ArtMoves-The Podcast

What actually is a docent? In time, the role has evolved from didactic teaching to facilitating rich multifaceted experiences for visitors. In this episode our eyes (and ears) are opened by this unique class of service-oriented art mentors, exemplified by Cheryl Cotterman and Diane Botwin. Here they graciously share their experiences with us, including a couple of heartwarming stories that are at the core of why they do what they do. Listen and be inspired.

Resilience is what you call it when a person still finds a path toward their goal, despite many hurdles along the way. That’s what SK Reed has in abundance. Running the Waiting Room Gallery and uplifting other artists are but two of their ongoing achievements, as is deftly churning out art that organically reflects their diverse interests & inner self. All this, while navigating difficulties in our social world, keeping anxiety at bay, and trying to figure out next moves! As you listen, don’t

In this episode, we’re free-flowing about art in the Kansas City region. An impressively productive Renaissance man, Harold Smith has contributed to the creative ether in so many ways. A mere sampling of these includes painting, writing, curating, and fostering the growth of others through his “Urban Kore” initiative. In this episode he tells us which artists have caught his eye recently, and he speaks his mind about under-appreciated artists — how can they be better seen? With years of experi

The role of a curator is not static! Meet Jessica Hong, the new chief curator at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and hear how her forward-minded ideas are expanding what it means to be a curator, going beyond the confines of the art institution. Jessica highlights her deep love of working directly with artists, whom she considers the lifeblood, and she cultivates a sense of curators working as a “collective fabric”. And, in her eloquent way, she also considers how to move forward in the c

Creative capacity can extend beyond the production of compelling art. Case in point: Elise Gagliardi has found passion and talent in the worlds of art curation and gallery operations, and now she has expanded on this by becoming the director of the new ION Gallery in Kansas City. All while balancing her own art career and being the mother of 3 children! As an artist herself, she can more precisely hone in on the under-appreciated needs of fellow artists. Stay tuned -- she has some hopeful ideas

Meet the new executive director of The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Jessica May. What a joy to find that she is a bright, creative, and down-to-earth leader who is poised to help the museum reach a fuller potential. Building on its already strong foundation, Jessica brings fresh eyes and inspiring ideas to her role at the Kemper, forging in a new direction. What does the future hold for this treasured institution of art? Her answers may both surprise and delight you.