Artspeak Radio

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd presents painter/curator Harold Smith. HAROLD SMITH- Art can be more profoundly understood when experienced in context of the physical culture which birthed it. The UrbanKore Art Exposition will present artistic voices from the urban core of Kansas City, both Kansas and Missouri sides. This one day exposition is designed to connect these fresh and vibrant artistic voices with new collectors and galleries. It is hoped that these connections will increase the presence of artists from disenfranchised communities in artistic collections and institutions. It is also an opportunity to visit the historic Quindaro neighborhood including the Quindaro Ruins Townsite, the former sight of Brown University - the first college for blacks west of the Mississippi, and the Quindaro Underground Railroad Museum. Down Quindaro Avenue itself you can visit Wilson's Pizza, Ms. R's Soul Food Cafe, Parkwood Park, and imagine a time when it was filled with stores, and people, and laughter, and prosperity. UrbanKort Art Exposition happening Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11am – 6pm The Quindaro Community Center located at 2726 Brown Ave, Kansas City, KS 66104

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes comedian Carlos Chamon and Hathaway Maranda Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement Great Plains SPCA. CARLOS CHAMON- Get ready to make a splash at the fourth annual Fountain City Comedy Festival.  A festival designed to highlight Kansas City's independent arts scene that promises waves of laughter! Taking place in the heart of Kansas City, this unique festival will feature 20 hilarious shows across 10 unique and independent venues throughout the Kansas City Metro area. 50 of the best comics from across the country will take over a different neighborhood each night with shows, happy hours, and after parties. Night 1 (18th & Vine) – Night 2 (Midtown) – Night 3 (West Bottoms) – Night 4 (Crossroads). Headliners Aaron Branch – Hailing from Kansas City, Aaron has made waves with his performances on Netflix's Unstable and Online with Kevin Langue and Aaron's unique brand of social media.  He returns home to headline The Gem Theater on Wed. 10/22 with the incredible RYAN DAVIS opening the show. Ahren Belisle – Breaking out on America's Got Talent and Kill Tony, Ahren Belisle is a mute comic who communicates to the crowd through his phone.  His quick wit and fast fingers make for an unforgettable show. Heather Shaw – Heather Shaw is a seasoned stand-up comic who has gained a large following on social media for her humor and uncanny resemblance to Jim Carrey. She's been featured on The Today Show and has worked with comics such as Mark Normand, Eric Andre, and Fortune Feimster. Eddie Pepitone – Eddie is a force of nature on stage, switching between social rage and self-doubt. His shows are an energetic combo of calm and chaos, blue-collar angst and sardonic enlightenment. He's been featured on Conan, Chappelle's Show, and more. Few comedians working today channel the power of the rant better than Eddie Pepitone. Kyle Ayers – Kyle Ayers is a comedian from Missouri currently based in Los Angeles who hosts the popular podcast and live show, Never Seen It, where comedians rewrite famous movies and TV shows they've never seen. You may have seen Ayers at his hit Edinburgh Fringe and Off-Broadway show HARD TO SAY about his Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosis performing his stand-up on Conan. Chloe Radcliffe – Hailing from the Midwest and proud of it, standup and actor Chloe Radcliffe recently led the New York Times' list of recommended shows at the 2024 New York Comedy Festival. She was named one of Deadline's 15 Comedians Ready To Break Out In 2025, and one of Vulture's Comedians You Should And Will Know. Jay Jurden – Jay Jurden is a New York based comedian, writer and actor. Originally from Mississippi, Jay regularly performs comedy all over the country. He was recently a Staff Writer for Apple TV+'s  Emmy-nominated show, The Problem With Jon Stewart. Jay has performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon three times and has also been seen on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central Featuring, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and HBO's High Maintenance.   The Fountain City Comedy Festival aims to celebrate the vibrant independent comedy scene in Kansas City while bringing together top talent from around the nation to see the best parts of our city. Whether you're a comedy fan or looking for a fun night out, this festival has something for everyone. www.fountaincitycomedyfest.com/ HATHAWAY MARANDA, Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement Great Plains SPCA- Great Plains SPCA invites the community to honor cherished animal companions during a weeklong Día de los Muertos Pet Remembrance observance, beginning Monday, October 27, 7–9 PM, at Great Plains SPCA's Merriam Campus. In partnership with La Mega KC, Consulado de Mexico in Kansas City, MO, Dos Tequilas KC, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, Mattie Rhodes Center, and Guadalupe Center. The celebration will feature a beautifully curated altar where the public is welcome to add photos, toys, treats, and mementos honoring their beloved pets. The altar will remain open for visits throughout the week during Great Plains SPCA business hours. October 27 is recognized as Día de los Muertos for Pets, a tradition that began in 2019 when a Mexican animal funeral services company proposed the date to honor lost animal companions. Rooted in ancient indigenous beliefs that dogs guide souls through the afterlife, this modern practice celebrates the joy pets bring to our lives while providing comfort and healing to grieving pet families. How to Participate: • Create an ofrenda: Bring a photo, favorite toy, or treat to place on the community altar. • Add personal touches: Include items that represent your pet's unique personality. • Light a candle: Invite your pet's spirit to join you in remembrance. • Share stories: Speak about your pet's life and the memories you cherish. • Reflect: Take a moment to appreciate the unconditional love your pet gave. • Leave a gift: Donations to Great Plains SPCA will support lifesaving programs for pets and families in our community. “Pets are family, and honoring their memory in a meaningful, culturally rich tradition helps heal the heart,” said Tam Singer, CEO of Great Plains SPCA. “At Great Plains SPCA, we are proud to serve our community not just through adoptions and animal care, but by offering compassionate programs that connect people and pets in moments of both joy and remembrance.” This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own ofrenda items and to invite friends and family to share in this celebration of beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge. Open hours for this event will mirror daily adoptions center operations, Tuesday – Sunday 11AM – 7PM. Great Plains SPCA is located at 5424 Antioch Dr. Merriam, KS www.greatplainsspca.org

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Guest Producer/host John Todd welcomes comedian Janell Banks, Devon Plumberg, Kansas City Hospice, and Kevin King founder/director Whim Productions and Taylor Rivera. DEVON PLUMBERG & JANELL BANKS- Join us for our 2nd Annual Kansas Conference for Women on October 16, 2025. Our mission is to create affordable experiences for relatable women, close to home. Since 2019, our volunteers have created an annual SOLD-OUT event that brings together as many as 300 guests of all backgrounds. The conference features compelling local speakers, and opportunities to connect with the region's vendors and sponsors, business owners and community leaders, together in one space to support and learn from one another.  In this, our 2nd year, we will once again offer an affordable in-person opportunity to connect on topics that matter most to you. Doubletree Hilton-Overland Park October 15/16  www.sheslocal.org An affordable conference for local women. Our mission is to create welcoming experiences for all women, close to home.  Reducing the opportunity gap for women in local communities.  Here's how we are unique: • We are affordable; keeping our ticket price at $52 with scholarships for women struggling to make ends meet. • We are personal; keeping our events intimate to allow for easy connecting. • We highlight local women; only accepting experts from our local community. • We bring you relatable and relevant information from women in your community living similar lives; spending 5 months on a listening tour to collect topics that matter most to local women. JANELL BANKS is a Kansas City-based, internationally touring comedian known for her quick wit, bold stage presence, and hilarious auntie energy. She's currently opening for Pinky Patel on the “I Said What I Said” tour and has been seen in The Color Purple (KC). Whether she's cracking up crowds across the country or dropping gems on stage, Janell always delivers laughs that linger. DEVON PLUMBER, KC Conference for Women board chair and business coach/consultant, will talk about how the conference has grown since its launch and how it's working to create a space that is inclusive and welcoming to all women. The conference is a supportive/positive place for women to seek personal support, professional growth, or meaningful connections. KEVIN KING Artistic Director Whim Productions and TAYLOR RIVERA (he/they), actor who plays Emory discuss the latest production at Whim Productions, The Boys in the Band. The Boys In the Band- New York, 1968. A birthday party among a close-knit group of gay friends. As the drinks flow and a party game spirals out of control, long-buried truths rise to the surface, revealing deep-seated insecurities, desires, and conflicts. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this landmark piece explores identity, self-worth, and the complexity of friendship and chosen family within the LGBTQ+ community. Whim Productions is located at 415 Prospect Ave. KCMO www.whimproductions.org The production runs Oct 02 - Oct 19, 2025 General Admission: $30 Pay What You Whim pricing is available on select dates. Content Advisory: This production includes • strong language • racist and homophobic slurs • mild violence • brief nudity No photography or videography is allowed during performances. CAROL BARNETT & CARYN HOHNHOLT with Kansas City Hospice- KANSAS CITY HOSPICE SHINE ON IN DOWNTOWN KC Who's shining on in your life? That's the question Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KCH) is asking attendees of this year's Sunday Night Live, the organization's signature fun - and fundraiser, back at Kansas City Power & Light the first Sunday in October 5 The theme? Shine On - as in - who keeps shining on in YOUR life? We're celebrating your favorites, the most important people in your life, and those who keep shining on even after they're gone. Coming up Sunday, October 5 – this truly is a community event, for and about Kansas City. With no Chiefs game to compete with, “This is the best way to spend your Sunday evening!” says David Wiley, President & CEO of Kansas City Hospice. “We love the dedicated opportunity to celebrate our volunteers, the families of patients we've cared for throughout the years, our donors and supporters and our team members. This is three solid hours to experience fun and the excitement of Power & Light. We're here to shine on for years to come.” Kicking off at 5 pm, Sunday Night Live includes delectable food and drinks from many Power & Light eateries, music, games, silent and live auctions, and more. The fan-favorite raffle is back, which includes trips, foodie packages, sports memorabilia, and other one-of-a-kind items. One new in-person feature at Sunday Night Live is the flashy gold Mystery Boxes, guaranteed to hold a prize worth $100 and more. Participants pay a fee, pick their favorite box and take home what's inside! Visit KCHospice.org/SNL for tickets, raffles, to bid on the silent auction, and the latest event updates. The best part? You don't have to be present to win (or even bid!) on silent auction or raffle packages – it's all completed on your phone. Everyone is encouraged to participate to support the mission of Kansas City Hospice, a nonprofit organization serving the entire metro area. www.kchospice.org

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, Septembr 24, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes poet/writer J. Khan, Angela Brunner Development/Communication Director Mattie Rhodes Center, and Zhou B art director Izzy Vivas. J. KHAN- J. Khan and Leonard Greco, artist and author, have combined talents to narrate and illustrate the epic journey of the Maya Hero Twins in the underworld of Xibalba. And back. Their book Popol Vuh: The Maya Hero Twins in Xibalba draws from their familiarity with the Popol Vuh and Maya culture. The result is a compelling illustrated journey that revitalizes Americaoldest spiritual and poetic epic. Each poem is accompanied by a full color illustrated work. Reviews note that Khan's epic narrative style brings the characters, setting, and plot to life. Greco's intense archetypal figures evoke the timeless quality of a creation parable. Together they create a groundbreaking adaptation which exemplifies the living vitality of the Popol Vuh. Perfect for lovers of epic poetry, ekphrastic work, historians, Mesoamerican scholars, educators, as well as Maya and Neo-Baroque aficionados.180 pp. 6x9. Color. Soft Cover. Blurb Press. Introduction by Denise Low. Illustrated end papers. ISBN 979-8- 31-999595-7 Price: $39.50 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Khan is a prize-winning poet whose works appear in the United States and internationally. Born in the UK, Khan has lived and travelled overseas but spent his adult life in the US. He holds post-graduate degrees from the University of Missouri and Harvard. Writings have appeared in Fifth Estate, I-70 Review, and New Letters. He has served as a rotating guest editor for Glass: Poets Resist and was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Khan has been interviewed by NPR, appeared on national news feeds, and has been cited by Time Magazine and international news publications. For over a decade he has traveled to Honduras to provide volunteer medical services. www.JKAuthor.com Angela Brunner Development/Communication Director Mattie Rhodes Mattie Rhodes Center Calendar: First Friday, October 3, 2025 – Exhibit Opening & Celebration First Friday, November 7, 2025 – Exhibit Closing & Calaca Night Parade For more than twenty years, Mattie Rhodes has been the heart of Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Kansas City. Festivities are held in the historic Westside neighborhood, home to many of Kansas City's Latinx residents. It began in the classrooms of the Mattie Rhodes Art Center where children worked on Dia de los Muertos themed projects after school. It was in one of those classrooms that Richard Bay, a local artist and art educator in the Kansas City Public School District, held a discussion night about the holiday where an impressive crowd gathered to learn about its traditional practices. The people's interest was apparent, as was the need for more space, and thus a gallery was opened next door in order to foster a space for cultural and artistic education. Since then Mattie Rhodes Center has dedicated itself to this idea and hosts a variety of events during Dia de los Muertos, including an altar exhibition made for and by members of the community, cultural workshops and tours, and related celebrations in the streets of the Westside. Altogether, we hope to create an experience that is similar to and honors the traditional celebration of Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. We cherish the connections and collaborations we have made through this event with our community members as well as valued institutions around the city such as the Kansas City Museum in the Northeast, Stonelion Puppets Theater, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The holiday of Dia de los Muertos varies from place to place, from person to person. The holiday originates in Mexico, though it is celebrated in many other countries in different forms. Dia de los Muertos embodies themes from both All Saints and All Souls Day (Catholic holidays) and those of the Aztecs and the Mayans. The culminations of these many beliefs focus on families reflecting upon those who have passed and rejoice in the happiness they once shared. Even though families are saddened by a loved one's departure, they do not cry on the Day of the Dead. The elders say the road back to the world of the living must not be made slippery by tears. El Dia de Los Muertos evokes happy and sad emotions, but it is always a celebration that unites the living the dead together for a short time. The holiday can be seen as practice in which we laugh at death, we triumph over it by celebrating life. While Halloween focuses on scary images of monsters, witches and other frights, the Day of the Dead displays a strong sense of respect and love for family, ancestry, and community. Death is a natural part of life, and this holiday allows people to talk and laugh about death and lose some of their fear. Although traditionally Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, many people celebrate the days of the dead from October 18th through November 9th, with each day dedicated to different groups of souls, also including a thirteen day feast. For this celebration of life and death, ofrendas (altars) are constructed for those who have passed and people tell stories and reflect on the good times they all once shared. There are many standards for the creation of the altars. Specific items are called for, the inclusion of the four elements (earth, wind, fire, and water), a towel and bowl of water, a cushion or chair, photographs, candles, flowers, personal items and even food. Our exhibit of altars and artwork displays and explains these aspects and brings others to the surface. Some work portrays the traditional aspects of the day of the dead, while others reflect contemporary views that push the principles of ofrendas. They also present many different views to the public, some dedicated to family and others purely aesthetic. The artwork of various local artists on the walls stirs up the celebration and positive energy that the holiday exudes. The fiestas take you right to the heart of Mexico with the parade, performers, live music, food, activities, marketplace, and art that involve the entire community. The workshops teach you how to decorate and prepare for the festivities, and the slide presentation shows you first hand accounts of the holiday in Mexico. Overall, we bring you many ways to learn, understand, experience and celebrate this wonderful and uplifting Mexican holiday. Traditional Mexican Calendar: Many people witness the holiday of Dia de los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd, All Saints and All Souls Days. In some areas of Mexico the holiday begins as early as October 18th and lasts through November 9th. Although the days change from place to place and family to family, the basic festivities remain the same. Below is a calendar of the Days of the Dead from many areas in Mexico. October 25th- The Feast of the Holy Souls. This is the beginning of a 13-day feast of the dead for the Tzeltals of Mexico. Here graves are decorated with pine needles and tusus (yellow wildflowers). October 27th- The souls of those who have no living family members are offered breads and water from jugs on this day. October 28th- On this day the accidentados return (the souls of those who died in accidents). This is also the day for the souls who have caused great harm or murder to return. They are also offered jugs of water and breads. These souls are un-forgiven for their acts, so their offerings are placed outside the houses or in the corner of a church. October 30th- The unbaptized souls return on this day. The children who visit on this day are known as Los Ninos Limbos (children who died before baptism). October 31st- Angelitos (the souls of children) show up on this day and must return to the land of the dead by afternoon of the following day. Toys and candy are left for them. November 1st- The souls of the dead adults return today. Cigars, cigarettes, alcohol and liquor is left out for the adults only on this day. The adults may remain until the next day. Many families spend the night in the cemetery to spend time with them. This day is known as All Saints Day, a Catholic festival day. Someone is called to ring a bell through town or in the church to summon the souls of the adults. November 2nd- Known as All Souls Day, another Catholic festival day. This day focuses on the living assisting the dead in their move into Heaven. This is usually the last day of celebration and includes the largest fiestas. By the end of the day, all the souls must leave, and to help them along, the mummers (dancers) wear costumes and masks and run through the streets dancing and singing, trying to scare the spirits back to the land of the dead. November 3rd- The living may share and eat the objects from the altar. People usually give their objects to their neighbors saying, they were left for them by the souls. In Mixquic, a bellman rings a bell on the hours of each day of the dead to announce the different happenings and rituals to be performed. The Aztecs dedicated an entire month to the dead. The month was called Miccailhuitontli, and was named after and presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, who was the Lady of the Dead. This happens from July 24th through August 12th. During this month, rituals were dedicated to her and the god of war known as Huitzilopochtli. This was the time of the harvest and it was believed that the souls followed the scents of the harvest in order to find their way to their altars. Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center is located at 1701 Jarboe, KCMO 64108 www.mattierhodes.org IZZY VIVAS Art Director Zhou B art center- https://www.zhoubartcenterkc.com/current-exhibiton

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes artists Pierre Owens, DeAnna Skedel, KE Griffin, Anna Marten, and filmmaker Jon Brick. JON BRICK- Experience the magic of Ronzo at an exclusive screening of Jon Brick's new feature documentary—a lively tribute to the man who turned a small Southern town into a creative mecca. Ronzo is a witty, heartfelt documentary about Ron Shapiro — affectionately known as Ronzo — who turned Oxford, Mississippi, from a conservative college town into an unlikely cultural mecca. His Hoka Theater became the beating heart of the town's creative underground — a sanctuary for misfits where college students mingled with literary giants like Willie Morris, John Grisham, and Barry Hannah. The Hoka hosted music, indie films, plays, and midnight adult film screenings, and drew counterculture icons like Abbie Hoffman, Allen Ginsberg and Hunter S. Thompson. It also helped launch the careers of artists and musicians, including members of Wilco, North Mississippi Allstars, and Widespread Panic. Outside the theater, Ronzo stirred up local politics, using wit and empathy to provoke dialogue and bridge divides. His legacy continues through Hoka Days, an annual celebration in his honor, culminating in a lively parade in Oxford. Though Ronzo's death left a void, his influence remains, reminding us of the power of creativity, inclusion, and the arts in shaping communities. Ronzo's story is told through the voices of his closest friends and family, including musicians from Wilco, Widespread Panic, and the North Mississippi Allstars; actress Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy); renowned Southern writers; and TV and radio hosts Jim Dees, John T. Edge, Robert Gordon and Tom Franklin — to name a few. The screening is Saturday, September 27th, 7:30pm Grand Avenue Temple 206 E 9th Street KCMO, 64106 Tickets ($15) are available to purchase through the International Documentary Association, the film's fiscal sponsor with this link: https://ronzo.allyrafundraising.com/events/922 If you are unable to attend, we are accepting donations also through the International Documentary Association Fiscal Sponsorship Program: https://ronzo.allyrafundraising.com/ PIERRE OWENS- I'm an artist with Autism who started drawing when I was a young kid. I graduated from Paseo Academy in 2007 as a Creative Writing Major. I found my true calling back in 2009 while I did some job shadowing at AbilityKC. I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. Years later, he found my true love for movies. Movies have been a true part of my art. I come up with great movie ideas and create great movie posters for them. I'm an outsider artist with no art school education but has a God-given talent to create such beautiful portraits. The things that inspire me to draw are the people that I met, the places I've visited and the movies that I watched. I've done commissioned drawings for people across the country and some from around the world. My drawing style is very traditional and cartoonist-like. I mostly draw from pictures that I look at and from memory as well. Three years after I found my calling in the art world, I met professional artist Wes Benson and he inspired me to go further in my art career. In 2013, I started having my very first art show at his studio at The Bauer. In 2015, I showcased some of my drawings with Charles Mooneyham at an exhibit in St. Louis. In 2016, I presented a special drawing to former KC Mayor Sly James. In 2017, I had my first exhibit at the Bruce R. Watkins Center and it was a success. Months later, I was featured in an interview with former teacher Christopher Ulmer on his page called Special Books by Special Kids when I was showing off my ability to recall any movie release date. Right after that, drawing commissions started pouring in. They couldn't get enough of my work. In 2022, I had a second pop-up art fair at the Bruce R. Watkins Center. In 2024, I was featured in an exhibit with Harold Smith and other local artists at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center. A few months after that, I had a couple of art fairs with fellow artist Trey Loomis at the City Market. In September of 2024, I participated in the 18th & Vine Arts Festival with Harold Smith, Trey Loomis and Crystal Major. Back in April of 2025, I participated in ArtsFusion KC and sold some art there as well. I'm currently participating in an exhibit called Digitalfiles/Flattiles at the Emily and Todd Voth Artspace. I have to say that being an artist can be tough sometimes but creating something beautiful can be the easy part. There were times I wanted to give up on my art but courage and the blessings from God has allowed me to never give up and to keep going. I had many ups and downs in my creative journey but I always come back up on top. Art will always be my true love.You can contact me for custom made drawings or previously drawn artwork by emailing at owenspierre81@yahoo.com or by calling or texting me at (816) 885-3772. ANNA MARTEN- In 2024, after nine years as a production illustrator who hand-painted signs and murals for a grocery store, I stepped away from my position and began to reimagine my creative process without the barriers of a corporate art world. I'm now getting reacquainted with the parts of myself that create for creation's sake. As an avid daydreamer, I acknowledge that memory plays tricks on us. If there's a boundary connecting memory, reality, and fantasy, then my art probably exists between all three. Lesser observed spaces draw my attention because I'm interested in the implied environment rather than the literal one. Whether there's a narrative to be uncovered or imagined, I enjoy recentering overlooked and candid moments as fantastical realities. Illustrating words was my primary livelihood for so many years, but I'm now more interested in exploring the conversation that exists between mediums. How do I conjure a story with both photography and painting? Can the two styles of communication work together while maintaining separate identities? In working together, is the result decipherable or purely fantastical? As an interdisciplinary creator, I'm open to learn or experiment with whichever mediums work best for each project. Anna Marten is a Kansas City-based multimedia illustrator with a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute. She approaches traditional processes such as hand-lettering and painting with vibrancy. Her professional practice has incorporated hand-painted signs, murals, and displays into Kansas City businesses for over a decade. As an interdisciplinary artist, she has utilized screen printing, photography, acrylic paint, found objects, and sculpture for exhibition pieces. A few exhibit collaborators include the KC Fringe Festival, MCC, InterUrban Arthouse, and Vulpes Bastille. DEANNA SKEDEL has been an artist and professor in Kansas City since 2002. Her eclectic, wide-ranging studio practice has been akin to the practice of reading tea leaves: an act of both divination and meditation. DeAnna first began showing at the Ohio Craft Museum while still in undergrad. Graduate school at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago brought about some time working in theater. Sculpture and good friends presented opportunities at such venues as the US/UKContemporary Cast Iron SculptureProject and Overflow/Fluids (LA Art Girls) at the Getty Museum Los Angeles, California. She has been a Kansas City Avenue of Arts recipient, part of the Urban Culture Project, included in the book The Sixth Surface: Steven Holl Lights the Nelson-Atkins Museum and a member of the Kansas City chapter of the social justice organization, Avodah. Skedel has been honored by her peers at Metropolitan Community College-Blue River with the Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and is honored by students who call her “some crazy combination of Mr. Miyagi and Bob Ross” and is happy her children do not find her too embarrassing. Skedel has been an artist and professor in Kansas City since 2002. Her diverse, expansive studio practice resembles ... cooking—a meditative process of infusion and maceration. Reflecting on her life, she says, "As an artist, academic, and a parent of neurodiverse teenagers, I navigate evolving social concerns, teaching and learning styles, all while experiencing a shifting identity. At times, it feels like I am experiencing a 'puberty of maturity,' where, despite societal invisibility and the many layers my roles add, my personal evolution is accelerating." KAREN E (KE) GRIFFIN -I am a creative, proactive and transformative textile and performing artist possessing the innovative ability to formulate fabrics and seams into wonderful stories. My visionary process evokes and informs viewers by exploring tangible and verbal artforms. The art quilts, abstracts and panels are constructed of music notes, adinkra symbols, feathers, beads, prints, patterns, denim and 2D. The textiles contain the following materials: paper, African or cotton fabric on canvas or wood panels. After four or more art pieces are completed, stories are implemented to embrace the art quilt or abstracts. For 21 days, I shut off my outer body to support me with framing a piece(s). After the layout(s) is unveiled, I hand-select prints, patterns and threads to depict breathtaking textiles. My concepts consist of complying black outline drawings, digital graphing, photography, crayon drawings on poster board and sewing. Machine sewing or hand-stitching fabric on paper, canvas or cotton is my form of meditating. When my mind is relaxed, my hands control the progress and final art piece. I enjoy joining seams with fabric to generate a story, depicting my ancestors' journey to and in America. It takes two or more months to produce an array of textiles and stories from an idea to wall hanging, art show or presentation. Researching and studying the journey of African-Americans play an important role in designing, displaying and promoting my textiles. The primary purpose of sewing seams and applying a story is design to engage, empower and educate viewers of my creations about the history of African-Americans. As a textile and performing artist, I am honored to teach and share the journey of enslaved Africans in America through art and storytelling. My first solo exhibition consisted of twenty-one textiles on clotheslines with rope, clothespins, fencing post, burlap, buckets and concrete. The exhibit was designed to inform all generations with exploring the journey of enslaves, seeking FREEDOM in America. This quote best expresses how I hope people feel when they view my work. “There are times people don't want to hear what you're saying, but they will relate and engage to what you express through ART”. Art by .E Lewis

Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes artists Francisco and Fredy Gabuardy, Consuelo Cruz Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement Belger Arts, artists Tyler Suter and Hannah Schelb. FRANCISCO and FREDY GABUARDY- Kansas City-based media artists Francisco Gabuardy and Fredy Gabuardy are identical twins, but their styles are not hard to differentiate. Francisco explores a collection of personally meaningful symbols like spikes and pie graphs, while Fredy is a builder and often includes sculptural elements in his work. Cadejo, their first collaborative exhibition, was four years in the making. It showcases 10 pieces, eight highlighting the push and pull of their unique styles and shared Nicaraguan origins, and two representing their own studio practices. Cadejo refers to a mythical, dog-shaped spirit they grew up hearing stories about. In Central American folklore, it represents "good" and "evil," light and dark. It can protect and attack, lead away from harm or toward danger. They were inspired by the dual nature of cadejo, reflected in their complementary or perhaps, at times, seemingly contradictory styles and approaches. The works, in turn, reflect their relationship as twins, mirroring each other at various points in life and art. For the Gabuardys, the key aspect of cadejo is its mysterious ability to lead. But whether to safety or peril, the artists must keep moving forward. The brothers created the works using a series of self-imposed "rules," game play, and improvisational techniques. Each collaborative effort involved new negotiations and strategies with every action and counteraction. How much space does one occupy? Who gets to enter the conversation, and when? The results are both uncanny collisions and gentlemanly covenants in mixed media, expressing twin communication that goes beyond words. The works are exercises in trust and intention. In this series of collaborations, the artists demonstrate a tenacious investment of energy and time, and an expansive curiosity around process, material, and formalism. The works are packed with personally meaningful symbols, exuding cryptic beauty in their unexpected compositions. The artists invite viewers to approach the works with an open mind, reminding us that these abstractions hold infinite interpretations. They see the pieces as stanzas, sentences, or small thoughts that can serve as starting points for the viewer's own narrative. Artists talk can be viewed here, Unraveling ‘Cadejo: A Twins' Journey - YouTube www.fredygabuardy.com www.franciscogabuardy.com Kansas City Public Library Central Library 14 W. 10th St. KCMO Guldner Gallery now through September 20 CONSUELO CRUZ, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement Belger Arts Belger Arts Residency Programs, Hannah Schelb, Ceramics Artist in Residence, Tyler Suter, Glass Artist in Residence Belger Crane Yard Studios continues to host national and international artists through its Residency program. A residency provides ceramic artists with the opportunity to expand their body of work or create a special project that may be outside the scope of their routine studio practice. The residency program gives driven, self-directed artists opportunities for rigorous professional development and enhanced self-sufficiency practices. Within the studio community, resident artists engage in constructive dialogue and immerse themselves in their work. Residents foster the development of the studio's creative environment and create outreach opportunities within the local community. Outreach opportunities include teaching classes or workshops, giving public presentations, and critiques. Through community involvement, residents create educational opportunities for the appreciation and critical understanding of ceramics, thus employing and evolving Belger Crane Yard Studios as an innovative, artistic resource. Hannah Schelb, Ceramics Artist in Residence: Hannah Schelb started working in ceramics in 2009 while attending Augusta State University. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2012, she started a studio practice and eventually moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she worked in glaze production and taught community classes. In 2016 and 2017, Schelb attended summer residencies at Chautauqua School of Visual Arts in Chautauqua, New York, while teaching after-school programs in Cincinnati, Ohio, during the school year. She was accepted into the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019 and graduated with a Master of Arts and Fine Arts in May 2021. She was the director of ceramics for the summers of 2020 and 2021 at a summer camp in Harrison, Maine. Schelb became a lecturer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022-2024 and started showing work at several prominent galleries. Schelb recently completed her 2024-25 residency term at the Belger Crane Yard Studios and is returning for her second term. The Glass Residency is open to emerging glass artists looking to further their artistic and professional careers and gain experience teaching and working with the public. This residency is ideal for artists looking to develop a body of work, who thrive in a shared, communal space, and are preparing for the next step in their professional pursuits. Resident artists advance their art practice in a spacious state-of-the-art facility equipped for glassblowing, kiln forming, sandblasting, and coldworking. Work alongside nationally recognized artists throughout the year and help develop and inspire beginner glassblowers. Resident artists teach a class of their own design, plan and lead public glassblowing demonstrations, and engage with the public during hands-on glassblowing experiences. Tyler Suter, Glass Artist in Residence: Tyler Suter is a St. Louis-based studio artist who, since an early age, has had a profound love for the natural world. Working primarily with glass, his current body of work explores the repetition of form and pattern that can be found throughout nature, from micro to macroscopic. Developing this body of work involves exploring various glassworking techniques and incorporating ceramic components. Tyler received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics from Bowling Green State University. He has had work featured in numerous group exhibitions, including Bravo! BGSU: A Celebration of the Arts (2018). He has also conducted public demonstrations and private classes, sharing his passion for glass with the community. Tyler recently began an artist residency at the Belger Glass Annex in the inaugural year of the residency program. Since 2000, the Belger Arts Center has encouraged viewers to explore, question, and deepen their understanding of art and of the world around them. Drawing upon the extensive Belger Collection as well as a rich variety of local, national, and international artists, the Belger Arts Center has staged over 100 large-scale exhibitions that represent some of the best in contemporary art. Belger Crane Yard Studios is a ceramics studio, education center, and gallery space located in downtown Kansas City's Crossroads district. Learn new techniques or master old ones with wheel throwing, handbuilding, and special topic classes, for beginners to professional potters. Our world-renowned Artist-in-Residence program has made Belger a center for contemporary ceramic art, fostering artists to explore their craft. The adjoining Belger Crane Yard Gallery hosts exhibitions featuring world-class glass, ceramics, and multimedia artists. The Belger Glass Annex is the third Belger Arts location and opened to the public in October 2021. It is the first public glass blowing studio in Kansas City of its scale and scope. The facility boasts state-of-the-art glass blowing equipment and tools, a furnace that holds 300 pounds of molten glass, and three workstations. The Belger Glass Annex is a Midwest hub for glass art, education, and appreciation, strengthening Kansas City's reputation as an arts destination. www.belgerarts.org Belger Arts Center 2100 Walnut Street Kansas City, MO 64108 816 - 474 – 7316 gallery@belgerarts.org Belger Crane Yard 2011 Tracy Avenue Kansas City, MO 64108 Events • October 3, First Friday: Opening of Put a Lid on It exhibition (lidded vessel invitational) and Fall-Focused Glass Demo with Glass Pumpkin Sales • Eight resident artists have arrived: (https://belgerarts.org/air) Four new ceramics residents + two returning ceramics residents + two residents for our NEW Glass Residency(https://belgerarts.org/glass-residency-programs)! • November 7, First Friday: Opening of Holidays at Belger Crane Yard Gallery • November 21 and 22 Holiday Sale at Belger Crane Yard Studios • We also kicked off Saturday Socials in our ceramics studio—like Date Night but without the pressure of having to bring a date. We still have Date Night on Fridays: https://belgerarts.org/ceramics-date-night-saturday-socials

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes author/artist Lindsey Doolittle and musician/producer Nik […] The post Artspeak Radio with Nik Douglas and Lindsey Doolittle appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes author/artist Lindsey Doolittle and musician/producer Nik […] The post Artspeak Radio with Nik Douglas and Lindsey Doolittle appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes author Rob Edwards, Tj Templeton gallery […] The post Artspeak Radio with Rob Edwards, Tj Templeton, and No Divide appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes author Rob Edwards, Tj Templeton gallery […] The post Artspeak Radio with Rob Edwards, Tj Templeton, and No Divide appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Audrey Crabtree Executive Director KC Fringe, […] The post Artspeak Radio 2025 Pledge Drive + KC Fringe Festival, Michelle L. Hill, Chicago Beau, and Scarlett d. Jones appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Audrey Crabtree Executive Director KC Fringe, […] The post Artspeak Radio 2025 Pledge Drive + KC Fringe Festival, Michelle L. Hill, Chicago Beau, and Scarlett d. Jones appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes EXPOSED members Beth Marshall, Josie Nixon […] The post Artspeak Radio with EXPOSED, Bracke, Noriega, Shell, and Mattingly appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes EXPOSED members Beth Marshall, Josie Nixon […] The post Artspeak Radio with EXPOSED, Bracke, Noriega, Shell, and Mattingly appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd talks with writer/author Mike Matzdorff, Director Saving […] The post Artspeak Radio presents Mike Matzdorff, Gary Otte, and Curtis V. Smith appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd talks with writer/author Mike Matzdorff, Director Saving […] The post Artspeak Radio presents Mike Matzdorff, Gary Otte, and Curtis V. Smith appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes artist Katrina Revenaugh, The Critterz, and […] The post Artspeak Radio with Katrina Revenaugh, Alej Martínez, and The Critterz appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes artist Katrina Revenaugh, The Critterz, and […] The post Artspeak Radio with Katrina Revenaugh, Alej Martínez, and The Critterz appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes independent fashion designer Cory Infinite, multi […] The post Artspeak Radio with Cory Infinite, The Critterz, Luis Garcia, and Boyd Bauman appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes independent fashion designer Cory Infinite, multi […] The post Artspeak Radio with Cory Infinite, The Critterz, Luis Garcia, and Boyd Bauman appeared first on KKFI.

Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes designer/artist/gallery owner Leslie Beck, artist Sue Moreno, and Phil Kinen theater producer/playwright/director/educator. LESLIE BECK, designer/owner/artists Blue Sky Art + Home: A Creative Sanctuary Blossoms in […] The post Artspeak Radio with Leslie Beck, Phil Kinen, and Sue Moreno appeared first on KKFI.

Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes designer/artist/gallery owner Leslie Beck, artist Sue Moreno, and Phil Kinen theater producer/playwright/director/educator. LESLIE BECK, designer/owner/artists Blue Sky Art + Home: A Creative Sanctuary Blossoms in […] The post Artspeak Radio with Leslie Beck, Phil Kinen, and Sue Moreno appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes GK Callahan, Izzy Vivas, and Sean […] The post Artspeak Radio with Izzy Vivas, Sean Whalen, and GK Callahan appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes GK Callahan, Izzy Vivas, and Sean […] The post Artspeak Radio with Izzy Vivas, Sean Whalen, and GK Callahan appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Fashion Tech KC Founder Laura Treas, […] The post Artspeak Radio with Laura Treas, Kēvin Callahan, & Dr. Curtis V. Smith appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Fashion Tech KC Founder Laura Treas, […] The post Artspeak Radio with Laura Treas, Kēvin Callahan, & Dr. Curtis V. Smith appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Hugo Ximello-Salido, Jordan Graves curator of […] The post Artspeak Radio + Hugo Ximello-Salido, Sofia Bilbao, National Toy & Miniature Museum and stArt The Conversation Art Exhibition appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Hugo Ximello-Salido, Jordan Graves curator of […] The post Artspeak Radio + Hugo Ximello-Salido, Sofia Bilbao, National Toy & Miniature Museum and stArt The Conversation Art Exhibition appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd talks with Thayer Bray, actor/filmmaker Tosin Morohunfola, Unicorn Theatre artistic […] The post Artspeak Radio with Alexej Savreux, Unicorn Theatre, and Thayer Bray appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd talks with Thayer Bray, actor/filmmaker Tosin Morohunfola, Unicorn Theatre artistic […] The post Artspeak Radio with Alexej Savreux, Unicorn Theatre, and Thayer Bray appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Consuelo Cruz Vice President Marketing & […] The post Artspeak Radio with Consuelo Cruz, Wayne Courtois, and Jennifer Blount appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Consuelo Cruz Vice President Marketing & […] The post Artspeak Radio with Consuelo Cruz, Wayne Courtois, and Jennifer Blount appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes ArtsKC Dana Knapp and musician/activist Enrique […] The post Artspeak Radio with Dana Knapp and Enrique Chi appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes ArtsKC Dana Knapp and musician/activist Enrique […] The post Artspeak Radio with Dana Knapp and Enrique Chi appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes artist/gallery owner Hugo Ximello-Salido, Nic Douglas, […] The post Artspeak Radio with Hugo Ximello-Salido, Jake Goldman, & Shari Hartbauer appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes artist/gallery owner Hugo Ximello-Salido, Nic Douglas, […] The post Artspeak Radio with Hugo Ximello-Salido, Jake Goldman, & Shari Hartbauer appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Poetic Realms from the Kansas City […] The post Artspeak Radio with Poetic Realms with Kevin Demery appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd welcomes Poetic Realms from the Kansas City […] The post Artspeak Radio with Poetic Realms with Kevin Demery appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd author Tamara Dean, Artist Thrive and Mid […] The post Artspeak appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd author Tamara Dean, Artist Thrive and Mid […] The post Artspeak appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd talks with author Marshall Garvey, artist/curator Tj […] The post Artspeak Radio + Garvey, Guadarrama, & Bunker Center for the Arts appeared first on KKFI.

Artspeak Radio, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org Producer/host Maria Vasquez Boyd talks with author Marshall Garvey, artist/curator Tj […] The post Artspeak Radio + Garvey, Guadarrama, & Bunker Center for the Arts appeared first on KKFI.