When I joined the Kansas City art scene as The Star's art critic in 1991, I encountered a small, but serious community of artists, curators, collectors and patrons poised to realize some big plans for developing the city's art resources.
Heaven knows our cultural reputation declines when prominent former Missourians like John Ashcroft decide to cover a bare-breasted historical statue, or Calvin Trillin gasses on in The New Yorker about his nostalgic attachment to the American Hereford Association's landmark plastic bull.
But from the moment I arrived here it was clear to me that the rube stereotype outsiders were prone to apply was a misrepresentation.
Submitted by Sudie Sudeendorf from Gardner, Ks.
Q: I was the purchaser of Marc Sijan's, "Maid" life-sized statue at the Country Club Plaza Art Show. I have been told that the pisce was pictured in the K.C. Star on Saturday Sept. 20. I purchased it at the end of the show Sunday, Sept 21st. I would love to have the original picture and 3-4 copies of the Star article. I very much appreciate your help. Sudie
Answered 10/02/08 12:59:34 by Alice Thorson
A: Call the photo reprints department at 816-234-4741.Submitted by joshua rizer from kansas city, mo
Q: what is the best way to get a press release to Alice Thorson? Thank you for your time! Joshua Rizer
Answered 09/26/08 10:37:37 by Alice Thorson
A: E-mail it to me at athorson@kcstar.comSubmitted by David Sanders from Mission, KS
Q: I am a fan of the Kansas City Roller Warriors with an idea for a related animated cartoon. Many of the girls know about my idea and I would like an artist. We agreed on local artist Chris Garrett, who drew the cool cartoon of roller derby rules in the program . We believe his art would be good for the show and I intend to get my time stamp from the Writer's Guild and the idea pitched to Cartoon Network once the product is complete. Is there a way to contact Chris and let him know of my idea? Thanks.
Answered 09/24/08 15:06:20 by Alice Thorson
A: Chris has a website: http://ninetimesnine.com and you can email him at myshkin@ninetimesnine.comSubmitted by dennis wiser from overland park ks
Q: Is it possible to submit a book I wrote that is rich in Kansas City history to the book editor for an opinion?
Answered 09/24/08 14:03:55 by Alice Thorson
A: Contact the Star's book editor, John Mark Eberhart: jeberhart@kcstar.comSubmitted by David Morrow from Raytown, MO.
Q: MS.Thorson, I have written and illustrated two books-A Large Paper Sack(kids book) and If The Devil Would Only Die(about humanity), Locate in kc public main library, well if you know some one who could really critique or suggest an outlet, please advise, (10+ years of curiousity)if the public should see.
Answered 09/24/08 14:03:26 by Alice Thorson
A: Contact the Star's book editor, John Mark Eberhart: jeberhart@kcstar.comSubmitted by James Skinner from Kansas City, MO
Q: I have written a book, or at least the beginning of one that will be ongoing. Would like advice on how to proceed.
Answered 06/12/08 14:20:20 by Alice Thorson
A: Our books editor, John Mark Eberhart, may be able to help you.Submitted by joe bussell from Rosedale, KS
Q: Alice, Is that piece of visual pollution (child pulling heart with chain) going to stay in Mill Creek? I was grateful when It's equally uninspired clones were carted away, but now I worry was it a purchase? If so who's money was used to plop it there (1% for Art, TIFF, etc)? Now for the big question with so many good local artists why are we saddled with schlock from the UK? Thanks, Joe Bussell
Answered 03/27/07 19:52:19 by Alice Thorson
A: I checked with Chuck Moore, communications officer with the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department,who said that the artist, Mackenzie Thorpe, "asked if he could leave it because people wanted to look at it." 'It will be removed at the end of the month,' Moore said.Submitted by Anonymous from Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Q: 1/4/07 Dear Alice Thorson, Whose idea was it to feature a dog with make-up on the cover of the 1/4/07 "Preview" section of the Star? Did anyone realize the crude comments about paper that could be cast in the direction of the Star? With newspapers barely hanging on these days, the choice of covers is essential and this one was a "dog."
Answered 01/04/07 15:51:04 by Alice Thorson
A: Alex Schubert's First Fridays column in today's Preview contains background info on the artist and the thinking behind his dog divas. The work is intended as a spoof, and a pretty timely one, I think. We thought it was a good choice for a section that covers high art and pop culture in a thoughtful manner.Submitted by Tom Zart from Lenexa KS
Q: Do you know that Tom Zart is the most published poet on the web? look "Tom Zart" up on google.
Answered 11/01/06 18:22:38 by Alice Thorson
A: I will pass this on to our books editor, John Mark Eberhart, who covers poetry.Submitted by Lela Ek, SCBA vice-p from Pineville, Missouri
Q: The Sugar Creeks Betterment Assoc. is a non-profit organization in McDonald County, MO that sponsors an annual ArtWalk. We are interested in placing an ad in the Entertainment section of the Star prior to this year's event on Sept. 30. How to we go about this as the classified information doesn't seem applicable.
Answered 07/17/06 16:19:26 by Alice Thorson
A: Lela, I have forwarded your inquiry to our advertising department and they will contact you shortly. Thanks, AliceSubmitted by Teresa Petrovic from Kansas City, MO
Q: Do you have any information regarding the closing of the Hallar Gallery? I have tried the contact information I had, but to no avail. I purchased a small studio painting from the gallery during an opening night reception. I was delayed in picking it up, but now cannot contact Robin Hallar or any other person. Thank you.
Answered 07/07/06 15:47:21 by Alice Thorson
A: The Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts may be able to help you. Their phone number is 816/472-3535Submitted by Brenda from Baldwin City, Kansas
Q: This is not so much a question as a statement. There is a wonderful exhibit in the Holt-Russell Gallery at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, that runs from May 22-June 19. This exhibit is the John Brown series of serigraphs by the great Afro-American artist, Jacob Lawrence. Please call or email me at brenda.day@bakeru.edu for more info.
Answered 06/08/06 20:07:52 by Alice Thorson
A: will doSubmitted by Anonymous from Leavenworth, KS
Q: Alice, I send press information for the Carnegie Arts Center, Leavenworth, KS. I have your mailing address but wanted to know if I could send you information by e-mail? We are non-profit and I am always looking for ways to save money. Thankyou.
Answered 06/07/06 16:02:30 by Alice Thorson
A: Email is fine. My address is athorson@kcstar.comSubmitted by Laura from KC
Q: I would like to press release some items to you for your "Art Notes"/People column. Are there any requirements? How would you like to receive it? May I also send an image? THANKS ALICE.
Answered 06/05/06 19:41:32 by Alice Thorson
A: Laura, That column is being discontinued in the new section, but I'd still like to receive your information. You can email the info to me at athorson@kcstar.com or send it to Alice Thorson, Art Critic, Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., KCMO 64108. If there is an upcoming event involved, get me the info at least two weeks ahead of time. Send images as 300ppi jpgs or mail me a CD. Thanks, AliceSubmitted by Linda Koschmann from Kansas City, MO
Q: Can you advise us how to get listed in the Visual Arts Address Book? Thank You! The Buttonwood Art Space
Answered 05/23/06 18:14:31 by Alice Thorson
A: Send info to dfrese@kcstar.com