Visual arts

El artista español Luis Quintanilla huyó de la Guerra Civil Española para escapar de la persecución, pero la mayor parte de su obra fue destruida. Hoy en día, uno de los dos únicos murales que quedan, se encuentra en un rincón de la Universidad de Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Recién restaurada, la extraña y fascinante obra maestra de Quintanilla es un testimonio de los inmigrantes y del peligro del autoritarismo.

Every Friday, the Spencer Museum of Art opens its entire collection of prints, drawings and photographs to the public. Visitors can explore up close pieces that are usually kept in storage or behind glass.

Artist Luis Quintanilla fled the Spanish Civil War to escape persecution, but most of his work was destroyed. Today, one of his two remaining murals sits in an otherwise ordinary corner of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Newly restored, Quintanilla’s bizarre and enthralling masterpiece stands as a testament to immigrants and the danger of authoritarianism.

Harold Smith’s newest paintings take familiar works of art like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” and Leonardo DaVinci’s “The Last Supper” and reimagines them with people he grew up with.

The streets of Kansas City’s historic Westport neighborhood will turn into an open-air gallery this weekend. Art Westport, the metro’s largest and oldest local art fair, will host 140 artists from within an 80-mile radius of Kansas City. Three local artists share their advice for visitors.

A new art installation at the Wyandotte County Museum commemorates three Native American sisters who barricaded themselves in a tribal burial ground in what is now downtown Kansas City, Kansas. “Trespassers Beware” gives visitors a chance to experience the Conley sisters' story.

As part of Kansas City's efforts to explore how to reconnect the predominantly Black neighborhoods that were split by the construction of Highway 71, local artists are using their talents to visualize people's ideas.

Some artists shy away from using AI. Kansas City photographer and digital artist David Morris embraces it. Hear how a local creative harnesses AI to bring his vision to life, and where you can see it. Plus: A Kansas City bookselling icon is retiring after years of tracking down Black books and vinyl. Now, a new generation is stepping up to preserve her legacy.

Artificial intelligence had a hand in a new art installation at a Kansas City Streetcar stop. David Morris’ abstract digital collage is called “Music is Community," and it’s part of this year’s “Art in the Loop” program.

Months after area arts and culture nonprofits saw a loss of funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, Gov. Mike Kehoe has vetoed millions more in state support.

Professional artist and sign maker Dave Eames says diligent journaling has helped him download and remember important moments, cringeworthy mishaps and the mundanity of life. His work has garnered millions of views online.

Tattoo studios here in Kansas City are colorful environments, offering a sincere connection through unique art. Each one is stacked with several artists offering their own take on the form.