TODAY Kansas City - Winter 2022

The Mercedes-Benz GLE

More than a standard, it sets an example.

The luxury SUV that started the segment continues to lead the way. Roomy and refined, it’s also agile and aerodynamic. And from LED headlamps to a bold yet elegant cabin, it wraps first-in-class tech in finely tailored style. The 3rd-row seating option raises GLE to a seven-seater. The package includes 6-way power-adjustment of the spacious second row for comfort, plus power-folding of its outer seatbacks for easier 3rd-row entry and exit.

Wishing You the Very Best in the New Year.

Thank you, to you, our customers for your patience and your understanding while our Auto Group has navigated what will be remembered as one of the most disrupted automotive supply chains in history.

Although it appears, from what most of the manufacturers are announcing, there will be improvement in the near future; however, 2023 could still hold shortages of specific models and equipment availability.

This information communication to you will be a focal point for our sales staff, who, I believe, is doing the best job possible to provide you highquality information on the vehicle of your choice.

The Automobile Group is very fortunate to represent some of the world’s finest and most dynamic brands of automobiles in the world: Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Land Rover, Jaguar, BMW, Volkswagen, or Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vans

Making the most of that broad selection, our sales team has been able give you options on what is available throughout all of these great brands, and along the way maybe introducing or reintroducing you to a brand or model you had not considered.

Again, thank you, for your continued patience and understanding through these unusual times, and please know that everyone associated with the Automotive Group truly appreciates your business and your trust.

We wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

Marion Battaglia, President

A Special One.

The winter issue of Today Kansas City is always a special one. The fashion images provide the light of the season, and the food section provides warmth just by its visual images.

Please enjoy the images of Alison Barnes Martin in fashion, Anna Petrow in travel (Sonoma), and at the new Acre restaurant. This is coupled with Tom Strongman’s review of the new Mercedes-Benz 300 and Dr. Linda Moore asking you about how much you really want to know.

This issue also moves us to Washburn University in Topeka and a visit to the Mulvane Art Museum. An educational gallery, Connie Gibbons, its executive director, not only leads the collections but is also a educator, combining art installations with social movements and causes. It is an amazing program and I encourage you to combine the museum with the Capitol for a local day trip.

The other “gem” is the nonprofit for this issue, The Tiny Pantry. It begun as a need recognized in the throes of the pandemic, Jennifer Parker started a free food pantry on her front yard. It was a temporary installation, but it is now so much more, as it serves Johnson County’s food insecurity without any questions. I ask you to visit tinypantrytimes.org to learn more. This is what giving unconditionally is about and it is a bright star in this season of giving.

As we come to the end of the year and celebrate our personal accomplishments, we also recognize a loss in our Automotive Group: Bob Brents, our preowned salesperson and past general manager at Aristocrat. For me, personally, I lost a friend of 40 years, and I miss him.

Bob passed away suddenly last month, and my heart goes out to his wife, Cathy, his son, and his grandchildren.

Today Kansas City had as its precursor Aristocrat Today, 15 years ago. Bob shared his passion for photography with me, and when I was developing Today Kansas City, strong, passionate photography became a central focus.

Every issue, Bob always got the first copy I gave out, out of respect for what we had built.

This picture of Bob will always bring me a smile and give my memories life.

SOAVE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

MARION BATTAGLIA President

KEVIN KILLILEA Vice President

ANGIE LEWITZKE Controller

CHUCK DAVIS Service and Parts Director

ROBERT HELLWEG Marketing Director

SCOTT SWENSON General Manager Factory Relations

LARRY MILLER Inventory Director

LINDSEY BENEFIELD Internet Manager

FERNANDO RICCI Finance & Insurance Director

GEOFF BEDINE General Manager Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City

DAVID HUGHES General Manager Aristocrat Lee's Summit

KRIS NIELSEN General Manager Aristocrat Motors Topeka

NEW VEHICLE SALES MANAGERS

DAVID ANDREWS Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz

KIRK WILLMS Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City

CHUCK OBRIEN Porsche Kansas City, Maserati | Alfa Romeo of Kansas City

JOE SIRNA Jaguar-Land Rover

RILEY HARMON Aristocrat Motors Topeka

PRE-OWNED MANAGERS

JK CORNELIUS Aristocrat Motors

ROSS STRADA Mercedes-Benz Kansas City

MIKE REID Mercedes-Benz Kansas City

DAVID FISER Aristocrat Lee's Summit

SERVICE MANAGERS

CHARLES FRIEDMAN Aristocrat Mercedes-Benz | Maserati | Alfa Romeo

RODNEY PARKER Porsche Kansas City

KEVIN SMELL Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam

ISAAC NICHOLS Aristocrat Motors Topeka

JOHN DOOLITTLE Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City

PARTS MANAGERS

BILL WELLS Aristocrat Motors

DAVID BARNES Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City

JOE LAWHEAD Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam

KIP NASH Aristocrat Motors Topeka

ROBERT HELLWEG Editor | 913.677.7414

KATHRYN CREEL Creative Director

MARCI LINN Copyeditor

ALLYSON ELLIS Sales Director | 913.634.3838

AMANI SKALACKI Fashion Director

ALISON BARNES MARTIN Fashion Photographer

TODAY KANSAS CITY is a quarterly publication by Soave Automotive Group – home of Aristocrat Motors, MercedesBenz of Kansas City, BMW of Topeka, and VW of Topeka. Address: 9400 W 65th St, Merriam, KS 66203, 913.677.3300, aristocratmotors.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

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8 ARCHITECTURE

Five Lessons Learned From 25 Years Designing Kanas City Homes. by Beth Phillips 14 FOOD A Culinary Homecoming in Parkville. by Emily & Stewart Lane 20 AUTOMOTIVE

Mercedes-Benz All-New C-Class. by Tom Strongman 26 FASHION

Festive Fashion for the Holiday Season. photos by Alison Barnes Martin styling by Amani Skalacki 42 INTERIOR DESIGN Art Deco Endures. by Patricia O'Dell 48 KC ORIGINALS

The Mulvane Experience. by Anne Kniggendorf 55 NONPROFIT

Tiny Pantry, Big Heart. by Matt Lancaster 58 ROAD TRIPS

Winter Escape to the Wine Country. by Patrick Mulvihill 65 HEALTH

Would You Say Yes to Knowing What the Future Holds? by Dr. Linda Moore 70 INTERVIEW

"I Want Everybody to Have Art." by Joel Nichols

photographer ALISON BARNES MARTIN styling AMANI SKALACKI attire HALLS jewelry MAZZARESE glasses EYE STYLE makeup CARO BENITEZ hairstyling LANCE DAVIS Voices& model MEGAN

Five Lessons Learned From 25 Years Designing Kansas Homes.City

When I first started id|bp in 1997, I had just moved back to Kansas City with my husband and three young children and was eager to make use of my interior design degree. I had worked in the industry for 10 years and wanted to start something of my own. I didn’t have an expansive business plan, but I did have several friends who gave me my start by inviting me into their homes to help them imagine what could be. I put my design education and my experience to work and I learned by doing, finding opportunities along the way to streamline processes and provide an engaging and collabora tive client experience. As the company grew, so did our team. We hired a skilled business manager. We invested in talented people. We expanded to serve as both the designer and general contractor to better control the process for clients. We reiterated the impor tance of quality service, materials, labor, and design in the way we grew and operated our business. Now, 25 years later, we’ve served more than 1,000 clients across the city. And we’ve learned a few very valuable lessons about the design process along the way.

BUILD AND BENEFIT FROM MUTUAL TRUST.

Designing people’s homes is a privilege. You’re invited into a sacred space that is deeply personal for an individual or family. The best clients have thoroughly vetted their designer and, in turn, deeply trust them with this important and beloved part of their lives. Where there is trust in both the people and process, there is a greater like lihood of success. Likewise, a good designer earns the client’s trust time and time again, serving as an advocate for them and ensuring that the design and execution are up to the highest of standards.

PARAMETERS ARE YOUR FRIEND.

Space parameters, schedule, and budget shouldn’t be seen as a hindrance. Some of our most creative design solutions over the years have come from having to work within the confines of an old home’s existing floorplan or a client’s unique budget. I come from a fam ily of engineers and it’s in my blood to run to ward a challenge, brainstorming creative and practical ways to solve it. My best advice is to be intentional about articulating any of the parameters that will impact and inform your project with your designer at your very first meeting. When you share about your dream space it is important to inform your design team about any budget limitations or prefer ences you have. This communication will help align your goals with a budget and will end up saving time and money. Many clients are unsure of what a project will cost. The design firm is easily able to create a budget based on the scope of work, the level of detail, and the quality you desire. With a budget and a vision in place, the designer will be able to come up with a solution that is perfect for your space.

CREATE A CULTURE OF RESPECT.

You can tell a lot about a designer by his or her relationships with vendors and con tractors. Contractors and vendors should be treated with the same level of respect as a client. Facilitating this culture of mutu al respect with the tradespeople we part ner with has been critical to our success. A great team – client, designer, and trades – value the skills each individual brings to the table and are equally invested in deliv ering a space that exceeds expectations.

GOOD DESIGN IS A GOOD INVESTMENT.

A well-designed space should stand the test of time. While working with a designer is an investment, it also helps avoid costly mis takes. We help our clients make choices that will wear well, opting for high-quality materi als, timeless furniture profiles, and casework that is as durable and functional as it is beau tiful. When you embark on a significant proj ect, you should do so trusting that the space you are creating will still work for you and

your family long into the future. By making the right choices up front, you’ll be able to get the greatest value from your new build or reno vation. Soft furnishings can be re upholstered. Cabinetry repainted. Floors refinished. But if the bones of your space are well thoughtout, minor changes can keep your home feeling fresh and relevant long into the future.

OWN YOUR PREFERENCES.

With the advent of Instagram and Pinterest, there are many de signers who have skyrocketed to notoriety for having a distinctive and recognizable look – one of ten repeated in space after space. While that look is often desirable at the moment, I always encourage my clients to allow the design team to account for the client’s needs, desires, or personality. A great space balances form and function and evokes a feeling of home for that individual and his or her fam ily. In turn, great design shouldn’t be a regurgitation of an image of someone else’s home. It should look and feel different for each and every person and project. When looking through a designer’s port folio, look for spaces that appear unique, functioning in a way that undeniably meets individual needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Phillips founded id|bp in 1997 and has grown the full-service interior design firm into one of Kansas City’s most well-established practices. Beth is passionate about designing meaningful, functional, and aesthetically beautiful spaces to elevate and inspire.

A Culinary Homecoming in Parkville.

Emily Lane: On a late September evening, Stewart and I hopped in the car and headed north. It was a lovely night with a chill in the air, and the promise of a delicious, unrushed meal made us eager to arrive at our destination. Parkville, Missouri, is home to Acre, which opened in August and is the new concept from Chef An drew Longres. You’ve likely heard his name before – Longres is a tenured chef who has worked at iconic restaurants such as The French Laundry, Bluestem, and The American Restaurant. But Acre is all his, and it’s deeply personal.

Stewart Lane: Acre is more than a restaurant to Longres; it is a love letter to the land, his up bringing, and the community in Parkville. From his family farm just down the road (for which Acre is named) and the small-batch producers in the surrounding states, Chef Longres wants to bring the flavors of our native terroir to your table. His career has taken him all over the world and to the greatest gastronomic pilgrim age restaurants of our time, but he always felt like his home was here.

As you enter the restaurant your eyes are im mediately drawn to the roaring wood-fired grill, fed with Missouri oak, walnut, and hickory. This grill is custom made for Acre and designed with areas for high-heat searing and slow roasting. The cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and duck that will meet the fire greet customers as they walk past the host stand from a dry-aging refrigerator that is lit from within like a jewelry display case.

EL: Acre is an intimate space but doesn’t feel crowded thanks to the clean and contemporary design. Focus is drawn to the open kitchen, as

the bar flanks one side and the dining room the other in an L shape. The restaurant can seat up to 80 people, and there is also a 10-seat pri vate dining room, a chef’s table, and a 30-seat patio. Sitting in the dining room, you can watch the food being prepared, plated, and expedit ed by Chef Longres.

SL: Our server, Faith, helped us navigate the menu and let us know of the Acre ordering pro cedure. The chef asks for your complete order at the beginning of your meal, taking pressure off the diner and wait staff, creating a seamless dining experience, where your food is coursed out at the exact right time. Our first course was an exceptional Wagyu beef tartare with pickled cabbage, spicy mus tard, capers, pickled, onions, shaved radishes, a horseradish sauce, and crispy caraway lavosh. The beef melted on the tongue as the com plexity of textures and flavors danced in sync to create the perfect bite. We could also not pass up the whipped ricotta with spring peas and a sweet-and-sour pink-peppercorn sauce, served with toasted baguettes. The addition of pepper to the tender sweet peas added levity and a freshness to the dish.

EL: Presentation is unquestionably of utmost importance to Longres. From the craft cocktails to each dish we were served, close attention is paid to making things look beautiful. But don’t confuse this attention to appearance for some thing fussy; Longres makes it clear that acces sibility matters to him, and that even comes by way of his choice to include a darling “Quarter Acre” kids’ menu. Like Stewart and me, he is a

Fresh greens serve as a culinary palette for an artistic salad embellished with toasted almond, dried cranberry, feta, applewood smoked bacon and a red wine vinaigrette.

FOOD words by EMILY & STEWART LANE | photos by ANNA PETROW

parent to young children and wants to ensure people know this is an approach able place to bring the whole family.

SL: The salads curated by the Acre team show creativ ity as well as mindfulness of the meal progression. Be cause dry-aged steaks have a beefier, more-powerful flavor, the salads focus on fresh and vibrant flavors. We enjoyed the spring greens salad with toasted almonds, cranberries, feta, smoked bacon, and red-wine vinai grette. Simple, beautifully plated, and well balanced, this was the perfect bite in advance of our entrees.

As we talked with Chef Longres, he discussed more about his philosophy on the Acre menu. “You will never see a saltwater fish on this menu,” he shared, “because we do not have any oceans near us.” Chef Longres directed us to the Idaho Ruby Trout Almon dine with Minnesota wild rice, charred pole beans, smoked country ham, and brown butter. The fish, seared in browned butter and topped beautifully with a crust of toasted al monds, was finished with the splash of lemon and almond sauce. Emily said it was the best fish she’d ever eaten. I chose the 35-day dry-aged strip loin, com plete with the most velvety and buttery potato puree. The bearnaise sauce, one of our favorites, was ethereal and well balanced between the butter, vinegar, and the sweet tarragon. Faith

Idaho ruby trout almondine

Whipped ricotta with crostini

Tartare

Custom, wood-fired grill

told us we could not skip the chimichurri, an herbal sauce of parsley and garlic, herbs, olive oil, and vinegar, which we also loved. Between the grill, the aging process, and the technique, this one of the best steaks I have ever had.

EL: As our focus turned to dessert, I was heartened to learn the story of the lemon cake on the menu, which is based off Longres’ grand mother’s signature recipe. It was bright and flavorful, and we ate every bite. Chef Lon gres also offered us the hon ey apple cake with cognac caramel, which was equally satisfying and embodied the cozy flavors of autumn. From start to finish, our Acre expe rience was nothing short of perfection.

Midwestern hospitality is at its best at Acre, and Chef Longres should be incredibly proud of what he’s built. We certainly are.

Acre, located at 6325 Lew is Street in Parkville, Missou ri, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at acrekc.com.

Warm woods, worn leather, and textured fabrics span the bar, dining room, and outdoor patio at Blu Hwy.

SL: The Spanish Octopus was a must try for me. Octopus can be very difficult to work with, but in the right hands, incredible flavors can be created. The Blu Hwy chefs did not disappoint. Crispy outside skin with tender, juicy meat laid on a bed of mashed English peas, crunchy sweet hazelnuts, spicy Fresno chilies, and a simple lemon vinaigrette were crafted with knowledgeable hands. The English peas were the perfect textural and flavor complement to the bold oc topus, chilies, and tart vinaigrette.

EL: So whatever plans your summer holds, we hope you add a visit to Blu Hwy to your list, and take a journey through their menu without leaving the city limits.

Blu Hwy, located in the South Plaza area at 5070 Main Street in Kansas City, is open Monday through Friday for lunch, happy hour, and dinner, and Saturday and Sunday for brunch, happy hour, and dinner. More information and reservations can be found at BluHwy.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Emily and Stewart Lane are Kansas City natives who have an affection for hospitality. Stewart, a former executive chef, makes his career in business development and loves to cook for friends and family; Emily is a communications strategist with an arts background. Along with their daughters, Evie and Catharine, they live a life filled with food, culture, and creativity.

Emily and Stewart Lane are Kansas City natives who have an affection for hospitality. Stewart, a former executive chef, makes his career with SMG and loves to cook for friends and family, and Emily is a marketing communications manager with an arts background. Along with their daughters, Evie and Catharine, they live a life filled with food, culture, and creativity.

Lemon cake

The

AUTOMOTIVE

Upon settling inside, my first reaction to the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was that it looked and felt like a scaleddown S-Class. The interior clearly takes cues from Mercedes’ flagship with a free standing 12.3-inch digital instrument pan el and large 11.9-inch central touchscreen multimedia display.

The overall driving experience feels a bit like a smaller S-Class, too, and that was a surprise. Mercedes touts its small sedan as being “poised to reinforce its leading position as the most advanced vehicle in its segment by showcasing a new progressive interior and sporty exte rior design, electrified engine, innovative comfort features, and groundbreaking technology.” That’s a boastful statement but it appears, based on my brief test drive, that this four-door does, indeed, bring new levels of comfort, safety, and technology to the compact class.

Longer and wider than the previous model, this C-Class has a long hood design that emphasizes performance. It comes in two models and three trim levels. Prices start at $43,550 for the C 300 and $45,550 for the C 300 4MATIC in Premium trim. Ex clusive Trim begins at $47,800 and Pinna cle Trim starts at $49,500. The car I drove was the 4MATIC Pinnacle trim and it had a sticker price of $61,150. Options included rear spoiler, all-season floor mats, 19-inch AMG wheels, illuminated door sills, venti lated front seats, panorama roof, heating steering wheel, Sirius XM radio, driver as sistance package, parking assist package, navigation with head-up display and the AMG Night package. The Night package on the test car had black trim, AMG wheels, and a more aggressive front fascia.

Power comes from a new turbo charged four-cylinder engine with an integrated starter/generator and 48volt mild hybrid technology. Horsepower is rated at 255 with 295 pound-feet of torque. The starter/generator delivers up to 148 additional pound-feet of torque and as much as 20 additional horsepow er for short periods. Mercedes says this is

the first four-cylinder engine to utilize this technology. The benefit of the mild hybrid system is improved off-the-line torque and seamless transition of start/stop at traffic lights or stop signs. It also helps with added torque on for hills.

This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic trans mission that aids performance and fuel economy both. The transmission’s electric motor, electronics, and transmission cooler have been moved into the transmission, eliminating various external lines. The unit is not only more efficient it also weighs 30 percent less than its predecessor.

The driver display and media display have three Sporty, Classic, and Understated styles, and Navigation, Assistance and Service modes. Assistance mode shows traffic in real time, which is great for commuters. The “Sporty” display, for example, has red as the predominant color and a central rev counter gets a dynamic design. The new C-Class is equipped

with 64-color ambient interior lighting that adds visual excitement to the cabin at night.

Inside, the central touchscreen, which has been adopt ed from the S-Class, is tilted slightly toward the driver, and the vertical orientation is particularly advantageous for fullscreen navigation. It uses the latest generation of the Mer cedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) software with voice control, plus it wirelessly integrates with smartphones for Apple Car Play and Android Auto. “Hey, Mercedes” voice activation is now more interactive as it learns to recognize users by their voice. “Hey, Mercedes” can also be used to operate the integrated music streaming services in the in fotainment system. MBUX user profiles can be activated with a fingerprint sensor located below the central display, making it easy to log into MBUX and access personal set tings. Over-the-air updates keep the software current.

fine-tune the aerodynamics and arrive at a chassis that has a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds.

The carbon-fiber chassis makes use of underbody aerody namics that help keep the top of the car sleek and sensu al with rounded contours that echo classic design. The nose contains a grille that is recognizably Maserati complete with the Trident emblem.

The progressive interior of the C-Class demonstrates a clear focus on technology and high-quality materials with its host of new trim options. The seats utilize a new design that features “layers and surfaces” to create a visual impression of lightness. They provide excellent support and have a wide range of ad justability. Various interior trim options include textures and ma terials such as woodgrain veneers in brown tones, and black and natural give buyers options for tailoring the car to their taste.

car, with functionality and visibility paramount.” The central tunnel is clad with carbon fiber and only carries the switches that are necessary.

Upward-opening “butterfly” doors pivot forward to so the driver and passenger can get into the cabin with a minimum of interference. The cabin is understated, and driver focused. The interior shapes are simple, with few sharp corners and the upholstery and interior materials are black to prevent re flections on the steep sloping windscreen. Plus, black lends a feeling of understated elegance. There are two LCD screens in the instrument panel, one in front of the driver for gauges and one in the center above the console. Maserati emphasiz es that “everything is laid out just like the cockpit of a racing

The entire suite of available active and passive driver assis tance systems has been enhanced on the new C-Class with ad ditional and advanced functions for more comfortable and safe driving. With DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active lane change assist, the vehicle can semi-au tonomously maintain its speed and the distance to the traffic

Maserati and Sabelt collaborated on the design and cre ation of the MC20 seats. A composite structural shell, equipped with power adjustments and lumbar system, represents the es sence of the MC20 project: sportiveness at a high quality and performance level.

in front as well as stay in its lane on multi-lane roads as well as reduce the vehicle’s speed according to the traffic situ ation. Mercedes-Benz says “the extensive driver assistance systems, as well as the sophisticated crash sensor systems, ensure the C-Class upholds the highest levels of safety and sophistication. Newly available Active Stop-and-Go Assist can also provide semi-autonomous support in traffic jams at speeds up to 37 mph.”

The MC20’s Sonus faber audio embodies the translation of its name, “handmade sound” that illustrates how both brands desire to pair innovative technologies and skillful craftsman ship.

Committing the MC20 to production is a bold statement from Maserati about how it sees itself, both today and in the future when an all-electric version will be available. That for ward vision is necessary for a company that has such a long and storied history.

The C-Class has been the highest volume Mercedes-Benz model in the last decade, with more than 2.5 million sedan and wagon models sold globally. This new-generation car is, in Mercedes’ words, “poised to redefine the benchmark and take comfort, safety, and the overall driver and passenger experience to a completely new level.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

Tom Strongman has a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri and was formerly the director of photography and then the automotive editor of The Kansas City Star. Tom, a member of the Missouri Press Association Photojournalism Hall of Fame, has written about and photographed cars for more than three decades.

Tom Strongman has a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri and was formerly the director of photography and then the automotive editor of The Kansas City Star. Tom, a member of the Missouri Press Association Photojournalism Hall of Fame, has written about and photographed cars for more than three decades.

FASHION

photographer ALISON BARNES MARTIN fashion director AMANI SKALACKI creative director KATHRYN CREEL

festive fashion for the holiday season.

on the cover: Badgley Mischka, ombre sequined gown with paillettes

attire HALLS | jewelry MAZZARESE | glasses EYE STYLE

makeup CARO BENITEZ, owner, Caro Benitez Makeup Studio hairstyling LANCE DAVIS, owner, The Comb Company

makeup assistant ALLIE JASMINSKI styling assistant MADDIE FREYRE hairstyling assistant JESSIE CUNNINGHAM models MEGAN & GRANT of Voices&

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Art Deco Endures.

The once modern

rage

has timeless appeal.

The current exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, American Art Deco: Designing for the People, 1918-1939, fo cuses on the design style that emerged at the beginning of the last century. Not confined to architecture, Art Deco influ enced art and design elements that were both extravagant and utilitarian, allowing collectors today an opportunity to enjoy the streamlined aesthetic through both careful invest ment and whim.

Art Deco reigned in the United States following the Inter national Exhibition of Modern and Decorative Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925. The influence on architecture was broad, and many of the buildings in downtown Kansas City built during this time are excellent examples of Art Deco architecture, in cluding Municipal Auditorium, Jackson County Courthouse, Kansas City Power and Light, and 909 Walnut.

Defined by its clean lines and heavy reliance on geomet ric designs, Art Deco affected luxury items including furniture, lamps, and rugs – and, yes, cars. In addition, the ability to take advantage of machine manufacturing meant people at ev ery income level were able to bring Art Deco into their homes. Household items in the style appeared in everything from fur niture to lamps, rugs, flatware, and beyond.

The exhibit at the Nelson features a tea service with cocktail shakers. Some of these pieces are rare, but some are still very approachable for collectors because they are made from less expensive materials, such as Bakelite, which was the first plas tic, glass, and chrome. Items similar to those in the exhibit are available at local vendors. Green Door Antiques has a charm ing liquor bottle and glass set on lacquered tray that would liv en up any home bar. Dealers at River Market Antiques offer a steady selection of cocktail shakers and glasses from the era.

But it’s not necessary to hunt for vintage and antique piec es to bring Art Deco style into your home. Modern designers continue to be inspired by the era and reinvent items to in clude the look.

Ralph Lauren is continually inspired by Art Deco, which has resulted in the Athena clock, crafted from aluminum with a crisp white face and graphic, black numbers. His Art Deco Dining Cabinet in rosewood, with silver fittings on the handles, would take any wine collection to the next level. (His Art Deco

pave rings and bangles are beyond beyond, as well, but that is outside our purview here.)

Modern wallpaper is rich with elements of the era. Nina Campbell’s Méridor has a deco-ish feel and is available in four colors. Graham & Brown’s Rene wallpaper in rose gold is chic enough to make anyone glow, and Farrow & Ball’s Tourbillon throws in a curve to its Deco delight.

Art Deco lighting with milk glass shades is an easy addition to homes that don’t necessarily have a deco feel. The Hollywood

Lurelle Van Arsdale Guild (American, 1898-1985), designer; manufacture attributed to Revere Copper & Brass Co. (Rome, NY, 1801–present). Art Deco Cocktail Server, ca. 1935. Chrome and Bakelite, overall: 6 1/4 x 13 x 6 1/2 inches (15.9 x 33 x 16.5 cm), each cup: 3 1/4 × 3 × 3 inches (8.3 × 7.6 × 7.6 cm). Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, 2004.1322-2004.1330.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

“I think I was experimenting on myself, which is better than experimenting with clients,” she says. “But in the last few years, I’ve changed out the rug to something simpler and replaced the pillows with ones that have texture rather than color.”

She says the change has delivered a new sense of calm in the room.

“Maybe, in my case, with raising children and working all day, what I want to come home to is something that’s relaxing, wel coming, and peaceful.”

In addition to the calming effect, Schmidt thinks neutral backgrounds provide a lot of flexibility, as well.

“We have a client whose whole house is neutral, but she has a very colorful art collection and accessories that she changes in different seasons. A neutral background allows her to add personality on a whim without a big commitment. I’d rather the artwork and other textures attract attention rather than the palette of the room itself,” Schmidt says.

While the neutrals of decades past might have led home owners to forbid red wine in the living room, Schmidt notes that today’s textiles offer wearability even in rooms that withstand a lot of use and traffic.

collection from Rejuvenation, with its tiered milk glass globes, makes bringing this look into your home easy. (Their Stepped Shelf Brackets and Elro Double Hook are spot-on, as well.)

“When it comes to lighter-colored materials, we use a lot of natural materials like wool, which repels and cleans very well. When my children were young, we had a light-colored wool sofa, and I had it cleaned once and never had an issue. It just repelled stains.”

For many, vintage lighting is a must in renovations, and there are great resources in and near Kansas City. Christopher Filley Antiques at State Line Road and 45th Street has a wonderful – and revolving – se lection of vintage lights. The Old Above, Ross McTaggart’s passion proj ect in Strong City, Kansas, has a rich collection of vintage lighting that included an Art Deco milk glass ceiling fixture at the time of this printing.

Schmidt also appreciates the evolution of outdoor fabrics that have a soft hand.

“They’re not the plastic-y, scratchy material of the past,” she notes.

If there is any “bling” in Schmidt’s rooms it usually appears in light fixtures or the texture of tile.

Whether you are a Deco devotee at the level of Barbra Streisand in the 1990s or interested in adding a single streamlined design element to your collection, Art Deco can add distinct details to your interiors. In the meantime, when you’re downtown, be sure to look up. Inspiration is all around you.

“Someone might not think of tile around a fireplace that is neutral and matte as ‘bling,’, but it has a nice, chiseled stone face to it. You may notice the simplicity of a room, but the art work, light fixtures, accents – such as the pillows – and the ob jects on the tables add a lot of interest.”

theoldabove.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia O’Dell started the lifestyle blog “Mrs. Blandings” in 2007. Her curiosity led her to write about designers, artists, business owners, and industry leaders. She’s been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Chicago Tribune, Flower magazine, Kansas City Spaces, and The Kansas City Star, as well as archdigest.com and elledecor.com.

Patricia O’Dell started the lifestyle blog “Mrs. Blandings” in 2007. Her curiosity led her to write about designers, artists, business owners, and industry leaders. She’s been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Chicago Tribune, Flower magazine, Kansas City Spaces, and The Kansas City Star, as well as archdigest.com and elledecor.com.

grahambrown.com

The Gift of Confidence.

“People might not like something small about the way they look. You change those small things and they are suddenly bursting with confidence. They just seem brighter, happier. It’s something that could be unnoticeable to someone else. It’s about the way they feel personally about themselves and the way they project themselves. That’s the part of it I like the most — changing their self-confidence, changing their attitude through good work.”

The Mulvane Experience.

The Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka is one of the oldest accredited art museums west of the Mississippi. Since 1924, 6,000 pieces of art have entered the collection from a wide variety of sources, but the community has been a consistent driver of growth.

The museum is built on that communi ty, rooted in Washburn University, which the museum is a department of, as well as the larger Topeka community. The website tells the story of how a prominent member, Joab Mulvane, gave a gift to the university 100 years ago for the es tablishment of gallery spaces.

But that original gift only laid the groundwork for what would become a much deeper partnership that cultivates topical conversation, personal explora tion, and mutual growth.

Melissa Manning, the museum’s curator of digital content and former collections manager, says they’ve achieved a suc cessful partnership in a variety of ways.

“We are hosting conferences, conversa tions, lectures, all of which are meant to connect students, faculty, staff, members of the community, not just with the ob jects on view, but with larger social or po litical conversations,” Manning explains.

For instance, prior to the pandemic, an exhibition called “Detention Nation” by a Texas/Mexico art collective Sin Huellas featured a barbed-wire-topped chainlink fence that surrounded the exhibition.

According to the Mulvane’s website, the collective designed the exhibition to highlight the “harsh realities faced by U.S. immigrants who find themselves incarcer ated in immigration detention facilities.”

Up at the same time was another called “Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate,” the brainchild of 39 diverse artists who used antisemitic and racist books to create uplifting art and inspire important conversations.

Manning says, “Both [exhibitions] were really effective in generating conversations about things that are happening right now in society.”

Because the Mulvane is an academic museum, experts from various disciplines are available to advise or participate in the process of setting up the shows.

And, in addition to the heavy and necessary work of being a haven for topical conversation, the museum has also offered space for creation –something children often have access to in school, but adults frequently do not.

Mulvane Director Connie Gibbons says the museum created the Art Lab 20 years ago. Saturdays and Tuesdays, 70 to 100 community mem bers visit to relax with the art supplies that are available during the al ways-free sessions.

She says that, among other things, people can learn about printmak ing and create prints or paint with watercolors.

“The ArtLab has impacted a lot of people in the community and is just a space that is safe and a place where you’re free to be creative,” Gib bons explains. “There’s a lot of freedom to kind of explore, and I think it’s meant a lot to certain people throughout their life.”

Gibbons says many have gone onto become professional artists, life time hobbyists, or patrons who uphold the 100-year legacy of commu nity involvement.

As was the case for nearly every institution, the pandemic was rough on the Mulvane, and it was unable to hold its largest annual fundraiser, the Mulvane Art Fair in early summer. Once the fair returned in 2022, Gibbons wanted to ensure that as many people as possible visited and

were reminded of the Mulvane’s great work.

their long-term relationships with the institution.

Manning says that the Mulvane’s former assistant director, Kristin Cheney, spearheaded a new relationship with Aristocrat Motors, which led to the public painting of a wrapped BMW by local artist Jenny Meyer McCall (see page 70).

botanicals in about 100 combinations before they found a recipe.

What they landed on does include juniper – for legal pur poses – but also white peppercorn, cardamom, lemon zest, coriander, and, mostly strikingly, persimmon.

“It was intended to draw attention to our art fair,” Manning says. The event was in the center of downtown.

The hope was that “people who were there for business or for lunch or to go to a gallery might see it and be drawn to our cam pus, which is sort of removed from that downtown area. It was amazing to see how the community came out,” Manning says.

“We had an enormous persimmon tree on our property,” Meg says about her childhood home near Hermann, Missouri.

She says they wanted to bring in elements from their farm and heritage and even experimented with cornhusks and other things that grew all around them.

The current exhibition, AB X – for abstract expressionism –highlights the work of expressionist artists of the Midwest and

“Persimmon just really came out with something that we loved and have good memories around. Grandma used to

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

“Our collection is international in scope, but it has a very strong emphasis in American art. Over the years, we’ve really focused on collecting American art and, more specifically, art of the re gion, what we might call the Mountain Plains region or the Mis souri River Valley,” Manning says.

make persimmon jelly,” Meg says.

Moving forward, the Evanses plan to add another agricultural element to their business: growing their own agave. They’ve chased 40 acres in Arizona and will plant this coming December, though, Jeff says, it’ll be nearly seven years before they’ll be able to harvest and distill their crop.

And the pieces that have long been in the collection, Gibbons says, whether international or regional, tend not to stay in stor age indefinitely.

Meg says the goal is to be a single-estate manufacturer. “Ev ery part of the process of being single estate is important. So, single estate means from dirt to bottle, it is all on us.”

She says, “We’re always looking for new ways to think about and talk about works in the collection that may have been made two or three hundred years ago. How does that remain relevant in today’s world?”

If it takes off, theirs will be the first large-scale agave farm in the United States, which sounds not only like great bragging rights for Mean Mule, but for Kansas City.

Anne Kniggendorf is a staff writer/editor at the Kansas City Public Library. She's the author of Secret Kansas City and Kansas City Scavenger, and a freelance writer for various local and national publications. Visit her website: annekniggendorf.com.

PHOTO BY PILSEN PHOTO CO-OP

Your local destination for holiday shopping and dining.

Tiny Pantry, Big Heart

Near the corner of 71st Street and Metcalf, there stands a bright blue structure reminiscent of the “little free libraries” found in so many neighborhoods. This one, however, features lighting, weatherproof siding, and a side-by-side minifridge. People of all walks of life can be seen stopping by at all hours of the day, seven days a week – especially on Fridays, when Jewish Family Services drops by to stock the tiny pantry with several hundred pounds of meat.

Jennifer Parker teaches in the human sciences department at Johnson County Community College. She and her hus band Adam recognized that their community needed help early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We left for spring break,” Jennifer says, “and, you know, were told not to come back.”

She built the first iteration of the tiny pantry in her front yard in September 2020, as a take on a little free library. The cou ple quickly realized that the best way to serve their neighbors was providing food and personal hygiene products, so Adam helped to run electricity to the structure, weatherproof it, and – Jennifer notes with laughter – make sure the doors shut.

“We tried until October to stock it ourselves, but realized we would have gone bankrupt,” Jennifer says. The tiny pan try was a hit from the beginning; in their first month, the Parkers moved more than 2,500 pounds of food. Only two years later, they provide more than 8,000 pounds. The Tiny Pantry of Overland Park has carved out a niche for itself in battling food insecurity, and provides a unique service that keeps its over 700 recipients – “members,” as Jennifer calls them – coming back week after week.

“We are the only pantry that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Jennifer explains. “A lot of folks will say that by the time they can get to [a traditional] one when they get off of work at four or five, the shelves are cleaned out.”

The Parkers and their community volunteers stock the Tiny Pantry six to eight times a day. As the amount of donations coming in grew, they began to modify their own home to accommodate them. Now, an entire bedroom serves as sur plus dry goods storage, and the garage is given over to items that need refrigeration.

“The community keeps stepping up,” Jennifer says. “Our members will visit two or three different pantries and bring us what they don’t need for those who can use it.” The pantry is also supported by donors from the neighborhood (Jennifer has found success advertising on Nextdoor), as well as near by organizations such as Jewish Family Services, Heart-toHeart, Community Service League, and others.

Jennifer has been surprised at the diversity of her mem bers. “There’s this misconception that food pantry recipients are lazy or don’t want to work,” she says, “when actually, many of the people we see are working two or three jobs.” She sees people from Overland Park, both sides of the Kansas City Metro, mothers with children, and people from all walks

of life. “They’re choosing between rent, healthcare, and eat ing. That choice is an abomination.”

The Tiny Pantry does not require documentation or verifica tion of employment or income – no “hoops to jump through,” as Jennifer describes them. The Parkers know some of their mem bers by name, and will never know others. Members are invit ed to shop using buckets and grocery bags, rather than being handed a box with pre-determined goods, and members bring their own donations to give back. The Parkers maintain a pres ence on Nextdoor to let donors know what items are in demand and have learned to network with the larger pantries and food banks to provide consistent service.

But, Jennifer notices, the need continues to grow.

“We thought that after the pandemic, people wouldn’t need the pantry as much,” she says. Because of economic instability, rampant inflation, and a pattern of price increases at the gro cery store, however, she sees more people using her service now than ever. “The demand keeps escalating.”

As Jennifer looks to the future, she wants to continue to devel op the impact her Tiny Pantry has had on her community. “We need to expand into an actual building,” she says, “because we can’t get government subsidies or organizations like Harvest ers to support us when we’re working out of our house.” To do that, they are looking for corporate and individual sponsors. The Parkers currently receive just enough in monetary donations to help stock items that are not donated, “but not enough to pay rent or a utility bill.”

Jennifer also calls on more community organizations to work together, as hers has done with the larger operations battling food insecurity. “We can give them that hand up – we can feed them,” she says, but perhaps other nonprofits can pitch in with transportation or professional attire for a job interview.

Jennifer looks forward to seeing her members – especially on those busy days. “There is still this stigma,” she says, “and I’d like to somehow erase it.” Through community partnerships, service with dignity, and engaging their members in giving back, the Parkers are doing exactly that – one shopping trip at a time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Though originally from a small town outside of Kansas City, Kansas, Matt Lancaster lives in Lawrence with his wife, son, dog, and cats, where he works as a program director for the University of Kansas School of Business.

Winter Escape to the Wine Country.

There is simply no better getaway than Sonoma in the winter months – delicious wine, fresh food, top-notch hospitality, and breathtaking views await you in sunny California.

For families, the Lodge at Sonoma offers the per fect respite with plenty of activities. Lawn games, tree swings, poolside live music, yoga classes, and more mean something for everybody. The Ped al for Pinot program provides you with a darling map (made in partnership with a local artist) out lining nearby wineries within biking distance. Plus, the property boasts one of the most sought after dinner reservations in the area: Wit & Wisdom, the latest from culinary darling Michael Mina. The

dishes surpass the hype, with memorable bites like local mushroom cacio e pepe, and a show-stop ping white truffle pizza.

If you’re looking for the most romantic get away in the valley, Kenwood Inn may be a bit of a splurge, but there’s nowhere more memorable to stay. Adored by celebrities, this private paradise feels like some sort of Eden-Gatsby hybrid. The beautifully restored 1920s mansion has 29 spa cious rooms – plus rose gardens, palm trees, and long trellis tunnels snaking with vines. The onsite spa even offers wine-inspired treatments, like a cabernet scrub – or lounging poolside with a glass of rosé is just as relaxing!

ROAD TRIPS words by PATRICK MULVIHILL | photos by ANNA PETROW

ROAD TRIPS

Traveling with friends? MacArthur Place is the ideal setup for groups. Clustered cottages boast cool con versation areas, with fire-pits, tower ing trees, twinkle lights, and stunning landscaping. The bar at Layla, the hotel’s restaurant, makes cocktails so excellent you’ll stray from wine, if only for a round or two! Design reigns su preme at this property, thanks to col laborations with well-known Califor nian artists, creators, and architects; so be sure to roam every square inch – and bring your camera.

Wherever you lodge, two things are necessary in wine country: a route and reservations. Plan ahead, make sure you have a sober driver. Plenty of car services operate in Sonoma, and, especially with a group, are a cru cial part of trip planning if everyone wants to imbibe.

There is magic in the hills of the val ley, and nothing will get your senses tingling quite like a good view The sweeping landscape at Kunde Family Winery, in particular, is unmatched. The winery offers the option to book your tasting at the tallest point on the property, from which you can take in the splendor of the rolling hills of vines while learning about the la bor of viticultural love that went into your glass.

If you have adventurists in your group, the trails at Bartholomew Es tates offer sweeping views of one of the oldest farmed properties in Cal ifornia. The 375-acre protected park offers miles of pristine trails, and the views even reach all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day. You can enjoy a wine tasting in their succulent garden overlooking the vineyard, or buy a bottle to enjoy alongside a picnic in the shade of the Redwood trees.

And if the wine-making process itself is what interests you most? Beringer Winery’s land is treated with

Kenwood Inn

Kunde Family Winery

the utmost respect: their wine is biodynamic, a step above organic. The flowers, trees, and vines themselves are planted with sustainability in mind – of many winery tours taken in the past, this was by far the most fascinating I’ve been on. The ecosystem is self-governing, meaning minimal energy waste and maximum flavor. You can taste the difference.

Of course, with all that wine drinking, you’ll need to pad your stomach. Where wine enthusiasts travel, great chefs fol low – and there is no shortage of delicious eats in Sonoma. Between tastings, the pro move is grabbing a focaccia sand wich to go from Salumeria Ovello (thanks to our sommelier at Bartholomew for the local insider’s tip). For happy hour bites, saddle up to the bar at Tasca Tasca for Portuguese tapas with crab empanadas, green-bean salad, and fresh oysters. Of

course, for dinner, there is no shortage of incredible restau rants to choose from on the town square – the largest in the country, modeled after the European towns from which many of the valley’s vines were sourced, it was completed in 1846.  However you structure your days, remember that when your time in Sonoma comes to an end, it’s always worth taking the long road home. Cut over to the coast, head a bit north, and take Highway 1 for some of the most breathtaking vistas in the state. Or pop by Mill Valley on your way back into the city, and grab lunch at Watershed before pursuing the shops and en joying the pine-scented air. By the time you reach the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll be easing back to reality – albeit, hopeful ly, with a few bottles of wine in your suitcase – so you can have a sip of Sonoma whenever you need it.

ABOUT THE WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

Anna Petrow and Patrick Mulvihill call Kansas City home, but they have been known to find themselves off the beaten path. Born and raised in Kansas City, Anna is a culinary and lifestyle photographer with a knack for letting her camera lens guide her travels. Patrick is a writer, an enthusiastic travel companion, and a proud St. Louis native who uses each new trip as an excuse to eat five meals a day.

Would You Say Yes toWhatKnowing the Future Holds?

It’s challenging to be certain what a yes or no answer actu ally means when we continue to live in and navigate a world of relative uncertainty – from politics to the pandemic –very little feels “solid.”

Most of us obviously check the weather forecast to make realistic plans, but beyond that? Surveys, along with my in formal interviews, suggest more and more of us are looking for ways to gather information and insight about what our future holds.

Hopefully, we have relatively reliable sources of informa tion about what’s going on in the world. I’m quite dependent on PBS and NPR and online newspapers; but this is an add ed inquiry about how we focus on our individual lives – our feelings about today and the future – how our personalities, combined with what’s happening all around us, affect our outlook. What are the decisions we face each day? For work,

for family, for health, and general well being?

What’s going to happen is the “stuff” of astrology websites, daily horoscopes, palm readers, psychics, and runes (ancient stones that provide philosophical and spiritual readings); and countless books offer interpretations of who we are and what to morrow, the next day, and the next year hold. And what, if any thing, does it mean that we seek answers to what’s in the future? Bottom line: we like, at least, a bit of predictability – sometimes a lot – and reassurance that things will turn out okay . . . or that there are good/better days ahead. The questions are not un usual and, indeed, historical data suggests that predicting the future was once linked to both medicine and psychology and that people have always looked for such resources for answers.

When seriously uncertain about our feelings, reactions, and decisions, it’s a good idea to bypass anything that’s not fairly well tested or researched.

When seriously uncertain about our feelings, reactions, and decisions, it’s a good idea to bypass anything that’s not fairly well tested or researched.

RETREAT LINKS….

spiritualtravels.info retreatfinder.com prayereleven.org timbercreekretreat.org

That suggests deeper, reflecting discussions with fami ly, friends, and colleagues – and I often suggest some basic psychological testing. If you want a reliable starting place, there’s a free inventory accessible online called the Myers Briggs. It measures introversion and extroversion as a base line of “who you are” and then additional measures for how you look at and understand and relate to your world: Think ing versus feeling; sensing versus intuition; judging versus perceiving. It’s an easy inventory to take and provides under standable interpretations.

Imagine time away where reflection is the primary objec tive – with a journal and pen close by for recording thoughts and feelings. Writing with pen on paper creates a valuable connection to the brain. However, if you feel better with a laptop, go for it.

And I totally believe, over my many years working with cli ents in private practice and in organizations, that the more we understand ourselves through testing, resources for self exploration and learning, the more comfortable we become in all our relationships. That, then, hopefully leads to a wider degree of comfort navigating our world, and as the naviga tion becomes more challenging, self understanding is truly desirable.

For a simple start, a first step if you’ve never tried medita tion, is simple breathing exercises. The most simple, and you might try it now, just as an experiment, is the following exer cise: Breathe in to the count of four, hold your breath to the count of seven and release very slowly to the count of eight … release through pursed lips, like preparing to whistle. Repeat this four times. Then do it again. And take a minute to pay at tention to how you feel.

I learned the gullible issue as a doctoral student doing research on psychological testing. I administered a personal ity inventory to my classmates and assured them their results would be provided only to them and kept confidential. I sim ply asked that after reading their results that they rate the test on its accuracy. After receiving their results, the members of the class gave the test the highest possible rating on accu racy in assessing them individually. However, the results pro vided to each person were identical and all the statements about their personalities were taken from daily horoscope readings in the local newspaper.

You may confirm doing exactly what you are doing is great; and you may reflect on new things, options for going forward, or something right in between. It’s simply finding your own re newed sense of direction. And if you discover all you need is to stare at the water, mountains, or woods and rest somewhere other than the comfort of your home, own it. Meditation can simply affirm we are on the right path. Or, it can open hearts, minds, eyes, to something new, slightly new, or dramatically different. Meditation, retreating, allows whatever to surface.

I obviously had to have permission from the professor to conduct such an experiment. He agreed because he was equally interested in how advance graduate students would respond and my hypothesis that even graduate students are potentially gullible. Everyone, fortunately, found it revealing, sobering, and helpful in considering the impact of the testing they would be doing with clients.

There’s an additional component to doing this kind of re flection and self-administered testing. The information is typ ically genuinely useful, and often quite calming. It just helps when we get some clarification that what we are feeling is understandable. And this particular inventory is something a spouse/partner/close friend or colleague can take. It pro vides a good bottom line for talking about issues. I’ve used it doing organization consulting and team building. Oh, and in couples’ counseling!

Meditation techniques range from simple breathing exercis es like this to silent repetition of a mantra (a word or phrase) to listening to guided instructions for deep relaxation and resting the mind.

To what end? When the mind is allowed to truly quiet down … especially when applied after long term, persistent stress … feelings and thoughts emerge that are truly helpful to each of us as we contemplate where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we want to venture forward today and in the future.

Relying on testing is useful only when the analysis is reli able. Because? We are truly gullible, especially under stress.

Meditation also helps with healing. Far too many have ex perienced tragic loss during this difficult time and both emo tional and physical healing is needed. Understanding what you think, feel, want, and need is important to determine what changes are both desirable and possible. The more you reflect, meditate, and write about what you think and feel, the more clarity you’ll achieve. The challenge is to make these two diffi cult years have a positive outcome when and where possible.

It’s good to reflect on the questions we have about our selves – and about the world we are navigating right now – and about all those we live with and work with. Think of information as necessary and, in fact, essential when things are a lot more challenging than usual.

Many people are still navigating a way back into more nor mal living. And the challenges of the last two years have left many with questions about what has meaning, purpose, and a solid bottomline for going forward with joy and enthusiasm. So reflect and take good care of yourself and those you value and love.

My personal easy getaway is Timber Creek, a quite elegant retreat center an hour drive from Kansas City. The website, timbercreekretreat.org, has information for options across the country. My wish is for you to take good care of yourself, recog nizing the past two years have been a challenge that we are still trying to accurately evaluate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Linda Moore has been in practice in the Kansas City area for over 25 years and is a published author on personal and family issues.

Dr. Linda Moore has been in practice in the Kansas City area for over 25 years and is a published author on personal and family issues.

Many people are still navigating a way back into more normal living. And the challenges of the last two years have left many with questions about what has meaning, purpose, and a solid bottomline for going forward with joy and enthusiasm.

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"I Want Everybody to Have Art."

You may have seen her work covering a huge brick wall on The Country Club Plaza, or, perhaps, dangling beautifully from someone’s ear. Jenny Meyer-McCall is a painter who can turn any surface into eye-catch ing, spirit-raising, memory-making art.

Were you the little kid who was always drawing, painting, creating?

Absolutely! I would pause my Disney movies. Look at the TV, look down, and draw the setting until I got that right. Then, move on. Done with my art. Time to perform.

After graduating from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, how did you turn that knowledge and talent into making a living?

I started as a faux painter. Faux painting is where you make walls or furniture or ceilings look like not plain sheetrock or plain wood. There is a design on it; whether it’s a stencil or it looks like a lime wash that’s 100 years old. We would do floor to ceiling. I would paint domes that looked like copper. It was fun and taught me a lot about creating because you just have to trust your own instinct and go. No dilly-dallying. Very time sensitive and the scale is huge. I do small pieces, now, because I want everybody to have art, but I definitely shine when I can paint large. I love painting large! Large art has such a presence and I really want my art to have a presence.

Moving from that profession to creating your own work for art shows or on commission is a big step. You have to be both artist and businessperson.

My parents are small business owners, and my grand parents were. So, it’s just part of who I am. Being a small business owner doesn’t faze me in any way. I can do what I love and make it a business. I wanted to be in front of clients. I wanted to meet them. I wanted to hear their stories.

As a senior wealth consultant at Mariner Wealth Advisors, Lindsey Serrano works with individuals, families, foundations and nonprofits to match them with the advisory team best positioned to help them achieve their long-term objectives. She has more than 23 years of experience in business development roles in the corporate, real estate and nonprofit sectors.

Prior to joining the firm, she was the director of major and planned gifts at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In that role, she worked closely with families and foundations in planning their philanthropic donations.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your career?

A: My role is unique for most registered investment advisor (RIA) firms, and it is a testament to Mariner Wealth Advisors goal to keep our advisory teams focused on clients. I serve as a concierge for prospective clients who want to get to know our firm and better understand how we can add value to their lives. There is no cookie-cutter process to get to know our firm. I focus discussions on individual priorities, so an individual comes away with an in-depth understanding of what they could experience as a client. I also allow space for them to make decisions. I know our advisory teams well, so I’m a matchmaker of sorts, determining the best team to assist an individual. It’s rewarding when I’ve found a team that’s a good fit for the long relationship ahead. These are life-changing decisions and finding an advisor or transitioning to a new advisor doesn’t happen overnight. I enjoy serving as a trusted guide as someone begins a new path as a client.

Q: When is a client ready to transition to an advisor?

A: When I meet people, they often have well-developed relationships to serve their financial goals. These relationships might include estate and trust attorneys, wealth advisors or CPAs and often, each of their advisors is working in their own silos. In many cases, these advisors do not step beyond their area of expertise to solve bigger problems or tackle large-scale strategies for growing and protecting wealth. This creates a disconnect. A Mariner Wealth Advisors advisor is effective in serving as a financial quarterback by bringing a team together to best serve a client. As people get to know us, they begin to see our firm is focused on helping them build and protect their wealth because we look at their life goals and understand their financial priorities well beyond what’s happening in an investment portfolio.

Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Kansas. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

Lindsey Serrano, J.D. Senior Wealth Consultant

You started here as the pandemic was really taking hold. That must have presented special challenges right from the start.

There was an opportunity even during the pandemic. It makes me think of the seasons. We need the winter because there are things happening beneath the soil. Things being seeded that will burst when the spring comes. I think that hap pened with the pandemic. There was a lot of opportunity to grow, to incubate. In fact, we opened up our Jazz Incubator for the musician community, which had a tough time in the pandemic, a space for them to come in, play, learn, and get resources.

Describe your artistic style.

I work on a 2D surface, and I paint with more than one me dium. I will take people’s personal items and layer it direct ly into the canvas. My mixed media technique really blends well for that. People give me everything from lapel pins to first-date tickets to dog ashes. You name it. It’s special to be able to connect with people and hear why they want to commemorate something. It’s a very personal thing. The art forms itself. I call myself a process painter, which really just means that the process itself leads you to the end result.

butterflies. Showing how electric cars help save all these im portant parts of our environment. The first day I painted out side but then the rain moved in. I got to go inside the body shop at Aristocrat. The guys cleaning and detailing the cars thought I was absolutely insane putting paint on this car!

role does the American Jazz Museum play in keeping this important music alive?

It has been a quarter of century since the American Jazz Museum opened its doors. I know you have so much planned starting with the “In The Yard” celebration the weekend before the August 29th birthday of Charlie Parker. Then, in September, a beautiful new exhibit honoring 25 years at 18th and Vine. But, you are always looking forward, to the next 25.

Your art is not confined to an easel and a canvas. How did you find yourself painting on a luxury car that wasn’t even on the market yet?

This is a hybrid institution. We’ve got the museum element for daily visitors to come in and learn about the history; but we also have a working jazz club in the Blue Room, and we’ve got the Gem Theater across the street. We shepherd them into an ex perience where they can really see and feel the effects of being in a live environment.

You also took part in the Kansas City Parade of Hearts. My heart was located at a grocery store, which, at first, well, my ego was a little hurt, I’m not gonna lie, but then I re alized what a wonderful opportunity! You see it going in and you see it coming out, so you see it twice. The front is just as good as the back and the back is just as good as the front.

You’ve said you want everybody to have art but can every body also do art?

The art fair, put on by The Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka, had been on a three-year hiatus because of COVID-19. So, when it came back, they wanted to get people’s attention. A flashy production! With the wonderful help of Aristocrat Motors, I got to paint on an All-Electric BMW i4. I wanted to do something to show a floral pattern on the car but still abstract. Emphasizing sustainability. Native plants. Bees and

It’s important for us to continue to anchor the neighbor hood. Our community depends on that. This was a vision that was started 25 years ago but it’s got to grow. It’s got to grow in a way that’s authentic and genuine. I think it’s really a won derful opportunity.

I’ve always been at the intersection of arts education, of nonprofit business, and of culture. I live in this matrix. It really allows me to work hard and play hard at the same time. I love what I do and, you know, our staff loves what we all do. It’s a work of passion.

People need to come here and really understand the roots of this town. What’s in the soil. What’s in the sidewalks. Appre ciate the authentic and genuine culture that contributed to much of Kansas City history. Eighteenth and Vine. The Ameri can Jazz Museum. It’s the heartbeat of the city.

Everybody has it in them to create. There are different rea sons that you create and if you create for yourself, for joy, and it gives you that, it doesn’t matter what it looks like. Your art served its purpose. I’m always up for something new and creative to push my boundaries, so anytime I have a won derful opportunity to paint a five-foot heart or a BMW I’m all about it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joel Nichols has been interviewing fascinating people from Kansas City and around the nation for 35 years. Today, he does freelance work for a number of area organizations, as well as emcee events in our town. Please, visit Joel Nichols Communications, online.

Joel

Nichols has been interviewing fascinating people from Kansas City and

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The Lyric Opera

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, unless noted

12.02–11 Amahl and the Night Visitors 02.11 Orpheus Affair: Candelabra 03.11–19 The Shining 04.01 Lyric Opera Ball Sheraton Crown Center

The Kansas City Symphony

All Performances at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 11.25–27 Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, with Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto 12.02 The Doo Wop Project Christmas 12.09–11 Handel’s Messiah, Kansas City Symphony Chorus 12.15–18 Christmas Festival, Kansas City Symphony Chorus 12.21–24 Elf in Concert 01.06–08 Uptown Nights, Byron Stripling Trumpeter 01.13–15 The Fountains and Pines of Rome, plus Mozart’s Third Violin Concerto Geneva Lewis, violin 01.20–22 Wagner’s “Flying Dutchman” and The Barber Violin Concerto 01.21 PNC Petite Performances 01.25–28 Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert 01.29 Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of the Orchestra 02.03–05 R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin 02.10–12 Ruth Reinhardt Conducts Sibelius 03.03–05 Ravel’s “Rapsodie” and the Poem of Ecstasy 03.12 Symphony’s Wild Adventure, in partnership with the Kansas City Zoo 03.13–15 Kenny G with the Kansas City Symphony 03.18 Indigo Girls with the Kansas City Symphony

T-Mobile Center

11.21&22 Hall of Fame Classic Basketball Tournament 11.23 The Eagles 11.26 For King + Country 11.29 Five Finger Death Punch + Brantley Gilbert 12.09–11 Jurassic World Live Tour 12.17 Nebraska vs. Kansas State Basketball 12.26 Trans-Siberian Orchestra 01.14&15 Monster Jam

02.03 The Judds 02.18 Bruce Springsteen 02.23–26 Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate 03.03 Winter Jam 03.08–11 Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Championship 03.18 Blake Shelton 03.24–26 2923 NCAA Basketball Midwest Regional

Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland 12.04 Disney Princess: The Concert 12.05 The Piano Guys 12.17 Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas Tour 2022 12.20 A Drag Queen Christmas 01.28 Eddie B 02.06 Death Cab for Cutie 03.11 Alter Bridge 03.25 J.I.D. & Smino

Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium 11.13 Jacksonville Jaguars 11.27 Los Angeles Rams 12.24 Seattle Seahawks 01.01 Denver Broncos

Kansas City Ballet

12.10 Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball 02.17–26 Cinderella 03.15 Dance Speaks: New Voices, New Moves 03.23–26 New Moves

Kansas City Repertory Theatre 11.18–12.24 A Christmas Carol: Dickens 01.31–02.19 Flood, an OriginKC World Premiere 03.14–04.02 the ripple, the wave that carried me home

Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City 12.02 The Tallis Scholars: Hymns to the Virgin 01.21 Festive Hungarica, The Folly Theater 02.03 Bach Collegium Japan, Atonement Lutheran Church 02.18 Emerson String Quartet, Midwest Trust Center JCCC 03.04 Inon Barnatan, Master Pianist, The Folly Theater

T-MOBILE CENTER 12.26 Trans-Siberian Orchestra