Explore Art - July/August 2014

exploreart summer calendar

2014

j u ly august

exhibitions Featured T Exhibition Tickets Members: FREE Adults: $12 Seniors over 55: $10 Students with ID: $6 Children 12 and under: FREE Groups of 10 or more (call ahead to reserve): $8 per person

FEATURED EXHIBITION

Tombstone of ‘Abbas, Son of ‘Abdallah, Son of Muhammad, Son of Nasih, al-Ma’la Cemetery, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 9th century C.E. Basalt, H x W x D: 24 x 13 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches. National Museum, Riyadh, 451. Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).

Closing July 6

Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Galleries L13–15 Don’t miss ancient objects of gold and colossal statues in this exhibition of cultural treasures.

Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is organized by the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ExxonMobil and Saudi Aramco are gratefully acknowledged as principal co-sponsors of the tour of Roads of Arabia in the United States. Sponsorship is also provided by The Olayan Group and Fluor Corporation.

Principal co-sponsors of the US tour

On the cover Alexander Gardner, American, b. Scotland (1821–1882). Fire Thunder, Man Afraid of His Horses and Pipe (detail),1868. Albumen print.

Gift of Hallmark Cards, Inc., 2005.27.253.

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FREE EXHIBITIONS

Presence & Absence: New Works by Tom Price Through January 4, 2015 | Galleries L8 & L7 In his first major solo U.S. exhibition, British artist and designer Tom Price investigates presence and absence using everyday materials in extraordinary ways—cast-coal bodies, voids and inclusions in resin and geometric forms.

Tom Price, English (b. 1973). The Presence of Absence (detail), 2014. Coal, PVA, steel and epoxy. Courtesy of the artist.

Highlights from The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures July 2, 2014–February 22, 2015 On view in American & European Galleries The museum is delighted to bring exceptional miniature works of art into dialogue with our American and European collections. Artists use the same materials found in full-size works to create miniature furniture, ceramics and paintings, including some inspired by familiar favorites our permanent collections.

Jens Torp, English (b. Denmark). Candelabrum, 2008. Sterling silver.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

Across the Indian Country: Photographs by Alexander Gardner, 1867–68 Opening July 25 | Gallery L11 This exhibition focuses on two rare bodies of Alexander Gardner’s work: his 1867 photographs of the rail line across Kansas and on to the Pacific, and in 1868, the treaty negotiations at Fort Laramie, Wyoming between peace commissioners and North Plains tribes.

Alexander Gardner, American, b. Scotland (1821–1882).

Mushroom Rock on Alum Creek, Kansas, 1867. Albumen print, The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.

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FREE EXHIBITIONS

Michael Cherney, American (b. 1969). Jia Ding Fu (section) from Ten Thousand Li of the Yangtze River, 2013.

Handscroll, photograph on Xuan paper. Artist’s Collection.

Stone and Mist: Chinese Landscape Photography by Michael Cherney Opening August 6 | Gallery 222 Using camera and film as his “brush and ink,” Michael Cherney captures mist-filled landscapes

Final Weeks!

and mysterious rock-hewn Buddhist caves in photographs mounted as traditional Chinese scrolls.

Closing July 20 In the Looking Glass: Recent Daguerreotype Acquisitions Gallery L10 Unknown maker, British. Actor in costume, ca. 1850.

Daguerreotype, three-quarter plate. Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, 2010.35.20. © Nelson Gallery Foundation.

Gérôme and the Lure of the Orient Gallery P30 Jean-Léon Gérôme, French (1824–1904). An Albanian Smoking, ca. 1881. Oil on canvas. Courtesy of Terence and Katrina Garnett. Photograph Courtesy of Sotheby’s, Inc. © 2007.

Living with the Spirits: Decorating Homes in Traditional China Gallery 222 Crane Pecking a Peach, Chinese, Late 19th–early 20th century.

Woodblock print in ink and color on paper. Bequest of Laurence Sickman, F88-44/372.

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Tours

TOURS Tours for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired July 19 & August 16 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Info Desk | Ages 12 & up FREE | Reservations required Join this monthly tour for visitors who are visually impaired. Explore the collections through a combination of tactile experiences and verbal descriptions. Bring family and friends or an accompanying companion to find new meaning in art! Tour topics vary each month.

Interactive Collection Tour Wed–Fri 1:30 p.m. | Thurs/Fri 6:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Sat/Sun 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. | Meet at Info Desk Drop in for a free guided tour and spend up to an hour looking and discussing works in the collection.

Featured Exhibition Tour Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Only through July 6 | Exhibition ticket required Drop-in tours available July 2 & 3 at 1 p.m.

Visit our website to schedule a tour for six or more. Look for a museum guide and share lively conversation in the exhibition. July 3, 6–9 p.m.; July 5 & 6, 1–4 p.m.

art

+ family

Fun

FOR FAMILIES!

Join us every Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m. for FREE hands-on activities, close looking and conversation with museum guides in the galleries and Bloch Lobby.

WEEKEND FAMILY ACTIVITIES What inspires you? In July and August, we explore sculpture and nature. Learn about the artist Henry Moore and his inspirations in sculpture.

Gallery Activity View sculpture by Henry Moore and learn about the challenges of sculpting in bronze.

FUN Spot Discover different forms and textures by drawing from a variety of natural objects.

Story Time for Preschoolers Enjoy story times led by librarians from the Kansas City Public Library every second Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. July 13 & August 10, join us in the Creative Café, Plaza Level, Bloch Building.

Save the Date!

African Art Family Time Saturday, September 6 | 1–4 p.m.

Noguchi Court Explore the African Gallery! Enjoy a variety of monthly events, including art activities, storytelling and performances, as you learn and connect with African art and culture. Series continues October 4.

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calendar

J U LY

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W ednesda Y T hursday & S aturday

Members Only Hours Roads of Arabia 9–10 a.m.

Featured Exhibition, L13–15 M T

Members are invited to view the featured exhibition before the museum opens to the public during our special members-only morning hours.

The first five attendees each day will receive a free gift.

Closed on July 4th.

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F ri day

Independence Day The museum is closed for the holiday but will be open Saturday and Sunday with regular hours. The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park is open for visitors to enjoy from sunrise to sunset.

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W E D N E S day

Artful Conversation 1–2:30 p.m. | Info Desk | R Uncover new ideas and share inspiring dialogue with a docent and other participants who share your interest in art!

Conversation continues in Rozzelle Court (Dutch treat).

Key R

Reservations

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Tickets For reservations and tickets, call 816.751.1ART (option 2).

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Members only

DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE Programs are FREE, unless a price is listed.

The discounted price for museum members is listed first; the public price follows.

FRIDAY, JULY 11 | 7–10 p.m.

Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park General Admission: $35 members/$45 public VIP: $65 members/$80 public Don your best summer white threads at this annual museum fundraiser. Ticket price includes food and drinks from fabulous local KC vendors, live music, DJs and more!

Experience the Glass Labyrinth.

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JULY

D ona l d J . H a l l S cu l pture P ar k 2 5 th A nni v ersary

Kansas City’s Big Picnic Picnic in the Park | Sunday, July 20 | 5–8 p.m.

As we continue celebrating the Sculpture Park’s 25th Anniversary, we partner with Kansas City Parks and Rec during National Parks and Recreation month to host the biggest picnic the region has ever seen, rain or shine!

The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and Theis Park will be linked to become a giant space for Kansas City to come together for an evening of fun. Pack your own picnic, purchase a totefor-four from us or grab your dinner from an on-site food truck!

So sorry, but no grills, no stakes, no tenting.

Kansas City’s Big Picnic is generously supported by the Hall Family Foundation.

HighlightS • July is National Ice Cream Month, and Blue Bell Ice Cream is giving away treats!

• Bring a blanket to be part of a giant checkerboard-patterned display, The Big Picnic, by artist Alison Heryer.

• Human ants, giant food and other whimsies create a larger-than-life picnic experience by StoneLion Puppet Theatre • Children’s art activities and a “Best-Packed Picnic Basket” contest for adults • Acoustic musicians • Cooling stations throughout • The Big Picnic “dronie”—a commemorative aerial pic taken from a hovering drone at 7:15 p.m.

• Picnic tote-for-four, $29—visit nelson-atkins.org to pre-order by July 16 Pick up rain or shine. No refunds.

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JULY/AUGUST AUGUST

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SATURDAY

Print Society Linda Hall Library Visit Birds in Print 2–4 p.m. | UMKC Campus R

FREE for Print Society $10 for all others Linda Hall Librarian Bruce Bradley will examine the art of ornithological prints, such as John James Audubon, John and Elisabeth Gould, Alexander Wilson, Edward Lear and other artists from earlier times.

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T hurs day

Know Your Museum Tour 11 a.m.–Noon & 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Meet at Info Desk | M T Take a fresh look at the Burnap Collection and other ceramics throughout the museum.

What aesthetic and historical influences can we glean?

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SATURDAY

Behind the Seen Engineering Art: The Amazing Story of Erecting Robert Morris’s Glass Labyrinth 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Lens 2 | T Director of Presentation Steve Waterman is joined

by Structural Engineering Associates and JEI Structural Engineering to discuss the construction of the nearly 500ton “invisible” glass-walled sculpture on the south lawn.

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F ri day

Member Preview Through the Indian Country: Photographs by Alexander Gardner, 1867–68 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Gallery L11 | M Preview this new, historic exhibition first at YOUR museum. See page 3.

HAPPY HOUR @ Bloch Lobby 5:30–8 p.m. | Thursdays Small plates, full bar, artful experience, and eclectic music.

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R Reservations T Tickets M Members only

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T hurs day

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F R I day

Teacher Appreciation Night Spark in the Park 4–7 p.m. $5 | Registration required | T The Nelson-Atkins celebrates educators with an evening of exciting giveaways and handson workshops, plus a reception and vendor hall featuring museums and school-serving organizations from throughout the metro.

YFA Second Friday Happy Hour 6–8 p.m. | Lens 2 Young Friends of Art caters to young professionals in their 20s and 30s looking to meet new people, have fun and support the arts and culture in our community. Join special partner, Kansas City Public Library, for a fun-filled happy hour.

Cash bar with special prices for members.

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WEDNESDAY

Artful Conversation 1–2:30 p.m. | Info Desk | R Uncover new ideas and share inspiring dialogue with a docent and other participants who share your interest in art!

Conversation continues in Rozzelle Court (Dutch treat).

AUGUST

Rozzelle Court Restaurant Follow Rozzelle Court’s Facebook page for daily menu with photos.

Lunch Wed–Sun, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Happy Hour @ Bloch Lobby Thursdays, 5:30–8 p.m.

Served dinner & live music Fridays, 5–10:30 p.m. Menu and performers change weekly.

Reservations 816.751.1ART (1278), option 2.

Celebrating the cuisine of the Middle East in July!

Menu changes daily. During the current exhibition Roads of Arabia, Chef Jonathan Pye is joined in the kitchen by Marwan Chebaro from Culinary Innovations, Inc. Picnic in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park Daily | Wed–Sun Select a to-go meal from Rozzelle Court Restaurant and dine alfresco at a picnic table on the west side of the Kansas City Sculpture Park.

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T hurs day

Print Society Members Choice 6–7:30 p.m. | Rockhill Room R

FREE for Print Society $10 for all others Print Society members will have a special opportunity to view a selection of prints that are not often on display in the museum. Limited to 15 guests.

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T hurs day

Know Your Museum Tour 11 a.m.–Noon & 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Meet at Info Desk | M T Explore the American galleries and the exhibition of Alexander Gardner’s photographs.

Consider how artists depicted the transformation of the American west.

Society of Fellows Gallery Jam 6–8 p.m. | Lens 2 & African Galleries | M T Join curator Nii Quarcoopome and Bird Ellington Fleming, from the Traditional Music Society, for a vibrant discussion and cocktail hour in Lens 2 before sitting down to a private music and dance performance in our galleries. Space is limited.

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AUGUST

G ULLAH BASKET W EA V ERS Sunday, August 10 | 1–4 p.m. | Bloch Lobby Preserving the rich heritage and traditions of Senegal, the Gullah Basket Weavers from South Carolina demonstrate the unique, sweetgrass basket weaving technique passed

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down from African slaves in the 1700s to generations of African Americans today.

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F ri day

Four new chamber operas written by emerging composers are premiered and scored in sync with iconic love scenes from cinema. Enjoy the operas as they are performed live by a chamber ensemble and opera singers.

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satur day

Study Day Fine Craftsmanship at Any Scale 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Lens 2 | T

Special Performance 2014 Black House New Operas Project 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Atkins Auditorium | T | $15 Ticketing at BrownPaperTickets.com

Paul Runyon, American. Secretary, ca.

1987. Wood with brass. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

R Reservations T Tickets M Members only

Celebrate Highlights from The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures on display now in the museum’s galleries with this fascinating look into woodworking and other fine-craft techniques in both life-size and 1:12 scale.

In partnership with The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

enrollment required for all classes

studio classes & workshops

The Ford Learning Center has been made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

SUMMER Studio Classes for Ages 3–Adult The world-class collection of the Nelson-Atkins’ is the inspiration for our studio programs. Direct experience with art in the galleries provides students with a foundation for art making in the Ford Learning Center classrooms. Experience a unique learning environment for children and adults unlike any other in Kansas City!

E N R O LL M E N T Enroll today online (nelson-atkins.org/calendar), or by phone 816.751.1ART (1278), option 2. Enrollment is on a first-call, firstserved basis. Credit/debit card payment required.

Cost: Museum members receive discounts on classes, 30% for Society of Fellows and 20% for Friends of Art. Please provide the following information when you call: Student’s name, address, date of birth, home phone, emergency phone and the parent/guardian name. We accept individual enrollments only; one person may not enroll students from multiple families.

Enroll early—class size is limited. Enrollment deadline is three days prior to a class or workshop. Classes that do not reach a minimum enrollment will be cancelled and fees refunded.

Parking for museum members is free; nonmembers parking for more than 30 minutes, either to attend class or wait while their student is in class, will pay $8 per vehicle.

Cancellations/Transfers/Credits: Students can cancel an enrollment five business days prior to a class or one-time workshop to receive a refund less a $15 cancellation fee per enrollment. Transfers from one class to another can be up until five business days prior to a class with a $10 transfer fee. No refunds or transfers will be made for cancellations made less than five business days prior or due to missing a class. We do not issue credits toward future classes or workshops if you cancel an enrollment or miss a class.

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STUDIO CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Camp Art in Action Ages 6–12 (Students must be entering 1st grade in the fall to enroll.)

“Camp out” this summer at the Nelson-Atkins! Participate in art classes, taught by Ford Learning Center instructors, make new friends and have additional fun-filled learning activities led by camp counselors. Students will enjoy a behind-the-scenes view of the museum world through visits from museum staff who work with art.

ONE WEEK CAMPS 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Monday–Friday | $300 Drawn from the Imagination Ages 6–12 | July 28–August 1 Love to draw? Campers spend a week drawing art in the galleries, outside in the Sculpture Park and especially inventing from your imagination. See how artists think creatively to imagine all types of make-believe people, places and things!

Exclusive offer for fullday camps: Buy one camp enrollment and receive a 10% discount on the second camp enrollment.

SPECIAL TWO WEEK CAMP Sculpture A to Z Ages 6–12 Monday–Friday, July 14–25 $500

EXTENDED DAY is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for an additional cost of $75 for the week.

It’s all 3-D this summer as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Sculpture Park. Learn about the various ways that sculpture has been made from ancient times to today.

Discover what is involved in creating art that lives outside and have a great time creating your own three-dimensional forms. Campers will make a field trip to Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, located one block from the NelsonAtkins.

LUNCH: Monday, the first day of camp, pizza will be ordered from a local restaurant.

Tuesday–Friday, bring a nonperishable sack lunch including drink, or purchase box lunches from the museum restaurant.

Cost for box lunches (four days) is $35.

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R Reservations T Tickets M Members only

Act It Out Ages 6–9 | August 4–8 Combine the visual and performing arts in this unique camp! Bring paintings and sculptures from our collection to life, creating visual props and characters in a performance.

Class will perform for friends and family on the final day of camp.

Cartooning + Animation SORRY CLASS IS FULL Ages 9–12 | August 4–8 Learn about the art of developing cartoons through drawing and then transforming your sketches into digital animations.

STUDIO CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

THERE ARE MORE SUMMER CLASS & WORKSHOP LISTINGS ONLINE!

Visit nelson-atkins.org to see a full listing of summer programs for ages 3 to adult in July and August.

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STUDIO CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

STUDIO CLASSES

F OR ADULTS AGES 16 AND OLDER

PENCIL AND BEYOND 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Thursdays, July 10–31 $120 Instructor: Suzann Geringer Explore the process of drawing with an emphasis on experimentation and expression. Let gesture and line quality lead you to a contemporary feel as you try new media and tools.

THINKING AHEAD TO FALL Fall art classes will be on the website July 21. Members enroll first from July 21– August 3. Several classes will be inspired by the featured exhibition The Plains Indians: Artists of Earth & Sky.

S c hola r s hips The scholarship program provides students with the opportunity to participate in museum art classes, regardless of financial circumstances. Scholarships are awarded based upon financial need and a desire to participate. Visit nelson-atkins.org for more information on the scholarship program or call 816-751-0441.

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Reserve online:

nelson-atkins.org

E Enrollment required for all classes.

Member discounts available!

Society of Fellows 30% Friends of Art 20%.

exploreart G enera l M useum I nformation ADMISSION to the museum is FREE every day for everyone.

S TAY CONNECTED Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube @ Sign up for our e-newsletter

MUSEUM Hours Mon

Closed

Tue Closed Wed

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Thurs/Fri

10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sat

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sun

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

LOCATION & PARKING The museum is located at 45th and Oak streets, three blocks east of the Country Club Plaza. Enter the garage off Oak Street. Charge for parking, FREE for members.

VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES The museum and parking garage are wheelchair accessible.

SPENCER ART REFERENCE Library Open to the public.

Mon Closed Tue By appointment Wed 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Thurs/Fri 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sat/Sun 1–4 p.m.

ROZZELLE COURT RESTAURANT A Kansas City treasure, our Italian-style courtyard is an unparalleled setting.

Lunch Wed–Sun, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Desserts & Beverages Wed–Sun, 2–4 p.m.

Happy Hour Thurs, 5:30 p.m. | Bloch Lobby Served Dinner & Live Music Fri, 5–10:30 p.m.

MUSEUM STORE Shop for books, cards, children’s items and a large variety of gifts, jewelry and home décor. Tax free.

Members save 10%. Online store nelson-atkins.org/shop.

MEMBERSHIP Enjoy FREE parking, FREE admission to featured exhibitions, discounts in Rozzelle Court Restaurant and the Museum Store and special events just for members.

To become a member of the Nelson-Atkins, for tickets to events, to enroll in classes, or to ask questions about the museum, call 816.751.1ART (1278).

JULY/AUGUST 2014 Featured Curators, Speakers and Staff Bruce Bradley Linda Hall Library for History of Science Bird Ellington Fleming Artistic Director, Traditional Music Society Nii Quarcoopome Curator, African Art Steve Waterman Director, Presentation

Members save 10%

MUSEUM STORE

NAMA Shuttlecock Mug $19.99 High fired earthenware.

Microwave and dishwasher safe.

SHOP

at the museum store or online at museumstore.nelson-atkins.org

PHOTOGRAPHY Genevieve Boyle (p. 5) Sandra Cha (p. 6) Jenny Wheat (p. 7,11,12, back cover) Grace Pritchett (p.8) Mark McDonald (p. 9,13) Megan Wyeth (p. 14) Shirley Harryman (p. 15) Kathleen Leighton (back cover) Michele Boeckholt (back cover)

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SOF Events Aug 21 Gallery Jam

(See page 9)

The 2015 travel program will kick-off with a trip in March to Amsterdam and Maastricht. Learn more about the 2015 travel schedule by visiting www. nelson-atkins.org/MemberTravel.

SOF Exclusive Benefit Venture abroad and experience art and travel like never before! Join curators from the NelsonAtkins and other art lovers to gain new insights and unprecedented access through the Society of Fellows/Business Council travel program. More than a vacation, this opportunity combines curatorial expertise and behind-the-scenes access to truly special experiences.

The museum’s premier membership group offers vital support to the Nelson-Atkins.

Fellows will enjoy these special events. See calendar listings for more events.

SOCIET Y of FELLOWS

4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111

Join us in the beautiful Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park for the biggest picnic the region has ever seen! (See page 7)

FREE Family Festival Sunday, July 20 | 5–8 p.m.

Picnic in the Park

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Kansas City, MO Permit #897