Leawood, KS February 2018

Leawood LeawoodLifestyle.com

FEBRUARY 2018

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MAKER'Sissue

CROOKED BRANCH STUDIO

INTRODUCING ARTIST JOSEPH LORUSSO

TRANSFORMING INTERIORS

A better way to care for your pet comes to Leawood and Overland Park neighborhoods!

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Our state-of-the-art Neighborhood Vets mobile clinic enables us to provide convenient home-based care throughout Leawood and Overland Park neighborhoods. We would enjoy meeting you and your pet and serving your veterinary needs.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2018 PUBLISHER

Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Angela Broockerd | Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Letter from the Editor OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE IS DEDICATED TO MAKERS AND ENTREPRENEURS, WHICH IS ALWAYS A FAVORITE THEME OF MINE. It is so interesting to me to hear about what inspires people to go after a dream or to create something that is unique that they have put a piece of their heart and soul into—something that is their own that they share with the world.

I have noticed a common thread amongst all of the small businesses, makers and entrepreneurs that I have had the pleasure of meeting or talking to, regardless of how different they may be from one another, and that is they all had the tenacity to take a chance and go for it. They put themselves out there and took the risk. It has given me

Paul Versluis | Paul.Versluis@LifestylePubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Frank Flores | Frank.Flores@LifestylePubs.com Mike Maddox | Mike.Maddox@LifestylePubs.com Emily Thibault | Emily.Thibault@LifestylePubs.com John Naegele | John.Naegele@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Becky Hillyard, Haley Paszkiewicz, Allison Swan, Jenny Wolff CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Aaron Leimkuehler, Sarah Sweeney, Paul Versluis

perspective on the saying “you are capable of whatever you put your mind to” regardless of how cliché it sounds. Obviously, there is a lot more that goes into creating something, but the overall theme I notice every single time is they just went for it.

Honestly, this mentality can really be applied to more than just business: getting that degree, making that life change, listening to that inner voice that tells you that you are meant for so much more or that you are supposed to make an impact in an area that may be outside of your comfort zone. Whatever it may be, if it is something you are passionate about, life is too short to let it pass you by.

I am a dreamer by nature and am constantly thinking of ideas and startups, but I forget about half of them. They simply don’t mean enough to me. Every once in a while, I come up with an

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF SALES OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL AD MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

idea that fills me with such fervor that I can’t let go of it. Last winter, that was the case for me as I dreamt up an idea of a kindness challenge in middle schools. I have always had a sensitivity and passion for teenagers that are hurting and have always had a heart to reach out to them

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

in some way. It started as a little idea, but I could not let go of it, so I knew I was meant to do something. Doors immediately opened in so many various ways that normally would not be, and Lifestyle Publications immediately supported and adopted this kindness challenge we call Elevate. It has been a ton of work but rewarding. I am meant to do this for a reason that I may never even know, but it is worth it to me, even if it only has an impact on one kid.

PUBLISHER SUPPORT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

Steven Schowengerdt Matthew Perry DeLand Shore Brad Broockerd Sara Minor Janeane Thompson Nicolette Martin Victoria Perry Lindsey Howard Chad Jensen Cyndi Harrington Alicia Huff Adella Wrisinger Jessica Soetaert Cyndi King Dana Rudolph Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek Melanie Carlisle Randa Makeen Michael O’Connell Scott Lavigne

If you have an idea or a dream you are sitting on, big or small, I encourage you to give it a try. You never know what could happen.

ALABAMA | ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | FLORIDA | GEORGIA | IDAHO ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MICHIGAN | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | SOUTH CAROLINA

Angela Broockerd, Editor Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER Leawood Artist, Joseph Lorusso

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS 8

Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

LeawoodLifestyle.com

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | UTAH | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26th St., Kansas City, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Leawood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Leawood areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Leawood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2018

FEATURES 16 Grünauer Explore great food finds in the city

22 DIY Pom Earrings The Perfect Valentine’s Earrings

28 Wooden Bow Ties Leawood Artist and Entrepreneur Creates Custom Men’s Accessories

40 16

40 Interior Transformations Before and After with Design Connection Inc.

28

22

DEPARTMENTS 8

Lifestyle Letter

12

Good Times

16

Hot Spot

22 DIY 33 Realty Report 34 Artist’s Palette 40 Open House 46 Lifestyle Calendar 50 Parting Thoughts

I T ’S

M O RE

I T ’S

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LI F ES T Y LE.

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GOOD TIMES

Kicks 4 Kids KC The Kicks 4 Kids event, held November 30, generated more than $66,000 in net proceeds to benefit underserved children. Patrick Sallee, CEO, announced the merger of Turner House Children’s Clinic, Silver City Health Center and the Children’s Campus Kansas City clinic into one organization: Vibrant Health – Wyandotte Neighborhood Clinics.

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

1.

2.

3.

Stand Up for Synergy

6.

Synergy Services furthers its mission of being a safe haven to those who have survived abuse, neglect and violence with its hilarious benefit, Stand Up for Synergy. St. Louis native and NBC's Last Comic Standing, Kathleen Madigan, headlined the event, which also included a cocktail reception, dinner and auction.

4.

5.

7.

8.

10.

9.

11.

1. Brennan and Debbie Tucker and Amy and Ryan Powell | 2. Becky and Park Ulrich | 3. Daniel Marx, Jason Webb, Jason Boman and Ryan McDonough | 4. Bruce and Michelle Pierceall, Kathleen Madigan, and Tricia and Jason Bennett | 5. Corky McCaffrey and Ryan and Michelle Brown | 6. John Pinkman and Michael Lintecum | 7. Stand Up for Synergy emcee, Fox 4 anchor Nicole DiAntonio | 8. The Nigro Brothers encourage Michael Artman and Debbie Horne during the live auction. | 9. Mike and Brigitte Dunn and Cheryl and Gregg Givens | 10. Julie Denney, Jennifer Short, Jamie Cummings and Stephanie Smith | 11. Cheryl Givens, Greg Personelli and Cory Miller February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

13

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

Breakfast with Santa

4.

Kids of all ages ate a delicious Leawood Lions' pancake and sausage breakfast and had their photo taken with Santa on December 2. They also participated in many activities at the Historic Oxford Schoolhouse's Holiday Traditions on the Prairie and at the Nature Center's Holiday Open House.

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9.

10.

1. Crafting fun! | 2. I want this and that! | 3. A big thank you to the Leawood Lions for their services! | 4. Mayor Peggy Dunn crafts up fun time with her grandson, Cameron! | 5. Old-time music makes everything merrier! | 6. Grandma’s story time can’t be beat! | 7. Creating an edible and unique garland. | 8. Crafting creativity! | 9. Enjoying a great breakfast! | 10. Making reindeer food.

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

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February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

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HOT SPOT

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

Grünauer ARTICLE ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

CONTINUED >

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

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HOT SPOT

(CON TI N U ED)

AUTHENTIC GERMANIC CUISINE IS SERVED AT GRÜNAUER IN KANSAS CITY, OFFERING LOCALS THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE EUROPEAN FARE WITHOUT EVER LEAVING THE HEART OF AMERICA. Peter Grünauer, his son, Nicholas, and long-time friend and Viennese restauranteur Klaus Piber collaborated to open the Viennese restaurant in the historic Freight House located in the Crossroads.

Nicholas grew up in the restaurant industry, spending summers in Vienna with his family at the original Gasthaus Grünauer restaurant located in the Neubau neighborhood that his grandparents opened back in 1957. Peter has owned and operated several Austrian restaurants including Vienna ’79 and Grünauer Bistro in New York. Nicholas and his sister, Elisabeth Grünauer, currently run the Kansas City restaurant that opened in May 2010.

The history behind the Freight House further adds to

“We want each dish to be as authentic as possible. That’s taken a lot of trial," Nicholas says. "We try not to put things on the menu that you wouldn’t be able to find in a restaurant in Austria.”

the beauty of the restaurant.

“The building was built in the 1880s. It was a train station and then a freight depot for most of its life to service the train tracks that run right behind our restaurant. Union

If it’s your first time dining at Grünauer, Nicholas recommends trying their most popular items first.

Station is on the other side of those train tracks," Nicholas

“Start with the schnitzel, which is the classic dish

says. "It was a depot for various companies over the years

from Vienna. The Hungarian beef goulash is also very

where they would pull up the rail cars to the bay doors

popular and really nice this time of year—it’s a spicy,

along the building and store items before moving on to

hearty stew made with fresh Hungarian paprika. On a

their next location. Its last use in that capacity was a beer

cold day, it’s a nice warm up.”

warehouse until the early '80s.

The Wunderbar is separate from the main dining room

"It’s a gorgeous 500-foot long building that sat vacant

with different music, lighting and overall atmosphere, mak-

for 20 years until a developer came in, and it was one of

ing it the perfect place to grab a drink before or after dining.

the first projects to launch downtown. In 1996, nothing was

“As far as our bar and beverage menu, we’ve gone to

really here. The developer had a vision for these three big

great lengths to curate a diverse and interesting selec-

restaurants—you’ve got Jack Stack, Lydia’s and he operated

tion," he says. "We’ve acquired a really diverse selection of

a restaurant in this space for seven years before us. Then, we

Austrian wines, Austrian beers, German beers and unique

took over the space from the developer to open Grünauer.”

spirits, including Schnapps, which is a famous after-dinner

Germanic cuisine is a regional cuisine defined by its influences from central European countries.

“The Hapsburg empire ruled all of central Europe for a

drink in Austria. Those paired with any of our food items go well together. For dessert, of course, the apple strudel. We make all the strudels every day in-house.”

few hundred years, so all of those cuisines from around

Hosting an event? Book the Vienna Zimmer private

central Europe melted in Vienna," he says. "There’s a

dining space that’s lofted above the restaurant. It’s ideal

lot of influences from northern Italy, Hungary, Bavaria,

for any gathering, from rehearsal dinners to business

southern Germany and the French Alps. Our menu tries

meetings. It’s a warm and inviting setting with a bar and

to regularly feature classic dishes from all of these areas.”

large fireplace. The beautiful outdoor biergarten is a little

Because the cuisine is so diverse, there are several

piece of paradise that’s open to the public but can also

different techniques used to prepare the food, includ-

be reserved for a private party.

ing roasting, frying and braising. They carefully select dishes to put on the menu that are both appealing to Midwesterners yet traditional.

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

For more information, visit GrunauerKC.com .

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

19

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DIY

DIY POM EARRINGS ARTICLE HALEY PASZKIEWICZ | PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

DIRECTIONS 1. Start by creating the pompom. There are various methods, using cardboard or forks, but the Clover Pom Pom Maker makes it much easier. The maker has two half circles sections that pull out. Choose any side and start to wrap your yarn around the half circle until it is at the maximum thickness. The thicker you wrap it, the fuller and fluffier the pompom will look. Cut the end of your yarn with scissors, tuck the half circle back in and repeat on the second side.

2. You should have two sides wrapped with separate pieces of yarn. With both sections closed, cut the wrapped yarn around the perimeter. Take a separate piece of yarn and tie a knot tightly around the center of the pompom maker. Tie four

WHAT YOU’LL NEED + Colorful yarn + Scissors + Necklace chain + Clover Pom Pom Maker— available on Amazon + Pliers + Jump rings + Earring hooks

knots—two on each side of the pom to make sure it is secure.

3. Take your pompom out of the maker. Next, trim up the ends with scissors to make it fluffy and even.

4. Cut two identical pieces of the necklace chain about 2 inches long with scissors.

5. With pliers, open a jump ring, and attach the earring hook and chain. Close the jump ring. Repeat for the second earring.

6. Attach another jump ring on the other end of the chain. Leave it open, and slide it around the piece of yarn that tied the pom together. Close the jump ring and repeat on the other earring.

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

Persaud

Creative CELEBRATING LIFE STORIES

ARTICLE JENNY WOLFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

PERSAUD

WITH

Persaud Creative acts as a guide, helping an

CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS TO BUILD

CREATIVE

WORKS

organization determine its audience and its one

THEIR BRANDS. Michael Persaud, a native of

voice, which consists of both messaging and tone.

Guyana, started Persaud Creative in 2011. Before that, he was instrumental in growing his church.

“Each church’s appeal is unique. We help you discover your story and build on it," he says.

“It is important what you say, but also how you say it,” he says.

The team introduces a 12-month brand package, which includes logo design, brand guide,

“I have a passion for local churches, and I

collateral materials and website. But Persaud

want to help them produce a brand. That brand,

Creative digs deeper, leaving the church or non-

along with marketing support, will help an orga-

profit with a strategy for reaching the people

nization reach more people and get the needed

they want to serve. This includes a 30-second

support to do the most good.”

video and photography which reflects the orga-

His company starts by asking nonprofit teams

nization’s culture and branded signage inside

the right questions, guiding the organization to

and outside the facility. From connect cards and

discover who they are and who they want to reach.

screens to bulletins, social media and a strate-

“To create a culture, we must first define it. A

gic campaign calendar, Persaud Creative sets

brand has a personality,” Persaud says.

up any organization to succeed.

“I have learned that a brand or culture is

Timothy Flick, Persaud Creative media

a system of shared assumptions, values and

designer, specializes in video, graphic design,

beliefs that determine how people behave in

websites and photography.

an organization. It gets people from various backgrounds all on the same page,” he says.

“It’s crucial to look past a logo and a name into who we are and what we believe in. A cohesive and powerful brand gives a strong and consistent first impression.”

“My passion is telling stories through media, and we are awesome at that!” Flick says.

“What we celebrate are stories of life change," Persaud says.

Persaud has his own life-changing story that led him to where he is today.

CONTINUED >

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

25

PERSUAD CREATIVE

(CON TI N U ED)

“What we celebrate are stories of life change,” Persaud says.

“I grew up in a third-world country," he says. "A missionary spoke

Persaud Creative helps you discover your story. The team

to my mom before I was born, and converted her from Hindu to

will also help present your message by creating wonderful

Christian. That introduction to Jesus changed the trajectory for our

user experiences for visitors to your website, design clear

whole family. She found hope where she didn’t have any.”

and consistent graphics, and tell your amazing stories

Persaud’s mother made the difficult decision to leave her

with video. The Persaud Creative website boldly states

children and moved to Kansas City, where a local church pro-

"You have a message the world needs to discover." Visit

vided a place to live while she became a student. Persaud was

PersaudCreative.com to see samples of their work, blogs,

3 months old, and his siblings were 6 and 8 when their mother

case studies and even free stuff.

left. They stayed in Guyana with grandparents and, after five years, the children joined their mother.

“Any way we can help, we want to add value to your organization!” Persaud says.

“We came with only what we had in our suitcases. The

“A powerful story can truly clarify the message of an

church congregation supported us with clothes, food and

organization. We love that our team gets to use our gifts

gifts," he says. "We had no father, so some of the men would

to grow these incredible organizations.” - Operations

play football with us, take us to Royals games and the speed

Manager Timothy Flick

races. During this time, I discovered that I was creative.”

26

Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

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February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

27

Crooked Branch Studio LEAWOOD ENTREPRENEUR CREATES CUSTOM BOW TIES

ARTICLE ALLISON SWAN

PAUL KASTER IS THE FOUNDER OF CROOKED BRANCH STUDIO, A LOCAL COMPANY CREATING UNIQUE HANDMADE WOODEN BOW TIES THAT COMBINE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND STYLE. With similar qualities of a classic, fabric bow tie, these wooden ties are smooth to the touch, rich in color and adjustable, making comfort a standard of every piece. Kaster was inspired to start his own business after receiving a wooden bow tie as a gift back in 2015.

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

“When I was 16, I got my first wooden bow tie and was really turned off by the quality of the woodworking and overall design,” Kaster says. “I set out to make my own version of the wooden bow tie, focusing on giving it contour and dimension, unlike the other ties I saw in the marketplace. Our wooden bow ties take the dimensionality and softness you love about classic, fabric bow ties and translates that into wood. They are made from a variety of domestic and imported hardwoods.”

Kaster went through countless prototypes, fabrics and woods until he was satisfied with the design, creating a tie that was wearable and more than just a novelty. After launching a Kickstarter campaign, Crooked Branch Studio officially launched in early 2016.

Wood isn’t the only material used to make ties. They have since expanded their collection to include bow ties made from recycled aerospace carbon fiber. By working with California's top rocket manufacturers, Crooked Branch Studio has been able to repurpose carbon fiber cutoffs generated in the production of fuel tanks and boosters. This precious leftover material that would normally end up in the garbage is now repurposed into ties to create the first-ever aerospace grade carbon fiber bow ties.

“We work with California's top aerospace companies to recycle their excess carbon fiber cutoffs with the help of a carbon fiber company in Los Angeles," Kaster says. "Like our wooden bow ties, they are assembled right here in Kansas City.”

As a native Kansan, Kaster is proud to call Leawood home.

CONTINUED >

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

29

CROOKED BRANCH STUDIO

(CON TI N U ED)

“Growing up in Leawood was an amazing experience because the city is filled with such high-achieving, successful people," he says. "Throughout my childhood, I had many great role models that inspired me to pursue business and entrepreneurship. I would never have found them had I not lived in Leawood.”

Crooked Branch Studio contributes to saving the environment and feeding the hungry by donating 10 percent of its profits to Harvesters, the Midwesternbased organization striving to combat poverty by providing food and household products to over 620 not-for-profit agencies including emergency food pantries, homeless shelters, community kitchens and children’s homes.

Their most popular wooden bow ties are Zebrawood, Koa and Cherry. The Zebrawood tie is handcrafted from exotic zebrawood native to West Africa that grows in straight, interlocking stripes. The Koa tie is handcrafted from the native hardwoods in the islands of Hawaii. As the koa tree grows, the grain twists back and forth, creating a curl figure that’s visible in their finished ties.

Cherry ties are handcrafted out of domestic cherry hardwood that’s grown, cut and milled sustainably in the United States. The wooden ties are then finished with mineral oil and beeswax to help prevent the wood from drying out while still keeping its natural feel. As for the carbon fiber ties, the Contour Tie is the most popular style, with its smooth, three-dimensional contour and pattern that gives the impression that the material is moving.

Kaster has exciting plans for 2018.

"We are focusing on expanding our options for weddings as well as developing matching wooden cufflinks and pocket squares."

To date, Crooked Branch Studio has sold more than 2,000 wooden bow ties all over the U.S. and in more than 25 countries just in the past two years.

In addition to their website, you can find their products in the Flying Pig Local Mercantile, Varnish and Vine, Made in KC as well as other boutiques around the country. For more information, visit CrookedBranchStudio.com.

30

Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

31

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REALTY REPORT

LEAWOOD

NEIGHBORHOOD

REALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

GLENABBEY OF LEAWOOD

$1,525,000

$1,400,000

91%

176

5

4.1

LEAWOOD

$1,400,000

$1,300,000

92%

51

6

5.1

HIGHLANDS CREEK

$1,295,000

$1,295,000

100%

52

5

5.1

ESTATES OF IRON HORSE

$995,000

$950,000

95%

53

5

4.1

LEAWOOD

$869,000

$856,000

98%

85

5

4.1

OTHER

$899,000

$855,000

95%

68

5

4.1

HIGHLANDS RANCH

$849,900

$830,000

97%

215

4

4.2

LEAWOOD ESTATES

$799,500

$780,000

97%

175

4

4

LEAWOOD

$695,000

$680,000

97%

65

4

3.1

BRIDGEWOOD

$650,000

$650,000

100%

1

4

3.1

Information compiled is from Heartland Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and includes properties listed and sold in the area from multiple brokers. Statistics from 12/1/2017-12/31/2017. DOM=Days on Market

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

33

ARTIST’S PALETTE

BEHIND INTRODUCING LEAWOOD ARTIST, JOSEPH LORUSSO

T

H

E

PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS

BRUSH 34

Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

Joseph Lorusso

JOSEPH LORUSSO WAS BORN IN CHICAGO IN 1966 AND RECEIVED HIS FORMAL TRAINING AT THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ART. He went on to receive his bachelor's in fine arts from the Kansas City Art Institute. Born of Italian descent, Lorusso was exposed to art at an early age. Through several early trips to Italy, his parents introduced him to the works of the Italian masters. Lorusso would look to these influences throughout his early artistic development, and they are still evident in his work today.

Lorusso creates landscapes and figurative works. In painting these subjects, he has concentrated on honing his powers of observation, especially as it concerns to color, texture, form and composition. Lorusso’s paintings have been described as warm and dreamlike, places of restful escape with a sense of spirituality, and share timelessness with the works of other eras. One of the main drivers in Lorusso’s work is his need to tell a story or convey a narrative—at least as a beginning as to allow the viewer the ability to complete the story as they see it. For Lorusso, the connection with the viewer is what ultimately completes the painting.

"I BELIEVE TRULY GREAT ART SERVES AS A TRIGGER INTO SOMETHING DEEPER WITHIN ALL OF US," LORUSSO SAYS.

CONTINUED >

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

35

ARTIST’S PALETTE

(CON TI N U ED)

The mood and emotion conveyed in Lorusso’s paintings evoke a deep sense of beauty found in the quiet times of daily living. His people are mysterious, lonely, romantic and yet familiar, placed in settings we often see ourselves. Lorusso’s paintings have gained notoriety for their ability to connect with the viewer, resonating in a way that is intimate and personal. Viewers often see themselves in his paintings as one can easily identify with the subjects in universal themes of love, contemplation and reflection.

While in school, Lorusso was recruited by Hallmark Cards Inc., which is what brought him to Kansas City, and from 1988 to 1999 served as an artist in their greeting card division. Lorusso has also served as an instructor of painting and drawing at the Kansas City Art Institute and the Scottsdale Artists School, and currently teaches several workshops around the country.

Lorusso’s work has been shown internationally and has won numerous awards and honors. He has been featured in American Artist, Southwest Art, U.S. Art, Art & Antiques, Artist's Magazine, ARTnews, American Art Collector, International Artist and Art Talk magazines. Lorusso’s work is part of many private collections.

His work is in the permanent collections of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri; the Wichita Museum of Art in Wichita, Kansas; and the Beech Museum at Kansas State University, and he is regarded as a leading figure in contemporary figurative realism. Lorusso is currently represented by McLarry Fine Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico; Bonner-David Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona; Newbury Fine Art in Boston; Principle Gallery, in Charleston, South Carolina, and Alexandria, Virginia; Jones and Terwilliger Galleries in Carmel, California; Broadmoor Galleries in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Saks Gallery in Denver.

Lorusso lives with his wife, two children and a cat named Blue in Leawood, and is represented locally by Blue Gallery.

For more information, visit JosephLorussoFineArt.com or BlueGalleryOnline.com .

Lorusso will be teaching a two-day workshop, Constructing a Painting

in the Studio Setting Workshop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 22 and 23 at the Irene B. French Community Center, 5701 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS 66203. The class is $150 for 14 hours of instruction. For more information, visit Merriam.org .

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

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OPEN HOUSE

transforming interiors

BEFORE AND AFTER

ARTICLE ANN E. BUTENAS | PHOTOGRAPHY AARON LEIMKUEHLER

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

ANY HOME RENOVATION TAKES A HEAPING HELPING OF KNOW-HOW COUPLED WITH AMBITIOUS INSPIRATION TO EFFORTLESSLY PARTNER FORM AND FUNCTION WITH EXPRESS AESTHETICS AND ELEGANCE. Arlene Ladegaard, principal designer of Design Connection Inc., helped this active family of six transform the home in which they had been living for 15 years, taking it from its late 20th-century look and beautifully ushering in a style and voice more representative of current design expressions.

Known for her ability to understand the culture of design while simultaneously speaking the language of her clients, Ladegaard took to the task of going beyond just purchasing new furniture for the home. Instead, she transformed the formerly broken up spaces and created a seamless, open area for the entire family to enjoy. This required strategic space planning, along with thoughtful incorporation of flooring, light fixtures, custom furniture, countertops and all other necessary design elements to complete the project.

Room by room, Ladegaard and her team incorporated a delightful series of design elements to create the desired look. This initially meant eliminating the former combination of tile, carpet and hardwood floors and replacing them with one uniform flooring element.

“In order to create a design that allows the distinct living spaces to have an open feel and flow from one room into the next, we unified the main level by working from the ground up, starting with the installation of medium oak hardwood floors throughout,” Ladegaard says.

After

CONTINUED >

Before

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

41

OPEN HOUSE

(CON TI N U ED)

After

Highlights of the main floor transformation include the faux-painted cabinets with a dark brown finish in the kitchen, partnered with a gray painted island.

Elegant quartz countertops, a herringbone backsplash and leather bar stools harmoniously steal the spotlight in this inviting space.

The hearth room, once home to an oversized and unused sectional, has now become a conversational piece, in more ways than one. Four new chairs and a center ottoman now make this area one for genuine conversation. No TV allowed.

Once an unused area, the living room is now the family gathering spot, complete with a new sectional, two swivel glider chairs and coordinating ottoman, offering more than enough seating space for the entire family.

42

Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

Before

After

The original fireplace was torn down to its studs, and now enjoys a framework of stacked stone and a custom mantel for the TV.  Mirrors on either side offer a beautiful reflection of the entire first-floor redesign, and the client is now more than happy to reflect on the change. “The contractors Arlene used were professional, reliable and performed high-quality work," the client says.

"Her design selections were spot on, and she or her staff were on-site every step of the way. We love the new look of the total transformation."

Arlene Ladegaard is the principal designer at Design Connection, Before

Inc., an award-winning design firm in Overland Park. She can be reached at 913-851-8776.

February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

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F E B R U A RY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

10

16

MODEL T FORD EXHIBIT

SWEETHEART RUN 5K/10K RUN/WALK

NIGHT AT THE ARBOREUM

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two-person teams will compete for

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Overland Park Arboretum

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SEVENTH ANNUAL “ARTI GRAS” JURIED ART SHOW

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dozens of craft and international

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LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

NEW YEAR....

NEW SMILE... NEW YOU!

18 THE THIRD ANNUAL KC FOLK FESTIVAL Westin Crown Center

Come enjoy family-friendly public festival featuring the best local, regional, national and international artists. The Kansas City Folk Festival is produced by Folk Alliance International. For more information, visit KansasCityFolkFestival.org.

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CELEBRATE I-LAN'S LUNAR NEW YEAR Ironhorse Golf Club

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22 10TH ANNUAL LEAWOOD SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD & HOA MEETING The Lodge at Ironwoods Park

A greener Leawood; a healthier world. An evening of great information. Register by February 15. Please email your name, address, phone, HOA and title to maricap@leawood.org or call Marica at 913.663.9114.

27 LEAWOOD GARDEN CLUB MEETING Cure of Ars Catholic Church

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February 2018 | Leawood Lifestyle

49

PARTING THOUGHTS

THE BUDDY TABLE PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

THIS MONTH’S WINNER OF OUR KINDNESS CHALLENGE COMES FROM CHISHOLM TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL. This young man created an area in his middle school lunchroom called The Buddy Table for students who may be having a bad day, need a friend or someone to talk to. All you have to do is sit at the table and, when others notice, they will soon join in. The Buddy Table is an active part of this middle school lunch room due to this student’s idea and effort to bring it to fruition.

When asked why he chose to be part of our kindness challenge and why he came up with “The Buddy Table,” he responded, “The lunchroom can be a very overwhelming place for someone looking for a friend. Also, you don't always know what's going on in someone else's life, and school should be a place where everyone feels welcomed and included.”

This student’s project was voted on by the community as the winning project, and as a result he was awarded $1000 from Lifestyle Publications.

To find out more about our kindness challenge, Elevate, or to vote on the next round, visit JohnsonCountyLifestyle.com/Elevate. If you have a middle school student interested in participating and have questions, email Elevate@LifestylePubs.com.

Our winner had one last thing to add. “I hope the Buddy Table will bring less stress and anxiety to those who feel overwhelmed in the lunchroom, and that many new friendships will form.”

Congratulations to the staff and students at Chisholm Trail for supporting this idea, and if you have a middle school child with a great idea of spreading kindness and positivity in their school, we want to hear about it!

Thank you to our generous sponsors at Audi Shawnee Mission and Commerce Bank.

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Leawood Lifestyle | February 2018

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