50 Bowls, 50 States, 50 Woodfires, includes 50 porcelain bowls made by artist Elaine Olafson Henry. Each thrown bowl was made using the same amount of clay from the same clay block, the same building and shaping process, and the same glaze. Curious about the effects of firing circumstances in different environments, Henry sent a bowl to a ceramist in each of the 50 states to be woodfired. The resulting bowls are products of the types of wood and variety of kilns used (Anagama, Arch, Bourry Box, Noborigama, Tube, and Train), the length of firing, and temperature reached. Henry explains “…like the human story [where] we all start out as a blank slate…it’s what happens to the bowl in its lifetime that changes it. Each bowl tells a story of what it went through.” The bowls will be presented with technical details, including names of wood firing team members, providing insights into each collaboration and the various nuances acquired during the firing process.

There are those who will tell you that abstract art and contemporary art are the same thing. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, their meanings do differ. As our recent shows have shown, contemporary art is a classification of art. The classification of abstract art is not particular to any one period and that is the essential difference. Rather than describing a specific art movement, the phrase ‘abstract art’ is a very broad umbrella term encompassing a huge range of styles and approaches. Because abstraction first appeared in the early 20th century, the term is usually applied to modern and contemporary art made during and after this time, including the art of today. Modern art refers to the beginning of Impressionist period that happened around 1870 and were not always abstract. Thus the use of modern art to describe abstract art is a fallacy. Ultimately, the evolution of abstract art — like the evolution of modern art more broadly — has been a series of responses to the experience of life in the 20th and 21st centuries

Friday, November 4, 2022, we will be featuring a diverse group of artists’ works in our office/gallery for viewing and purchase.

Some of the most talented and creative artists live in KC! Come out, bring a friend, family, or co-worker, and show your support for First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District with Lexitas.

Meet the Artists! Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers!

Free Admission/Open to the Public

Friday, November 4, 2022, 5:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m., 1608 Locust Street, KCMO 64108

Widely known for her lively caricature art illustrations, Eileen McCoy is a Kansas City artist who has a reputation for “drawing the crowds”. For over 35 years, Eileen provides proven professional art services, specializing in caricature art entertainment and custom orders.

Eileen is award-winning prolific painter. Essentially self-taught, the artist has enhanced her skills over the years with study in private studio settings and workshops with other prominent artists. She holds a degree from the University of Missouri in Speech Communications/ Public Relations/Art. Eileen’s award-winning paintings have placed first in juried exhibitions and are in collections world wide.

Her artist’s work resume began at Hallmark Cards as a production artist where she honed her brush skills and line work. Then, as a freelance artist, she mixed and applied color to complex figurines in the Keepsakes Ornament department. She also worked as a display artist for Macy’s where she crafted large complex displays for merchandising.

Since then, in addition to Caricature art entertainment, her freelance services have been employed as a courtroom sketch artist, a muralist, a car-decal designer, a logo creator, an illustrator, landscape painter and portrait artist.