Subject: First Friday Events and Exhibitions!

Exhibition Opening and Artist Talk

Sharif Bey, Kiwi Bird #1, 2019. Earthenware and mixed media. 14 x 10 x 10 in. Courtesy of the artist and albertz benda, New York and Los Angeles.

Inspired by modernism, functional pottery, Oceanic Art and Art of the African diaspora, Sharif Bey’s works investigate the cultural and political significance of adornment and the symbolic and formal properties of archetypal motifs. Ancestral Vestiges includes vessel-inspired mixed media works, mask-like sculpturesand large-scale power necklaces. These and other works in the exhibition reflect his continued exploration of functional and ritual objects, and the materiality of clay, metal, wood, and glass.

Meet Sharif Bey at the following free public programs at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery (2011 Tracy Ave., KCMO):

  • First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, February 3, from 6pm to 8pm. He will give brief remarks at 6:30pm.

  • Artist Talk: Saturday, February 4, from 2pm to 3pm.

First Friday Glass Demo

Hoseok Youn, Belger Glass Annex lead glassblower

Free first Friday Glass Demos are back this Friday, February 3, from 6 to 8pm at the Belger Glass Annex (1219 E. 19th Street, KCMO). Catch Hoseok Youn demonstrate his goblet-making skills and watch him and his fellow Belger Glass Annex glassblowers create a unique work of art. The demonstration is open-house-style, so pop in for a short while, or stay the entire time.


Hoseok is also giving a three-day workshop, "Introduction to Goblet Making,” February 3 through 5. Hoseok is known for his intricate sculptural works that incorporate glass goblet components into complex figurines. Only one workshop spot remains, so sign up today. 

Small Shop 2023

Work by (left to right) Nicole Woodard, Gina Pisto, Cindy Leung, Sun Young Park, Meredith Smith, and Adams Puryear

Building on the success of Sip Shop, this year the Belger resident artists present Small Shop. In addition to the sale of cups, mugs and drinking vessels, Belger resident artists have created small sculptures.

 

You’re invited to a reception from 6 to 8pm on February 3 where you can enjoy craft cocktails, meet the resident artists, and make small shop purchases. In-person shopping continues through February 4, 5PM. Online purchases can be made beginning February 5 at 5pm through February 11, 5pm.

 

This endeavor is in its ninth year, with proceeds supporting resident artists’ professional pursuits. If you’re a Belger Arts member, you can purchase work online on from February 2, 12pm to February 3, 12pm, before the public opening. Small Shop is perfect for new and returning collectors, and for Valentine’s Day gift-giving.

 

Participating artists include: Cindy Leung, Sun Young Park, Gina Pisto, Adams Puryear, Meredith Smith, and Nicole Woodard.

Our current Digital Debut artist is award-winning silversmith, Genevieve Flynn.  Having worked in precious metals for 44 years, she’s created hollowware and art jewelry family heirlooms. Flynn has been invited to create numerous private commissions, including an intricately chased and engraved hand mirror presented to music industry personality Paula Abdul and a commemorative 1985 World Series pin for the late Ewing Kauffman.

 

Genevieve Flynn’s work reflects the fluid lines and sensuous feel of the Art Nouveau era along with the beauty of nature. She uses ancient metal techniques such as chasing, repoussé, engraving, granulation, saw piercing, among others to add detail, interest, and beauty. She receives gratification from working in noble metals that someday will be owned, displayed, utilized, or worn by clients in their everyday life. Her work is available online and at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery through February 28.

Rachel Warren is Belger’s February Mug of the Month artist. She studied Illustration and Animation at the University of Kansas, where she also took ceramics. Working out of her home studio, Warren makes functional ceramic works, exploring different decorative techniques. When she’s not in her studio, she’s an instructor and manager at EPIC Clay Studio in Kansas City, KS. Her mugs represent small moments in her life that she has observed and etched. Learn more about Rachel Warren on her artist page.

 

Purchase a Mug of the Month even if you don't have a subscription! This means you can buy a mug by an artist you love when they become available. However, having a monthly subscription reserves your spot to receive a new mug every month before they’re made available to the public.

Heartland 5 Submission Deadline

Heartland 5 submissions due Tuesday, February 7 at midnight!


Heartland 5 is an annual juried exhibition of midwestern glass artists who work in the states of AR, IA, KS, MO, OK, and NE. Eligible artworks must be comprised of at least 50% glass and have been completed within the past two years. There is no fee to submit, and artists can submit up to two works for consideration. This year's guest jurors are Jess Julius and Dr. Tera Hedrick. Read more about the jurors and find a complete list of submission guidelines here.


The Heartland 5 exhibition opens at Belger Crane Yard Gallery on Friday, April 7 and runs through Saturday, May 6.

For more information about exhibitions, classes, and programs, please visit our website.

Follow us to stay connected!


Powered by:
GetResponse