Gloria Gale courtesy of KCAI

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“Red Rose” by Jessy Bergmann self portrait by Paul Storms “Hard Apple Core” and “Long and Slender” porcelain jars by  Tyra Forker

Here comes the polar express. Better known as the month of December, the flurry can frazzle the staunchest list-maker rather quickly. But there’s a one-stop shop that helps alleviate the madness — Kansas City Art Institute’s semester student exhibition and sale.
 
“I pencil in the date as soon as I pull up their calendar website,” says one devotee who hasn’t missed the annual event in years. Then there’s the new mom, babe nesting comfortably in her arms, commenting, “We’re both going!”
 
What you find, if you don’t have a clue, is more than just the hustle and bustle of the minions that flock to the various departmental buildings on campus, including ceramics, fiber, printmaking, sculpture, photography and painting. “It’s a chance to snag something that’s truly a unique work of art,” says faithful attendee, Janice Gotlieb. “You have no idea if you’ll land a future master’s work or if you’ll pick up a bowl that’s simply pleasing for no reason other than you liked the color.”

Throughout the many years perusing and buying, J.S. Mowat never fails to get to the ceramics building far too early. “I stand  outside along with everyone else chatting, or I should say chattering, since it’s usually frigid, waiting for the doors to be unlocked,” she says. “Then, like lemmings, everyone spills en masse into the ceramics building, rushing to get first pick.”

Undoubtedly, the sale is highly anticipated and, according to Anne Canfield, vice president for communications, “It’s a must-do on many people’s holiday buying agenda and has been since the first show in l969.”

Anne, like many KCAI faculty and staff, makes a beeline when the exhibition opens at dusk on Friday evening. “I’ve bought a variety of art throughout the years, everything from printed cards to ceramics,” she says.

“Over the span of 30 years, the event has proved lucrative for the various departments, with students benefiting from not only the sale but mounting an exhibition of their work,” says Cary Esser, Ceramics Department chair. “Instead of a cash-and-carry format that has been instituted in the past, we now prefer to identify the artwork with a dot and ask people to pick it up at  the close of the sale. This provides a more equitable gallery-type exhibition. Everyone who attends will see the entire scope of the work instead of a piecemeal show.”

Cary finds the show a worthwhile venue for students. There’s a variety of subject matter from the abstract to representational. Some students will be translating their ideas as they explore their family histories; others will showcase the functionality of their work. Throughout the exhibition, techniques utilizing various types of clay will be incorporated.

For the viewer and student, the exhibition is definitely a valuable experience.  Prior to the show, students visit other professionals working in the community, learn how to  edit and mount their pieces; it’s a terrific learning tool.

Amanda James, a junior majoring in fiber, is enthusiastic about participating in the December exhibition. “I transferred from a community college into The Art Institute and have been so impressed with the quality of the program and professors,” she says. “My teachers have encouraged me to experiment with various media. As a result, not only have I worked with silk, rayon and cotton but also paper and velvet burn-out techniques.”

This year she will exhibit colorful woven pieces. “As yet, I’m not sure everything will be for sale, but just getting an opportunity to show my work is a great learning experience.”

Interdisciplinary studies senior Adam Cruces is a veteran of three student exhibitions. As a former painting major, Adam has decided to switch into the Interdisciplinary Studies department that he finds more suited to his creativity.

 “We draw up our own curriculum and have a lot of freedom to experience multiple applications of various media,” he says. “Julia Cole, our department chair, is all about professionalism and gives us the backbone to experiment.”

This year, Adam will utilize his talent  in an audio and video mixed media presentation that he hopes will capture and delight his audience. “I’m not sure if my work is marketable in the sense that someone would purchase it, but I’m fine with it,” he says. “Just getting the chance to exhibit is a real bonus for me.” 

 “This is a great way to start collecting,” Anne comments. “You never know if you’ll be boosting the career of the next great contemporary artist. At the very least, you’ll get to see an overview of upcoming talent and secure the perfect piece of art you’ve been searching for.”

This year’s student exhibition and sale begins Friday, Dec. 7 and continues through Sunday, Dec. 9.  For more  information, visit kcai.edu.