KCAI Announces “Marble & Canvas” Grand Opening Date: April 4, 2026
01.14.2026
Marble & Canvas will offer a rotating collection of original works, distinctive gifts, and art-inspired goods, all crafted or designed by the KCAI community.
Follow Marble & Canvas on Instagram for more updates.
Marble & Canvas is being developed as a thoughtfully curated retail destination located on the campus of the Kansas City Art Institute. Celebrating the legacy and creative spirit of KCAI’s students, alumni, and faculty, the store will put forward a handpicked, ever-changing mix of original art, distinctive merchandise, and creative goods by KCAI artists.
Marble & Canvas will open in a fully reimagined space on the north side of Vanderslice Hall, with its grand opening celebration scheduled for April 4, 2026. Additional details will be announced soon.
Where does the name come from?
Vanderslice Hall is the heart of KCAI. The mansion (originally called “Marburg”) was built in 1896 for the family of industrialist August Meyer, Kansas City’s first president of the Board of Park Commissioners. Designed by the architectural firm Van Brunt & Howe, the building stands as an excellent example of Flemish Queen Anne architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After Meyer’s death, his widow learned of KCAI Trustee Howard Vanderslice’s interest in transforming Marburg into the college’s home, and the purchase was finalized in 1927.
At a dinner in May 1928, Vanderslice explained to students why he had purchased the mansion for KCAI:
“It is my hope that this school may aid succeeding generations of our young people to realize the ideals of their souls and return to this city, in the forms of great marble and great canvases, the inspiration it has given them.”
Creative Evolution
Drawing on years of experience in retail, interior design, and branding, The York & Co. team is working to transform the space in Vanderslice Hall, aiming to create an environment that feels less transactional and more experiential.
Months of creative exploration, including sketches, palettes, refinements, and playful experimentation, are combining to shape a space designed to honor artists, celebrate their work, and surprise visitors. While full details are still under wraps, the project promises a unique blend of history, design, and innovation that reflects the full arc of the team’s creative vision.
Artful Exchange
More than a campus store, Marble & Canvas is where creativity meets commerce. It’s a space where artists and designers connect with new audiences, and where Kansas City locals and visitors alike can take home a piece of inspiration. Every purchase directly supports KCAI artists and funds student scholarships, ensuring the next generation of makers, dreamers, and doers continues to thrive.
Follow Marble & Canvas on Instagram for more updates.