The next generation of creative professionals on this campus are bold, fearless, and dream big about how they will help shape our future. As creative writers, animators, illustrators, and filmmakers, they want to tell stories that haven’t been told. While product designers, sculptors, and ceramists take concepts and shape them into objects and reality. Every student learns to tackle complex problems and use their creativity to transform the environment around us. KCAI is exactly where they are meant to be. Make a gift today to invest in the future of our students and their work as leaders in the art and design community and creative industries. Donate
October 25, 2022
Students Take to the Road
KCAI students are immersed in classroom learning and studio work but stepping away from the college to visit museums and workshops offers them unexpected hands-on experiences and historical perspectives. This fall Fiber and Product Design students took to the road to discover the art of quilting and glassblowing. International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska In late September, 39 Fiber students, community members, and alums got an exclusive tour of the International Quilt Museum’s collection and a behind-the-scenes look at the maintenance of the quilt inventory. In the collection space, they viewed quilts made from the 1800s to the 2000s and learned about the history of quilting and major quilting artists. In the maintenance area, they observed the special vacuuming and folding techniques used for optimal quilt storage. They also got a sneak peek at temperature-controlled storage rooms, which held thousands of different quilts. One of the main goals of this museum is to maintain quality, integrity, and longevity for all the pieces. Leon McAllister (Sophomore, Fiber) was motivated by the trip. “It was inspiring to be able to see so many pieces and to think about who made them, how long it took, and what struggles they overcame. I was read more…
October 25, 2022
Alumni reunite
A beautiful fall day on campus was the setting for the first post-pandemic Alumni Reunion and Open House on October 8. More than 100 alumni toured studios, met Nerman Family President Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar, and connected with new and old friends. Wade Hampton (’97 Illustration), came from Arkansas to reconnect, reunite, and rediscover KCAI. He was surprised to see an old friend from the MFA Illustration program at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Allison Puff. “It was heartfelt, returning to the campus that created and carries so many memories with friends, many late nights in the studios, discovering Kansas City, and more,” he said. Max Pener (’60 Graphic Design), one of the oldest alumni to attend the reunion, enjoyed seeing the new and renovated buildings and the takeaway gift of the Architecture & Innovation 1885-2020 book, which chronicles KCAI’s transformation from a sketch club to a college of art & design. “I appreciate all your effort to keep us involved with the school’s success,” he said. Alumni Manager Cory Imig was inspired to see so many alums come together to make new memories, and it was worth the wait. “For the first time read more…