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Artist Reception for new Art on Loan sculpture - July 10
Expires [Tuesday, July 10, 2012]

CONTACT:April Bishop
Cultural Arts Coordinator
(913) 339-6700 ext. 157

EVENT: Artist Reception

DATE:Tuesday, July 10, 2012

TIME: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

LOCATION:Lawn west of the front of Leawood City Hall
4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood KS 66211

ENTRY FEE:Free


LEAWOOD ART RECEPTION FOR NEW ART ON LOAN SCULPTURE

The Art in Public Places Initiative of the Leawood Arts Council is pleased to announce the temporary installation of a sculpture by STRETCH. The steel and glass sculpture titled Guardian has been installed on the lawn west of Leawood City Hall, and will remain on site for a period of one year.

Guardian is the eighth temporary installation of the “Art on Loan Program”, which provides local artists the opportunity to display their work to the residents of Leawood for one year.

STRETCH’s works have been on display in private and corporate collections throughout the world. His choice of materials; glass and steel, work against each other, causing tension while maintaining a high level of dialogue. Guardian’s size alone will command attention, standing at 23’ high.

“Guardian is a sculpture that represents the watchful eye – the observer, the lookout, the overseer. As the name implies, Guardian is not Big Brother but a parental figure or a mentor. We all need guardians in our life. They show us the way and mark the path through our experiences. This sculpture is a stable pillar from the earth pushing upwards towards the sky with a dynamic flow of metal. Its totem qualities gain influences from windmills in Holland, bridges, and the upward growth of community.

STRETCH is a graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute. He completed his masters at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. STRETCH has worked with numerous artists on public commissions – for airports, college campuses, and city sculpture parks around the world. He has been building large-scale sculpture for more than 20 years.

Recently presented an Urban Hero Award, STRETCH plays a major role in the community. He has served as vice president of KC’s oldest non-profit artist coalition (KCAC), and has been a board member for Review Magazine and the Crossroads Community Association.

In addition to public art, STRETCH expanded his creative career to include direct participation in Discovery Channel’s hit show, Monster House as well as working with ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for five episodes. He owns a restaurant called Grinders and a deli called Grinders West both located in the Crossroads District. In association with Pipeline Productions, STRETCH has developed the land behind Grinders into a live music venue known as Crossroads KC at Grinders, which promotes artists musicians and benefits for non-profits organizations.

STRETCH has been featured on Diners Drive-Ins & Dives and Guy’s Big Bite and recently traveled with the Guy Fieri Food Roadshow, America’s Chefs and Messlords.

The Art in Public Places Initiative of the Leawood Arts Council will host a reception for the artist on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the installation site. In the event of rain the reception will be held in the lobby of Leawood City Hall. Please join us for refreshments from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Meet the artists and view the sculpture.

For more information please contact the Leawood Cultural Arts Coordinator at 913-339-6700 x157.



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