Arts & Culture

A new exhibit at the Nerman Museum in Overland Park packs a punch with ceramic lipsticks, guns, and colorful pastel flowers. Over her five-decade career, Kansas City clay artist Linda Lighton created sculptures that speak to some of the thorniest issues of our time.

Since 1956, Leila Cohoon had amassed the world’s largest collection of hair art and jewelry — intricate works made of human hair. Her museum in Independence, Missouri, was the only one of its kind. But when Cohoon died last year, the future of this Kansas City institution — and the unusual tradition it preserved — was suddenly an open question. Suzanne Hogan speaks to KCUR’s Julie Denesha to find the answer.

Leila's Hair Museum, the most unusual attraction in Independence, Missouri, closed in September. Thanks to the founder’s granddaughter, the massive collection of wreaths made out of human hair is finding new homes at museums across the country.

An Independence museum for artwork made out of human hair recently closed its doors for good. Hear the story of the final days of Leila’s Hair Museum. Plus: Missouri families have to navigate tough food decisions after getting alpha-gal syndrome from ticks.

More than 200 times a month, graffiti appears on downtown walls, buildings and signs. City officials say they scrub the surfaces clean, only to see them tagged again the next day. But businesses and hotels are fighting back, sending the message that downtown Kansas City is a welcoming, thriving and safe place.

HerCafe, a matcha business founded by a University of Missouri-Kansas City student and her friend, has found success with its weekend popups around the metro area. Customers line up at mosques, wellness events and outside clothing stores for a taste of their specialty drinks.

Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes started in 2015 to make children’s Halloween dreams a reality. The nonprofit has made 200 free custom costumes to fit wheelchairs and walkers.

Want to discover more Kansas City artists? Our city's art scene is poised for a bountiful harvest this autumn with an impressive lineup of exhibitions at local galleries and museums.

Museums usually keep art behind glass or tucked in storage, but one Lawrence museum lets people get closer. We'll take a trip to “Open Fridays” at the Spencer Museum.

Musician Kelley Gant is heading to Los Angeles to perform at the Masters of Musical Whistling competition. She stopped by KCUR’s Up To Date to whistle a Charlie Parker tune and tell us how she got into the art form.

Fans and artists around Kansas City are embracing the excitement around Missouri-born Chappell Roan, who will perform two sold-out concerts this weekend. Two local drag performers, Karmella Uchawi and Minti Varieties, were tapped to help open the shows.

Kansas City, Kansas, artist Harold Smith’s new series of paintings puts a personal spin on iconic works from art history by adding in his friends and neighbors. You can see these "Around the Way Folk, Saints in Uncommon Places" now at the Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka.