public art

Nearly six years and $1.5 billion later, the new KCI terminal is set to open at the end of February. But the cost estimate has expanded greatly since the project was approved by Kansas City voters in 2017.

Kansas City Public Schools says it's considering closing 10 schools as part of its long-term plan to expand student opportunities and combat declining enrollment. Plus: Kansas beadwork artist Mona Cliff is one of 19 local artists creating new work for the new KCI airport terminal.

The Swedish-born, New York City-based artist was famed for his gargantuan renditions of prosaic objects — a lipstick, a clothespin, a cherry perched on a spoon — installed as public art. Some of his most iconic works live on at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

Precision Mazes partnered with Netflix last year and carved a sand design in the Carolinas to promote the series “Outer Banks." And in 2020 they put the face of Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid into a 27-acre dirt field.

When artist Amie Jacobsen finishes one of her latest projects, visitors to Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village, Kansas, will be greeted by a massive sunflower made of glass and steel that will glow during the day and be lit at night.

Unlike the CowParade from 20 years ago, Kansas City is the only place in the world to see these big hearts.

The long-time supporter of the arts has been approved for a $35,000 grant to support studio and startup residencies.

Lucky Easterwood has been painting murals in Kansas City, Kansas, since 1996. Each of his paintings are intended as a message of optimism for this specific community: "If it was quick to die, it can be quick to rebuild."

With over 200 murals spanning the walls, sidewalks, streets and bridges of the metro, Kansas City is as much The City of Murals as it is The City of Fountains.

Take this self-guided tour of the major sculptures, murals and other public works of art around Kansas City.

Artist Edgar Heap of Birds' "Native Hosts" was vandalized and stolen last month from the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. It was re-installed this week — an achievement highlighted by speakers and musicians.

For Kansas Citians looking for a slightly more involved summer destination, Minneapolis offers an expansive display of public art, a diverse and creative food scene, and lush outdoor spaces.