Crossroads Art District Walking Tour (Self Guided), Kansas City
Situated at the intersection of creativity and culture, the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City emerges as a thriving hub of artistic expression and cultural vitality. Formerly the industrial and warehouse area, today it is one of the trendiest art communities in the Midwest. As such, this enclave is the place where many progressive art spots have established themselves.
Among its notable establishments, the Belger Arts Centre takes center stage as a prominent venue that curates a diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the area.
The Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art gallery, on the other hand, stands out for its modern and experimental approach, showcasing artworks that challenge conventions and stimulate dialogue.
In the midst of the district's bustling atmosphere, the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center represents a multidimensional platform, offering both artist studios and gallery spaces.
The Blue Gallery, recognized for its emphasis on contemporary art, offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in a curated selection of thought-provoking works.
Meanwhile, Grand Arts emerges as a catalyst for innovation, providing a haven for artists to explore new mediums and groundbreaking concepts, pushing the boundaries of their craft.
The Hilliard Gallery, with its focus on contemporary paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media artworks, offers a diverse range of visual experiences for art enthusiasts and provides a space for artists to engage with collectors, enthusiasts, and the general public.
Venturing into the Crossroads Arts District is akin to embarking on a captivating journey through a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Here, the streets themselves seem to pulse with inspiration, and the galleries offer a window into a world of visual exploration. If seeking a memorable experience is what you're after, then pay a visit to the Crossroads Arts District now. Anyone with a contemplative gaze and curious heart is welcome!
Among its notable establishments, the Belger Arts Centre takes center stage as a prominent venue that curates a diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the area.
The Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art gallery, on the other hand, stands out for its modern and experimental approach, showcasing artworks that challenge conventions and stimulate dialogue.
In the midst of the district's bustling atmosphere, the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center represents a multidimensional platform, offering both artist studios and gallery spaces.
The Blue Gallery, recognized for its emphasis on contemporary art, offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in a curated selection of thought-provoking works.
Meanwhile, Grand Arts emerges as a catalyst for innovation, providing a haven for artists to explore new mediums and groundbreaking concepts, pushing the boundaries of their craft.
The Hilliard Gallery, with its focus on contemporary paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media artworks, offers a diverse range of visual experiences for art enthusiasts and provides a space for artists to engage with collectors, enthusiasts, and the general public.
Venturing into the Crossroads Arts District is akin to embarking on a captivating journey through a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Here, the streets themselves seem to pulse with inspiration, and the galleries offer a window into a world of visual exploration. If seeking a memorable experience is what you're after, then pay a visit to the Crossroads Arts District now. Anyone with a contemplative gaze and curious heart is welcome!
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Crossroads Art District Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Crossroads Art District Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Kansas City (See other walking tours in Kansas City)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Author: ChristineT
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Kansas City (See other walking tours in Kansas City)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Author: ChristineT
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Belger Arts Centre
- Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art
- Leedy-Voulkos Art Center
- Blue Gallery
- Hilliard Gallery
1) Belger Arts Centre
The Belger Arts Center (BAC) is a vibrant non-profit organization located in Kansas City, dedicated to showcasing fine art through its diverse exhibitions and extensive collection. Since its establishment in 2000, the BAC has been a cultural hub, curating three exhibitions annually that span various mediums, including ceramics, painting, sculpture, digital photographic projections, and black-and-white photography.
Central to the BAC is the John and Maxine Belger Family Foundation collection, boasting over 1,500 pieces of fine art, primarily from prominent American artists of the late 20th century. The collection is particularly notable for its extensive holdings of works by renowned artists such as Jasper Johns, William Christenberry, Renee Stout, Robert Stackhouse, Terry Winters, Terry Allen, Don Reitz, and William Wiley. This depth allows the BAC to loan complete retrospectives of these artists to museums nationwide, amplifying their impact beyond Kansas City.
In 2006, the Center’s influence extended through complete exhibits showcased at Texas Tech University, Untitled [ArtSpace] in Oklahoma City, and the Saint Petersburg Arts Center in Florida. Additionally, the BAC’s contributions reached the national stage when two works by William Christenberry were loaned to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a year-long survey of the artist’s career. With its commitment to both preserving and promoting American fine art, the Belger Arts Center continues to play a pivotal role in the art community, locally and beyond.
Central to the BAC is the John and Maxine Belger Family Foundation collection, boasting over 1,500 pieces of fine art, primarily from prominent American artists of the late 20th century. The collection is particularly notable for its extensive holdings of works by renowned artists such as Jasper Johns, William Christenberry, Renee Stout, Robert Stackhouse, Terry Winters, Terry Allen, Don Reitz, and William Wiley. This depth allows the BAC to loan complete retrospectives of these artists to museums nationwide, amplifying their impact beyond Kansas City.
In 2006, the Center’s influence extended through complete exhibits showcased at Texas Tech University, Untitled [ArtSpace] in Oklahoma City, and the Saint Petersburg Arts Center in Florida. Additionally, the BAC’s contributions reached the national stage when two works by William Christenberry were loaned to the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a year-long survey of the artist’s career. With its commitment to both preserving and promoting American fine art, the Belger Arts Center continues to play a pivotal role in the art community, locally and beyond.
2) Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art
Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art, established in 1985, continues to uphold its founding mission of showcasing contemporary artworks of exceptional quality and significance. As one of the oldest sustained contemporary art galleries in Kansas City and the Midwest, it represents a diverse range of artists, from emerging talents to internationally established figures, across all fine art mediums.
The gallery not only maintains a vast inventory of art but also offers personalized art consulting services, catering to a wide array of clients, including first-time buyers, seasoned collectors, corporations, and museum collections throughout the United States. Known for facilitating both individual acquisitions and commissioned works, Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art has significantly contributed to the placement of over 150 artworks in museum collections, with its artists featured in more than 100 museums worldwide.
Housed in a space designed by Greenlee Schmidt Architects, the gallery has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District. Its exhibition history boasts over 100 solo shows with both established and mid-career artists, including notable names such as Hung Liu, Patty Carroll, Roger Shimomura, Sarah Sense, Peter Pincus, Judy Onofrio, Vera Mercer, and many others. The gallery is also the representative of the estate of Peter Voulkos, further cementing its status as a key player in the contemporary art scene.
The gallery not only maintains a vast inventory of art but also offers personalized art consulting services, catering to a wide array of clients, including first-time buyers, seasoned collectors, corporations, and museum collections throughout the United States. Known for facilitating both individual acquisitions and commissioned works, Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art has significantly contributed to the placement of over 150 artworks in museum collections, with its artists featured in more than 100 museums worldwide.
Housed in a space designed by Greenlee Schmidt Architects, the gallery has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District. Its exhibition history boasts over 100 solo shows with both established and mid-career artists, including notable names such as Hung Liu, Patty Carroll, Roger Shimomura, Sarah Sense, Peter Pincus, Judy Onofrio, Vera Mercer, and many others. The gallery is also the representative of the estate of Peter Voulkos, further cementing its status as a key player in the contemporary art scene.
3) Leedy-Voulkos Art Center
The Leedy-Voulkos Art Center in Kansas City stands as a beacon of artistic expression, fostering a vibrant arts community. Established in 1985 by Jim Leedy, the center was founded with a vision to cultivate a permanent and thriving art scene in the heart of Kansas City. Named in honor of Leedy's friend and renowned artist Peter Voulkos, the center pays homage to both local and international creative talent.
Located at the founding footprint of the Crossroads Art District on Baltimore Avenue, between 20th Street and the Freighthouse Restaurants, the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center has been instrumental in positioning Kansas City as a prominent hub for the arts. It showcases a diverse range of artworks, including crafts, installations, paintings, and sculptures, with a commitment to quality and community engagement.
The center continues the founder’s legacy by sharing professional resources with developing artists and balancing exceptional exhibition programming with education and community outreach. As part of the Leedy Foundation, it regularly features works by both emerging and established artists. Additionally, a comprehensive museum is in the works to celebrate Jim Leedy's contributions and the evolution of the Crossroads Arts District, along with exhibitions highlighting the best of Midwestern artists, past and present.
Located at the founding footprint of the Crossroads Art District on Baltimore Avenue, between 20th Street and the Freighthouse Restaurants, the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center has been instrumental in positioning Kansas City as a prominent hub for the arts. It showcases a diverse range of artworks, including crafts, installations, paintings, and sculptures, with a commitment to quality and community engagement.
The center continues the founder’s legacy by sharing professional resources with developing artists and balancing exceptional exhibition programming with education and community outreach. As part of the Leedy Foundation, it regularly features works by both emerging and established artists. Additionally, a comprehensive museum is in the works to celebrate Jim Leedy's contributions and the evolution of the Crossroads Arts District, along with exhibitions highlighting the best of Midwestern artists, past and present.
4) Blue Gallery
For over 22 years, Blue Gallery has been a beloved cornerstone of Kansas City’s vibrant art scene, nestled in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District. Founded in 2000 by Kelly and David Kuhn, the gallery is a testament to their dedication to art as a fundamental aspect of life, with a philosophy that blends integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to quality. This ethos is reflected in how they engage with artists and collectors alike, aiming to provide an inclusive, transformative experience that goes beyond just viewing art.
Blue Gallery represents over 40 artists, ranging from emerging talents to established figures, whose works grace private and public collections worldwide. The gallery hosts multiple exhibitions annually and participates in the district's renowned First Fridays, making it a lively hub for art lovers. Blue Gallery's excellence hasn't gone unnoticed; it has received numerous accolades, including KC Magazine's Best Private Art Gallery awards from 2002 to 2007, Ingram’s Magazine's Bronze for Best Museum or Art Gallery in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2017, etc.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual visitor, Blue Gallery offers a profound artistic journey that captures the essence of beauty and the deep connection between art and life.
Blue Gallery represents over 40 artists, ranging from emerging talents to established figures, whose works grace private and public collections worldwide. The gallery hosts multiple exhibitions annually and participates in the district's renowned First Fridays, making it a lively hub for art lovers. Blue Gallery's excellence hasn't gone unnoticed; it has received numerous accolades, including KC Magazine's Best Private Art Gallery awards from 2002 to 2007, Ingram’s Magazine's Bronze for Best Museum or Art Gallery in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2017, etc.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual visitor, Blue Gallery offers a profound artistic journey that captures the essence of beauty and the deep connection between art and life.
5) Hilliard Gallery
The Hilliard Gallery, a dynamic and ever-evolving art space, is a cornerstone of Kansas City’s vibrant art scene. Established in 1974 by Kent Hilliard, this gallery has grown from its origins in the scenic Country Club Plaza to its current location in the bustling Crossroads Arts District at 1820 McGee. With over four decades of commitment to contemporary art, the Hilliard Gallery stands as one of the oldest and largest fine art galleries in Kansas City.
Recognized as one of the top 25 galleries in the United States by The American Art Awards, and consistently voted the best gallery in Kansas City and Missouri, the Hilliard Gallery is celebrated for its eclectic mix of aesthetically pleasing artworks. It maintains a vast collection on-site and boasts direct working relationships with over 200 artists and their publishers. The gallery also offers custom framing services, ensuring that each piece is preserved with meticulous care and quality.
Throughout its history, the gallery has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, surviving challenges like the devastating Plaza flood of 1977 and the Hyatt hotel collapse that destroyed a satellite gallery. This adaptability extends to its role as the exclusive authorized dealer for LeRoy Neiman in the Kansas City area, a partnership that began in the gallery's early years.
Whether you’re seeking investment-quality art or pieces to enhance your interior design, the Hilliard Gallery provides a sophisticated and welcoming space where contemporary art thrives in Kansas City.
Recognized as one of the top 25 galleries in the United States by The American Art Awards, and consistently voted the best gallery in Kansas City and Missouri, the Hilliard Gallery is celebrated for its eclectic mix of aesthetically pleasing artworks. It maintains a vast collection on-site and boasts direct working relationships with over 200 artists and their publishers. The gallery also offers custom framing services, ensuring that each piece is preserved with meticulous care and quality.
Throughout its history, the gallery has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, surviving challenges like the devastating Plaza flood of 1977 and the Hyatt hotel collapse that destroyed a satellite gallery. This adaptability extends to its role as the exclusive authorized dealer for LeRoy Neiman in the Kansas City area, a partnership that began in the gallery's early years.
Whether you’re seeking investment-quality art or pieces to enhance your interior design, the Hilliard Gallery provides a sophisticated and welcoming space where contemporary art thrives in Kansas City.
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