The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) recently celebrated a construction milestone, the topping out of a new 244-bed student residence hall, Wylie Dining Center and Café Nerman. To commemorate the occasion, a fir tree, traditionally known as the ‘construction tree’, was placed on the literal apogee of the building, the highest point. “The final stages of construction on this project are about to begin. We are imminently closer to finishing the buildings where students will have a safe, comfortable home and the community can commune in our common spaces, dine in the new Wylie Dining Center and have a cup of coffee in Café Nerman,” said Tony Jones, Nerman Family President. Construction on the new facilities, located along Warwick Boulevard south of the campus gates, began last summer and students are slated to move in January 2020. Designed by Helix Architecture + Design with the contemporary art student in mind, the residence hall features double-occupancy semi-suites with private baths and cozy study spaces and celebrates the unique individuality of each student while creating a sense of community. Kansas City-based JE Dunn Construction is the general contractor for the project. See renderings of the project here.
Join us for an evening of art, food and fun at the Art & Design Auction on June 1
On June 1 the Kansas City Art Institute campus will be the epicenter for a remarkable evening of art, entertainment, creative food and festive drink at the Art & Design Auction. Honorary Chair George Terbovich and Event Chairs Ellen and Jamie Copaken are planning an evening perfect for friends who share a passion for supporting art and design education. This year’s ADA celebrates Kansas City’s creative economy and the KCAI alumni, faculty and friends that have helped shape it. Browse and bid on more than 250 silent and live auction artworks donated by our faculty, alumni and friends. The artwork will span across mediums and price points to include sculptures, paintings, prints, fibers, ceramics and more. Live auction items include work by Lester Goldman (1942-2005) (Late Faculty) and Angela Dufresne (’91 Painting) as well as Sculpture Chair Jill Downen (’89 Painting & Faculty) among others. The silent auction, hosted by GiveSmart will open a week before the event, giving you plenty of time to bid on artwork. The auctioneer for the live auction is Kansas City native Quig Bruning, vice president and specialist in the jewelry department at Sotheby’s Auction House. The silent auction will also include fourteen 3 ft. read more…
KCAI Breaks Ground on Paul and Linda DeBruce Hall
The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) broke ground today on a 18,000 square foot building located at 44th and Oak Streets, Paul and Linda DeBruce Hall. Designed specifically for Art History, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurial Studies, Liberal Arts and Student Services, Paul and Linda DeBruce Hall will impact every student at the college and will elevate the profile of KCAI’s academic programs in a state-of-the-art facility.