973). Marlene Dietrich, 1932. Gelatin silver print. Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York. © Condé Nast Publications. THIRD: The Egyptian galleries. Photography by Bob Greenspan. FOURTH: Claude Monet, French, 1840-1926. Water Lilies, (detail) ca. 1916-1926. Oil on canvas. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 57-26. © The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri. FIFTH: Laura de Santillana (Italian, b. 1955). Blu 4, Meteor, 2008. Hand-blown and shaped glass. SIDEBAR FIRST: Edward Steichen, American, 1879-1973. Actor Gary Cooper, 1930. Print from the Matthieu Humery Collection, Paris. Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York. © Condé Nast Publications. SECOND: Laura de Santillana, Italian, b. 1955. Flag 12 (Giallo/Nero Diverso/Nero Diverso), 2008. Hand-blown and shaped glass, 17 x 17 1/2 inches. Photo courtesy of Barry Friedman Ltd. THIRD: Francis Frith, English (1822-1898). The Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx, 1858. Albumen print. Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, 2007.17.19. Edward Steichen—In High Fashion is organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, Minneapolis, and the Musée de l´Elysée, Lausanne, in collaboration with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Mo. In Kansas City the exhibition is supported by the Campbell-Calvin Fund and Elizabeth C. Bonner Charitable Trust for exhibitions. Venice. 3 Visions is courtesy of the artists and Barry Friedman Ltd. This exhibition is supported by the Campbell-Calvin Fund and Elizabeth C. Bonner Charitable Trust for exhibitions. Exploring Egypt is supported by the Hall Family Foundation and the Campbell-Calvin Fund and Elizabeth C. Bonner Charitable Trust for exhibitions.

Current Exhibitions Edward Steichen—In High Fashion: The Condé Nast Years 1923–1937 May 15–July 25, 2010 Venice. 3 Visions in Glass-Cristiano Bianchin, Yoichi Ohira and Laura de Santillana March 6–Aug.15 Exploring Egypt: 19th Century Expeditionary Photography March 6–July 18 Museum Hours Wed, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thurs, Fri, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun, Noon–5 p.m.

Group Show Opening at Byron C. Cohen Gallery for Contemporary Art

The Byron C. Cohen Gallery for Contemporary Art will open a group show featuring artists Liu Hong, Grant Miller and Mary Ann Strandell among others on First Friday, June 4^th from 7 9 pm. The show will run through August 13^th.

1. Liu Hong, Beautiful Language Series, 2010, oil on canvas, 31 x 39 in.

2. Mary Ann Strandell, Bridge, Country Wave, 2007, 3D lenticular print, 19.5 x 22 in.

3. Grant Miller, Untitled (EMV-941), 2010, mixed media, 31.5 x 44 in.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 20, 2010

Belger press contact - Mo Dickens, mdickens@belgerartscenter.org

Belger Arts Center / Red Star Studios Collaboration Begins

KANSAS CITY, MO - On Friday, June 4, the public will get their first opportunity to view the new collaboration between the Belger Arts Center and Red Star Studios. The two organizations have been mainstays of the Kansas City art scene for more than a decade and will share space this summer as Red Star prepares for a move into a permanent, larger, facility. For the summer, ceramics-centric Red Star will have gallery and workspace on the ground floor of the Belger Arts Center at 2100 Walnut St., in the Crossroads Art District. The Belger Arts Center will continue to operate on the first and third floor of the same building.

The Belger Arts Center is currently celebrating its 10th Anniversary with Beneath the Surface - Excavating the Belger Collection. This exhibition attempts to give the public some perspective on the wide-ranging collection. Beneath the Surface features multiple works from all seven artists who comprise the foundation of the Belger Collection - Terry Allen, William Christenberry, Jasper Johns, Robert Stackhouse, Renee Stout, William T. Wiley, and Terry Winters. Works from Viola Frey, Creighton Michael and Ed Ruscha are also included. The exhibit runs through August 6. The Red Star Studios gallery will feature pottery and sculpture by two former resident artists, Michael Fujita and Mike Jabbur.

Evelyn Craft, Executive Director of the Belger Arts Center, says Beneath the Surface is "one of our most ambitious exhibitions. This will be a chance for the public in Kansas City to see the depth of the collection." This exhibit marks the beginning of the second decade of existence for the Belger Arts Center in the headquarters of the Belger Cartage Service at 2100 Walnut St. in Kansas City, MO. During the first 10 years, the Belger Arts Center hosted more than 40 exhibitions by artists from North America, Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia. More than 60,000 visitors attended these exhibitions and performances.

The galleries of the Belger Arts Center and Red Star Studios will be open to the public from 10 am until 4 pm, Wednesday through Friday, and noon to 4 pm on Saturdays. On the First Friday of every month the galleries are open from 10 am until 9 pm (unless we are closed for installation). All exhibits are free. To schedule a group tour please call Gallery Assistant Mo Dickens at 816-474-3250.

Plenum Space Gallery : 504 E. 18^th Street : Kansas City, MO 64108

Contact: Hannah Mott

Cell: 816.929.5930

Email: plenumspacekc@gmail.com

For Immediate Release

"What Have You" by Hannah the Mott

I love people, I love Kansas City and I love the people of Kansas City.  The time I have spent within the Kansas City Art Scene has been a fantastic learning experience that I would not trade for the world.  As a 'swan song' I would like to display paintings I have worked on during my last year as Plenum Space Gallery Manager. 

Hannah received her BA in Fine Art with an Emphasis in Art from the University of Kansas in 2008.   She has only been involved in group shows during her time as a student at the University of Kansas so this is her first solo show.  Hannah was born and raised in a small town south of Kansas City.

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Show runs June 4th through June 25th. After June 4th, viewings are by appointment only. You can contact Paula Rose at the above email address to schedule an appointment.

The centerpiece of our annual fundraiser this June will be dolls. Nearly 40 of them! The children at the orphanage make these wonderful, whimsical dolls out of banana fiber (the stuff you strip off the bottom of the banana tree.) The dolls have always been big sellers at our events; they are clamored over, actually. Each has a distinct personality, and all are beautiful. This year, we are asking area artists to select a doll and do a "collaboration" with the child who created it. The artist will alter or decorate the doll any way he/she sees fit.

The really exciting part is that some of Kansas City's preeminent artists have agreed to take on this project - indeed a generous gift of their time and talent. The artists will have the doll for about a month to put their "signature" on it and transform it into a new piece. Among those who have kindly taken on the challenge are ceramicists, painters, printmakers and fabric artists.

Just to whet your appetite for the June 25th auction, here is a sampling of some of the amazing and highly respected artists who have graciously agreed to participate:

Shea Gordon
Tom Corbin
Jane Voorhees
Marcus Cain
Lonnie Powell
Linda Lighton
Susan White
Robert Quackenbush
Allan Winkler
Archie Scott Gobber
Holly Swangstu
Shane Evans
Peregrine Honig

Included in this fantastic mix of creative rock stars will be art educators, high school students and emerging artists.

Original paintings and drawings by the orphanage children will also be available for purchase. African crafts will be for sale in our Kajjansi Marketplace.

Food and drinks. Music provided by Blue Orleans. Fun for all ages!

This is an event you won't want to miss.

Mark you calendars and tell your friends (by forwarding this email using the link below). 

We look forward to seeing you on
June 25th!

Where & When

Date:Friday, June 25, 2010

Time:7 PM - 10 PM

Location:

Leedy-Voulkos Art Center
2012 Baltimore
Kansas City, MO

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Julie Hendrix, 816.931.6655

Julie.Hendrix@gouldevans.com

“The Coloring Book for the Man who has Everything” by Greg Daiker to exhibit at the Corridor Art Space

Kansas City, MO – An exhibition by Greg Daiker titled “The Coloring Book for the Man who has Everything” will be on display at the Corridor Art Space (located within the Westport office of Gould Evans) beginning Thursday, June 3 and closing Tuesday, July 27.

“The Coloring Book for the Man who has Everything” will consist of paintings on wood and paper as well as prints. The collection is described by Daiker as “imaginary, futuristic space dwellings set in fantastical landscapes”.  The pieces explore color, pattern and geometric structures while forming the idea of home, environment and architecture’s place in the environment.  

“The work transcends both the digital and analogue modes of production, incorporating both ways of working into the creative process,” says Daiker.

Opening reception to be held Thursday, June 3, 2010 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Open to the public. 

For questions or to request a private showing, please contact Julie Hendrix at 816.931.6655 or julie.hendrix@gouldevans.com. 

Corridor Art Space

Office of Gould Evans Associates

4041 Mill Street

Kansas City, MO   64111

(Located in Westport’s Manor Square building)