At work, they’re architects and engineers, marketing experts and metal fabricators, but after hours they let their inner artists out.David Morrow, a psychiatric technician who works nights with patients at Truman Medical Centers, is one of more than 150 area employees or executives showcased in the fourth annual “Art/Work — Creativity from the Cube” exhibit.His acrylic and pastel painting, “Lion in the Grass,” represents his third entry in the annual event.Another example is Jared Weseloh, a quality assurance assistant at Systems Material Handling, who plays piano and harmonica and dreams of being a country music songwriter in Nashville. He will perform “I’m Already There” at the “Cube” showcase.They are among winners of in-house arts competitions at 25 area organizations participating in this year’s Corporate Arts Festival, co-sponsored by the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City and DST Systems.Their work, including visual and performing arts, will be on public display from Sunday through Aug. 8 at Union Station.Beginning in January, participating companies held visual, literary and musical performance shows and competitions to display the creative talents within their work forces. More than 500 employees entered.There’s no question that the Kansas City area is home to a lot of artistic and cultural talent, said Arts Council president Harlan Brownlee. But, he also noted in a recent newsletter, individual and private industry support isn’t enough. Brownlee is calling for public funds to augment private dollars in supporting “one of the best things going” in the metro area — the arts community.The “Cube” program is one facet of the council’s mission to integrate the arts with economic development and to increase public awareness of the variety of arts and artists in the area.The workplace-based fundraising campaign for arts organizations and artists has raised nearly $2.1 million since it began in 2007.This year’s “Cube” exhibitors at Union Station will be judged by panels of experts to give “best in show” awards. The public also can vote on “people’s choice” awards.Winners will be announced at a public performance and reception at 7 p.m. next Friday at Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s Copaken Stage at 13th and Walnut streets.

Posted on Thu, Jul. 29, 2010 10:45 PM

Buzz Up

Comment (0)

tool goes here

Area employees show their creative side at ‘Art/Work — Creativity from the Cube’ exhibit

By DIANE STAFFORD

The Kansas City Star

More News

At work, they’re architects and engineers, marketing experts and metal fabricators, but after hours they let their inner artists out.

David Morrow, a psychiatric technician who works nights with patients at Truman Medical Centers, is one of more than 150 area employees or executives showcased in the fourth annual “Art/Work — Creativity from the Cube” exhibit.

His acrylic and pastel painting, “Lion in the Grass,” represents his third entry in the annual event.

Another example is Jared Weseloh, a quality assurance assistant at Systems Material Handling, who plays piano and harmonica and dreams of being a country music songwriter in Nashville. He will perform “I’m Already There” at the “Cube” showcase.

They are among winners of in-house arts competitions at 25 area organizations participating in this year’s Corporate Arts Festival, co-sponsored by the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City and DST Systems.

Their work, including visual and performing arts, will be on public display from Sunday through Aug. 8 at Union Station.

Beginning in January, participating companies held visual, literary and musical performance shows and competitions to display the creative talents within their work forces. More than 500 employees entered.

There’s no question that the Kansas City area is home to a lot of artistic and cultural talent, said Arts Council president Harlan Brownlee. But, he also noted in a recent newsletter, individual and private industry support isn’t enough.

Brownlee is calling for public funds to augment private dollars in supporting “one of the best things going” in the metro area — the arts community.

The “Cube” program is one facet of the council’s mission to integrate the arts with economic development and to increase public awareness of the variety of arts and artists in the area.

The workplace-based fundraising campaign for arts organizations and artists has raised nearly $2.1 million since it began in 2007.

This year’s “Cube” exhibitors at Union Station will be judged by panels of experts to give “best in show” awards. The public also can vote on “people’s choice” awards.

Winners will be announced at a public performance and reception at 7 p.m. next Friday at Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s Copaken Stage at 13th and Walnut streets.

To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send e-mail to stafford@kcstar.com.

Posted on Thu, Jul. 29, 2010 10:45 PM

Buzz Up

Comment (0)

Join the discussion

Share your observations and experiences about news. Lively, open, civil debate is the goal. Please refrain from personal attacks or comments that are racist, vulgar or otherwise inappropriate. If you see an inappropriate comment, please click the "Report as abuse" link.