TODAY Kansas City - Winter 2022

ARISTOCRAT MOTORS • MERRIAM • TOPEKA • LEE'S SUMMIT

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MERCEDES-BENZ OF KANSAS CITY

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E SOAV E AU TO M OT I V E G RO U P WINTER 2022 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 4

ACRE: A CHEF’S HOMAGE TO HIS LOCAL ROOTS PREPARING YOURSELF FOR WHAT TOMORROW HOLDS WINTER ESCAPE TO THE SONOMA WINE COUNTRY

festive fashion for the holiday season

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.

9400 West 65th St | Merriam, KS | 913.677.3300 | aristocratmotors.com

13851 Madison Avenue | Kansas City, MO | 816.943.7000 | mbofkc.com Members of the Soave Automotive Group

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

by MARION BATTAGLIA

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

2 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

CROWN CENTER, LEVEL 3 • 816.274.3222 HOLIDAY HOURS BEGIN FRIDAY, NOV. 25 | MON – SAT: 10 AM – 7 PM • SUN: NOON – 5 PM CHRISTMAS EVE & NEW YEAR’S EVE: 10 AM – 5 PM | CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S DAY

ELJ_Today_Magazine_Ad.indd 1

10/5/22 8:38 AM

EDITOR'S LETTER

by ROBERT HELLWEG

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.

4 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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 Porsche Kansas City KEVIN SMELL Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam ISAAC NICHOLS Aristocrat Motors Topeka JOHN DOOLITTLE Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City RODNEY PARKER

PARTS MANAGERS BILL WELLS Aristocrat Motors DAVID BARNES Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City JOE LAWHEAD KIP NASH

Jaguar-Land Rover of Merriam 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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CONTENTS

Features 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

76 EVENT CALENDAR 6 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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

ARCHITECTURE

words by BETH PHILLIPS

Five Lessons Learned From 25 Years Designing Kansas City Homes.

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 collaborative 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 importance 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 likelihood 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.

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ARCHITECTURE 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 family of engineers and it’s in my blood to run toward 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 preferences 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 contractors. Contractors and vendors should be treated with the same level of respect as a client. Facilitating this culture of mutual respect with the tradespeople we partner 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 delivering 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 mistakes. We help our clients make choices that will wear well, opting for high-quality materials, timeless furniture profiles, and casework that is as durable and functional as it is beautiful. When you embark on a significant project, you should do so trusting that the space you are creating will still work for you and

10 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

Parkway Plaza | 4850 W. 135th Street Leawood, KS 66224 | 913.491.4111 800.735.5112 | mazzarese.com

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 renovation. Soft furnishings can be reupholstered. 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 designers who have skyrocketed to notoriety for having a distinctive and recognizable look – one often 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 family. 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 portfolio, 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.

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ARTISTS’ ORIGINAL WORKS — LOCAL TO INTERNATIONAL. PAINTINGS | SCULPTURE | CERAMICS | GLASS | JEWELRY | HANDCRAFTED GIFTS

“One Touch of Nature Makes The Whole World Kin” by Nicoletta Belletti, acrylic mixed media and resin on board, 31” x 47”

ARTIST SHOWS AND WORKSHOPS | IN-HOME ART CONSULTATIONS SPECIAL COMMISSIONS | PET PORTRAITURE | CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN

4020 INDIAN CREEK PARKWAY | OVERLAND PARK, KS | 66207 | 913.341.FIVE | GALLERYVFINEARTS.COM

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

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 Andrew 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 upbringing, 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 pilgrimage restaurants of our time, but he always felt like his home was here.

As you enter the restaurant your eyes are immediately 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

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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 private 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 expedited by Chef Longres.

SL: Our server, Faith, helped us navigate the menu and let us know of the Acre ordering procedure. 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 mustard, capers, pickled, onions, shaved radishes, a horseradish sauce, and crispy caraway lavosh.

The beef melted on the tongue as the complexity 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 something fussy; Longres makes it clear that accessibility 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 parent to young children and wants to ensure people know this is an approachable place to bring the whole family.

SL: The salads curated by the Acre team show creativity as well as mindfulness of the meal progression. Because 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 vinaigrette. 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 Almondine 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 almonds, 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, complete 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

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Idaho ruby trout almondine

Whipped ricotta with crostini

Custom, wood-fired grill

Tartare

4050 INDIAN CREEK PKWY | OVERLAND PARK, KS 66207

913-313-1207 | EYESTYLEOPTICS.COM

FOOD 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’ grandmother’s signature recipe. It was bright and flavorful, and we ate every bite. Chef Longres also offered us the honey apple cake with cognac caramel, which was equally satisfying and embodied the cozy flavors of autumn. From start to finish, our Acre experience 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.

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 octopus, 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.

Acre, located at 6325 Lewis Street in Parkville, Missouri, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended and Warm woods, worn leather, and textured fabrics span the bar, can be made at acrekc.com.

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.

dining room, and outdoor patio at Blu Hwy. Lemon cake

ABOUT ABOUTTHE THEAUTHORS AUTHORS Emily Emily and and Stewart Stewart Lane Lane are are Kansas Kansas City City natives natives who who have have an an affection affection for for hospitality. hospitality.

Stewart, Stewart, aa former former executive executive chef, chef, makes makes his his career career with in business SMG and development loves to cook and for friends and lovesfamily, to cook and forEmily friends is a and marketing family; Emily communications is a communications managerstrategist with an arts with background. an arts Along background. with their Along daughters, with their Evie daughters, and Catharine, Evie and they Catharine, live a lifethey filledlive with a life food, filled culture, with and food,creativity. culture, and creativity.

20 18 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER SUMMER2022 2022

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AUTOMOTIVE words and photos by TOM STRONGMAN

MERCEDES-BENZ ALL-NEW C-CLASS

The Best-Selling Sedan Gets a Complete Makeover.

20 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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 freestanding 12.3-inch digital instrument panel 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 exterior 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. Exclusive Trim begins at $47,800 and Pinnacle 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, ventilated front seats, panorama roof, heating steering wheel, Sirius XM radio, driver assistance 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 turbocharged 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 horsepower for short periods. Mercedes says this is

WINTER 2022 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 21

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 transmission 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

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

Inside, the central touchscreen, which has been adopted 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 Mercedes-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 infotainment 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 settings. Over-the-air updates keep the software current.

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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 aerodynamics that help interior keep the of the car sleek and sensuThe progressive of top the C-Class demonstrates a clear al withonrounded contours that echo classic design. nose focus technology and high-quality materials with The its host of contains grille that recognizably Maserati complete with new trim aoptions.

Theisseats utilize a new design that features the Trident “layers and emblem. surfaces” to create a visual impression of lightness.

Upward-opening “butterfly” doorshave pivot to so They provide excellent support and a forward wide range of the addriver and Various passenger cantrim getoptions into theinclude cabin textures with a minimum justability. interior and maof interference.

The cabinveneers is understated, and driver focused. terials such as woodgrain in brown tones, and black and The interior shapesoptions are simple, with few sharp corners and natural give buyers for tailoring the car to their taste. theThe upholstery andofinterior materials to prevent reentire suite available active are andblack passive driver assisflections on the windscreen. black lends tance systems hassteep beensloping enhanced on the newPlus, C-Class with adaditional feelingand of understated elegance. are two LCDand screens advanced functions for There more comfortable safe in the instrument panel,adaptive one in front of control, the driver for gauges driving.

With DISTRONIC cruise active steering and one in the center the console. emphasizassist, and active laneabove change assist, the Maserati vehicle can semi-aues that “everything is its laidspeed out just cockpittoofthe a racing tonomously maintain andlike thethe distance traffic

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

Maserati andasSabelt on the design and in front as well stay incollaborated its lane on multi-lane roads as crewell ation of the the MC20 seats. Aspeed composite structural shell, equipped as reduce vehicle’s according to the traffic situwith power adjustments says and lumbar system, represents the esation.

Mercedes-Benz “the extensive driver assistance sence of the sportiveness crash at a high quality and systems, as MC20 well asproject: the sophisticated sensor systems, performance level. upholds the highest levels of safety and ensure the C-Class The MC20’s Sonus audio embodies the translation of sophistication.

Newlyfaber available Active Stop-and-Go Assist its name, “handmade sound” that illustrates both jams brands can also provide semi-autonomous support how in traffic at desire innovative speedstouppair to 37 mph.” technologies and skillful craftsmanship.

The C-Class has been the highest volume Mercedes-Benz Committing the decade, MC20 towith production is a2.5 bold statement model in the last more than million sedan from Maserati aboutsold howglobally. it sees itself, both today and in the and wagon models This new-generation car is, future when an all-electric version will bethe available.

That and forin Mercedes’ words, “poised to redefine benchmark ward is necessary for the a company that has a long take vision comfort, safety, and overall driver andsuch passenger and storied history. experience to a completely new level.”

ABOUT ABOUTTHE THEAUTHOR AUTHOR // PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Tom Strongman Strongman has has aa degree degree in in photojournalism photojournalism from from the the University University of of Missouri Missouri and and was was formerly formerly the the director director of of photography photography and and then then the the automotive automotive editor editor of of The The Kansas Kansas City City Star.

Star. Tom, Tom, aa member member of of the the Missouri Missouri Press Press Association Association Photojournalism Photojournalism Hall Hall of of Fame, Fame, has has written written about about and and photographed photographed cars cars for for more more than than three three decades. decades.

26 2022 24 || TODAY TODAY KANSAS KANSAS CITY CITY || SUMMER WINTER 2022

4101 N Mulberry Dr, Kansas City, MO 64116

| www.nellhills.com

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

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INTERIOR DESIGN by PATRICIA O'DELL

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, focuses on the design style that emerged at the beginning of the last century. Not confined to architecture, Art Deco influenced art and design elements that were both extravagant and utilitarian, allowing collectors today an opportunity to enjoy the streamlined aesthetic through both careful investment and whim.

Art Deco reigned in the United States following the International 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, including Municipal Auditorium, Jackson County Courthouse, Kansas City Power and Light, and 909 Walnut.

Defined by its clean lines and heavy reliance on geometric 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 every income level were able to bring Art Deco into their homes.

Household items in the style appeared in everything from furniture 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 plastic, glass, and chrome. Items similar to those in the exhibit are available at local vendors. Green Door Antiques has a charming liquor bottle and glass set on lacquered tray that would liven up any home bar. Dealers at River Market Antiques offer a steady selection of cocktail shakers and glasses from the era.

WINTER 2022 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 43

AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR DESIGN

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

44 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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INTERIOR INTERIOR DESIGN DESIGN “I think I was experimenting on myself, which is bettergrahambrown.com 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, welcoming, 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 homeowners 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.

“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 collection from Rejuvenation, with its tiered milk glass globes, makes and I had it cleaned once and never had an issue. It just bringing this look into your home easy. (Their Stepped Shelfsofa, Brackets repelled stains.” and Elro Double Hook are spot-on, as well.)

Schmidt For many, vintage lighting is a must in renovations, and there are also appreciates the evolution of outdoor fabrics that have great resources in and near Kansas City. Christopher Filley Antiques at a soft hand.

“They’re State Line Road and 45th Street has a wonderful – and revolving – se- not the plastic-y, scratchy material of the past,” she notes. lection of vintage lights. The Old Above, Ross McTaggart’s passion projIf there ect in Strong City, Kansas, has a rich collection of vintage lighting that is any “bling” in Schmidt’s rooms it usually appears in fixtures or the texture of tile. included an Art Deco milk glass ceiling fixture at the time of thislight printing.

“Someone might not think of tile around a fireplace that is Whether you are a Deco devotee at the level of Barbra Streisand in and matte as ‘bling,’, but it has a nice, chiseled stone the 1990s or interested in adding a single streamlined designneutral element face to In it. You may notice the simplicity of a room, but the artto your collection, Art Deco can add distinct details to your interiors. work, light the meantime, when you’re downtown, be sure to look up. Inspiration is fixtures, accents – such as the pillows – and the objects on the tables theoldabove.com add a lot of interest.” all around you.

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.

48 46 || TODAY TODAY KANSAS KANSAS CITY CITY || SUMMER WINTER 2022 2022

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The Mulvane Experience.

48 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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 community, 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 establishment of gallery spaces.

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

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

“We are hosting conferences, conversations, lectures, all of which are meant to connect students, faculty, staff, members of the community, not just with the objects on view, but with larger social or political 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 incarcerated 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 ArtLab 20 years ago. Saturdays and Tuesdays, 70 to 100 community members visit to relax with the art supplies that are available during the always-free sessions.

She says that, among other things, people can learn about printmaking 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,” Gibbons 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, lifetime hobbyists, or patrons who uphold the 100-year legacy of community 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

WINTER 2022 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 49

KC KC ORIGINALS ORIGINALS

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were reminded of the Mulvane’s great work.

Manning says that the Mulvane’s former assistant director, Kristin Cheney, spearheaded a new relationship with Aristocrat botanicals in about 100 combinations before they found Motors, a recipe.which led to the public painting of a wrapped BMW by local artist Jenny Meyer (see page 70). – for legal purWhat they landed onMcCall does include juniper “It was intended to draw attention cardamom, to our art fair,” Manning poses – but also white peppercorn, lemon zest, says. The event in the center ofpersimmon. downtown. coriander, and,was mostly strikingly, The hope that “people who were tree thereon for our business or for “We had was an enormous persimmon property,” lunchsays or toabout go to aher gallery might see it and beHermann, drawn to our camMeg childhood home near Missouri. pus, which sortwanted of removed from in that downtown was She says isthey to bring elements fromarea. theirItfarm amazing to seeand how even the community came with out,” Manning says. and heritage experimented cornhusks and The things currentthat exhibition, X – for abstract expressionism – other grew allAB around them. highlights the work of expressionist of the Midwest “Persimmon just really came outartists with something thatand we loved and have good memories around. Grandma used to

their long-term relationships with the institution.

“Our collection is international in scope, but it has a very strong emphasis in American Over the years, we’ve really focused make persimmon jelly,”art.

Meg says. onMoving collecting American art and,plan more art of the reforward, the Evanses tospecifically, add another agricultural gion, what might call the Mountain Plains regionThey’ve or the Miselement to we their business: growing their own agave. pursouri River says.will plant this coming December, chased 40Valley,” acres inManning Arizona and And the pieces have long beenyears in the collection, though, Jeff says, that it’ll be nearly seven before they’llGibbons be able says, whether or regional, tend not to stay in storto harvest andinternational distill their crop. age indefinitely.

Meg says the goal is to be a single-estate manufacturer. “Evsays, “We’re always lookingsingle for new ways think about eryShe part of the process of being estate is to important.

So, and talk about worksfrom in thedirt collection that have single estate means to bottle, it ismay all on us.”been made two threeoff, hundred ago. that remain If itortakes theirs years will be theHow first does large-scale agaverelevant farm in in today’s the Unitedworld?”

States, which sounds not only like great bragging rights for Mean Mule, but for Kansas City.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 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.

72 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | SUMMER 2022 50 WINTER 2022

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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 husband 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 couple 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 pantry 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 surplus dry goods storage, and the garage is given over to items that need refrigeration.

WINTER 2022 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 55

NONPROFIT

“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 nearby organizations such as Jewish Family Services, Heart-toHeart, Community Service League, and others.

Jennifer has been surprised at the diversity of her members. “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 eating. That choice is an abomination.”

The Tiny Pantry does not require documentation or verification of employment or income – no “hoops to jump through,” as Jennifer describes them. The Parkers know some of their members by name, and will never know others. Members are invited 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 presence 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 grocery 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 develop 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 Harvesters 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.

56 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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ROAD TRIPS words by PATRICK MULVIHILL | photos by ANNA PETROW

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 perfect respite with plenty of activities. Lawn games, tree swings, poolside live music, yoga classes, and more mean something for everybody. The Pedal for Pinot program provides you with a darling map (made in partnership with a local artist) outlining 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-stopping white truffle pizza.

If you’re looking for the most romantic getaway 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 spacious 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!

WINTER 2022 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 59

ROAD TRIPS Traveling with friends? MacArthur Place is the ideal setup for groups.

Clustered cottages boast cool conversation areas, with fire-pits, towering 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 supreme at this property, thanks to collaborations with well-known Californian 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 crucial part of trip planning if everyone wants to imbibe.

There is magic in the hills of the valley, 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 labor of viticultural love that went into your glass.

If you have adventurists in your group, the trails at Bartholomew Estates offer sweeping views of one of the oldest farmed properties in California. 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

Kunde Family Winery

Kenwood Inn 60 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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 follow – and there is no shortage of delicious eats in Sonoma.

Between tastings, the pro move is grabbing a focaccia sandwich 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 restaurants 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 enjoying the pine-scented air. By the time you reach the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll be easing back to reality – albeit, hopefully, 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.

62 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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Would You Say Yes to Knowing What the Future Holds?

WINTER 2022 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | 65

HEALTH

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.

It’s challenging to be certain what a yes or no answer actually 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 informal 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 information about what’s going on in the world. I’m quite dependent on PBS and NPR and online newspapers; but this is an added 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,

66 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

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 tomorrow, the next day, and the next year hold. And what, if anything, 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 unusual 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.

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Many people are still navigating a way back into more normal living.

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And the challenges of the last two years have left many with questions spiritualtravels.info about what has meaning, purpose, and a solid bottomline retreatfinder.comfor going forward with joy and enthusiasm.

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That suggests deeper, reflecting discussions with family, 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 attime and away understand relate istothe your world: ThinkImagine where and reflection primary objecing intuition; judging versus tive versus – with afeeling; journal sensing and penversus close by for recording thoughts perceiving.

It’s an easy inventory to take and provides underand feelings. Writing with pen on paper creates a valuable standable connectioninterpretations. to the brain. However, if you feel better with a And I go totally laptop, for it.believe, over my many years working with clients practice andstep in organizations, more Forina private simple start, a first if you’ve neverthat triedthe meditawe understand ourselves through testing, resources for self tion, is simple breathing exercises. The most simple, and you exploration and learning, the more comfortable we become might try it now, just as an experiment, is the following exerin all Breathe our relationships. hopefully leads to a to wider cise: in to the That, count then, of four, hold your breath the degree comfort world, andcount as the count ofofseven andnavigating release veryour slowly to the ofnavigaeight … tion becomes challenging, self understanding is truly release throughmore pursed lips, like preparing to whistle. Repeat desirable. this four times. Then do it again. And take a minute to pay atThere’s additional tention toan how you feel. component to doing this kind of reflection and self-administered The information is typMeditation techniques rangetesting. from simple breathing exercisically genuinely useful, and often quite calming.

It just helps es like this to silent repetition of a mantra (a word or phrase) to when we get some clarification that what we are feeling is listening to guided instructions for deep relaxation and resting understandable.

And this particular inventory is something the mind. a spouse/partner/close or colleague cantotake. proTo what end? When friend the mind is allowed trulyItquiet vides a good bottom line for talking about issues.

I’ve used it down … especially when applied after long term, persistent doing organization consulting and team building.

Oh, and in stress … feelings and thoughts emerge that are truly helpful couples’ to each counseling! of us as we contemplate where we’ve been, where on and testing is useful only to when the analysis reliweRelying are now, where we want venture forward istoday able.

Because?

We are truly gullible, especially under stress. and in the future.

I learned the gullible issue as a doctoral student doing research on psychological testing. I administered a personality inventory to my classmates and assured them their results would be provided only to them and kept confidential. I simply asked that after reading their results that they rate the test on its accuracy. After receiving their results, the members of You the class gave thedoing test the highest possible accumay confirm exactly what you arerating doingon is great; racy in assessing them However, results proand you may reflect on individually. new things, options forthe going forward, vided to each person were identical and all the statements or something right in between. It’s simply finding your own reabout were taken from all daily newed their sensepersonalities of direction. And if you discover youhoroscope need is to readings in the localmountains, newspaper. stare at the water, or woods and rest somewhere I obviously to have permission fromit.the professorcan to other than thehad comfort of your home, own Meditation conduct such an experiment.

He agreed because he was simply affirm we are on the right path. Or, it can open hearts, equally interested in how advance graduate would minds, eyes, to something new, slightly new, students or dramatically respond my hypothesis that allows even graduate are different.and Meditation, retreating, whateverstudents to surface. potentially gullible.

Everyone, fortunately, found it revealing, Meditation also helps with healing.

Far too many have exsobering, helpful in considering the impact of the testing periencedand tragic loss during this difficult time and both emothey would be doing with clients. tional and physical healing is needed. Understanding what It’sthink, goodfeel, to want, reflectand on need the questions wetohave about what ouryou is important determine selves – and about the world are navigating right now changes are both desirable and we possible.

The more you reflect, –meditate, and about all those we live with and work with.

Think of and write about what you think and feel, the more information as necessary and, in fact, essential when things clarity you’ll achieve. The challenge is to make these two diffiare lot more than usual. cultayears havechallenging a positive outcome when and where possible.

Many people easy are still navigating a way backainto more norMy personal getaway is Timber Creek, quite elegant mal living.

And the challenges of the last two years have left retreat center an hour drive from Kansas City. The website, many with questions about what has meaning, purpose, and timbercreekretreat.org, has information for options across the a solid bottomline with joyof and enthusiasm. country.

My wish is for going you to forward take good care yourself, recogSo reflect yourself and those youwe value nizing theand pasttake twogood yearscare haveofbeen a challenge that are and love. still trying to accurately evaluate.

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.

68 66 || TODAY TODAY KANSAS KANSAS CITY CITY || WINTER SUMMER2022 2022

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INTERVIEW by JOEL NICHOLS

"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-catching, 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 grandparents 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.

70 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

Making Connections to Help Clients Achieve Long-Term Wealth Goals 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

Lindsey Serrano, J.D.

it is a testament to Mariner Wealth Advisors goal to keep our advisory teams Senior Wealth Consultant 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.

Start a Conversation With Lindsey: 913-378-1503 OR lindsey.serrano@marinerwealthadvisors.com 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.

INTERVIEW

Describe your artistic style.

I work on a 2D surface, and I paint with more than one medium. I will take people’s personal items and layer it directly 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 What does the American Jazz Museum in really just forms role itself.

I call myself a process painter, play which keeping thisthe important alive?you to the end result. means that processmusic itself leads This is a hybrid institution. We’ve got the museum element for daily to come in and aboutand theahistory; butHow we also Your visitors art is not confined tolearn an easel canvas. did have a working jazz club in on theaBlue Room, got the you find yourself painting luxury car and thatwe’ve wasn’t even Gem Theater across on the market yet? the street. We shepherd them into an experience they see and Art feelMuseum the effects being The artwhere fair, put oncan by really The Mulvane in of Topeka, in a live environment. had been on a three-year hiatus because of COVID-19. So, I’ve it always thewanted intersection ofpeople’s arts education, of when came been back,at they to get attention. nonprofit business, and of culture.

I live in this matrix.

It really A flashy production!

With the wonderful help of Aristocrat allows to work hard and play hard at the same I love Motors,me I got to paint on an All-Electric BMW i4.time.

I wanted what do and, you staffpattern loves what we all a to do Isomething toknow, show our a floral on the cardo. butIt’s still work of passion. abstract.

Emphasizing sustainability. Native plants. Bees and

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 happened 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. butterflies. Showing how electric cars help save all these imhas been a quarter century since portant parts of ourItenvironment.

The firstofday I painted outthe American opened side but then the rain moved in. Jazz I got Museum to go inside the body its doors.

I know you have so much shop at Aristocrat. The guys cleaning and detailing the cars planned starting withpaint the “In thought I was absolutely insane putting on The this Yard” car! celebration the weekend before the 29th birthday of Charlie Parker.

You also took partAugust in the Kansas City Parade of Hearts.

Then, in a beautiful My heart was located atSeptember, a grocery store, which,new at first, exhibit 25little years at I’m 18th and Vine.lie, But, you areI rewell, myhonoring ego was a hurt, not gonna but then alwayswhat looking forward, opportunity! to the next 25. alized a wonderful You see it going in and It’ssee important forout, us so to you continue anchor you it coming see it to twice.

The the frontneighboris just as hood. as Our community that.asThis wasasathe vision that good the back anddepends the backon is just good front. was started years ago but it’s got grow. grow You’ve said25 you want everybody to to have art It’s butgot cantoeveryin a way that’s authentic and genuine. I think it’s really a wonbody also do art? derful opportunity.

Everybody has it in them to create. There are different reaPeople to come here the sons thatneed you create and if and you really createunderstand for yourself, forroots joy, of this town.you What’s in itthe soil. What’s inwhat the sidewalks.

Appreand it gives that, doesn’t matter it looks like.

Your ciate the authentic and genuine that contributed to art served its purpose.

I’m alwaysculture up for something new and much of Kansas Eighteenth and Vine.

TheaAmericreative to pushCity myhistory. boundaries, so anytime I have woncan Jazz Museum. to It’s paint the heartbeat of the city. derful opportunity a five-foot heart or a BMW I’m all about it.

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.

76 SUMMER2022 2022 72 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER

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EVENT CALENDAR

T-MOBILE CENTER

12.26 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

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

76 | TODAY KANSAS CITY | WINTER 2022

02.03 02.18 02.23–26 03.03 03.08–11 03.18 03.24–26

The Judds Bruce Springsteen Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate Winter Jam Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Championship Blake Shelton 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

available at