Crossroads Arts District

Kansas City's Creative Neighborhood

Rie Egawa — Iro to Katachi (Colors and Shapes)

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“Iro to Katachi” means colors and shapes in Japanese.


31 years ago my husband and I moved into an old rundown building in downtown Kansas City (now the Crossroads Arts District) which had a fading large geometric mural. I always admired it and when I found out 20 years later who created it it was serendipitous. 

It was by a local art cooperative called Art Research Center, started in 60’s by T. Michael Stephens, who was inspired by geometric art of De Stijl/Constructivism/Bauhaus artists. 

I also have been influenced by Bauhaus modernism and combine that with an innate love for Japanese minimalism and a never-ending fascination for organic forms of nature I have created various small collections for this show “Iro to Katachi (Colors and Shapes)”


Bio: Grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and attended Pratt Institute (BFA in Printmaking) with decades-long experiences in graphic design, fashion textile design, illustration, and furniture design, Rie Egawa has been creating art that blurs boundary between visual art, design, and architectural installation, in both small and large scales in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Anne Garney — Scenic View

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The oil paintings showcased here are from travels across the U.S and abroad. I’m obsessed with traveling and always excited to see what awaits around the next corner.


While visiting Costa Rica, carrying my easel, paints, and canvas, I hiked a rocky trail down to this secluded waterfall each morning over three days, enjoying the beauty of the water rushing by while I painted. In Monterosso, Italy, I would ride the train a short distance from Riomaggiore each morning to paint this iconic seashore scene — then spend my afternoons reclining on one of those inviting beach chairs. While participating in Glacier National Park’s Plein Air Event in Montana, I enjoyed painting the incredible drama of the Sacred Dancing Cascades waterfall framed by the mountains. Savannah offered the charm of painting The Mercer House from one of its historic squares, where passing tourists and guides entertained me as I worked. While painting in Fort de Soto, Florida, a blue heron walked into my view and became part of the painting. I love being on-site adapting to the changing scenery before me, whether it’s wildlife, the clouds moving through, or the ever-changing light. 


My paintings are about Joy… the joy of creating, the joy of being outside in a beautiful setting, the joy of life. And the bright colors represent my optimistic nature, my positive view of life and all its possibilities.

Artist Statement

Most of my paintings are created on-site, inspired directly by the beauty of the scenery encountered during my travels. Upon arriving somewhere new, I spend time exploring — taking in the sights and searching for the ideal setting to paint. I’m looking for an interesting composition that draws you into the scene, and that may have one or two secondary focal points which add depth and interest. 


Instead of a white canvas, my paintings start with a vivid cadmium red light underpainting. Using ultramarine blue with a paintbrush, I do a quick sketch of the scene that serves as a guide for the painting. In the final painting, glimpses of the red background and early drawing lines remain visible, enhancing the energy and vibrancy of the colors. As time allows, sometimes I’ll paint for a single day on-site, sometimes several days. My landscapes attempt to capture the emotions and energy sparked by the beauty of such diverse places. Ideally, my art is a celebration of life, an invitation to share in the joy and wonder I’ve experienced in these remarkable settings.

Artist Bio

Anne Garney is a Kansas City-based landscape painter celebrated for her vibrant, expressive style. Inspired by the Fauves and early German Expressionists, Anne blends pure, dynamic color with bold compositions, creating artworks that radiate energy and optimism.


Anne’s paintings have been showcased in over 130 exhibitions nationwide and internationally, including prestigious venues such as the Albrecht-Kemper Museum, the Huntsman Gallery in Aspen, Colorado, the St. Thomas Gallery in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Anguilla International Art Festival, and Kansas City’s renowned Plaza Art Fair. Anne has also taught Painting classes through the Professional Studies department at the Kansas City Art Institute. Recognized as a featured artist by the Missouri Arts Council in January 2021, Anne’s works are included in numerous public, private, and corporate collections, notably the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Ashby-Hodge Gallery, reflecting a growing appreciation for her distinctive and vibrant artistic vision.

More Than Meets the Eye

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Belger Arts is pleased to present More Than Meets the Eye, an exhibition of two- and three-dimensional artworks that push the boundaries of perception. The exhibition opens Friday, June 6, at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery (2011 Tracy Avenue, Kansas City, MO) and continues through September 6, 2025. An opening night reception will be held on June 6, 2025, from 6 to 8 PM.

More Than Meets the Eye features artworks by Cortney Boyd, Eriko Kobayashi, Dylan Martinez, Stephen Morrison, Gina Pisto, and Logan Reynolds. In addition, works from the Belger Collection by artists such as Charles Bell, Paul Dresang, Misty Gamble, Marilyn Levine, Bonnie Seeman, and Renée Stout will also be on view, providing a historical context to the realism movement, creating moments of connection and conversation throughout the exhibition that span time and material.

In a world where perceptions shape beliefs, More Than Meets the Eye serves as a reminder that all is not what it seems. From Charles Bell’s photorealistic painting, Gumball No. 6, to Dylan Martinez’s hyperreal glass sculptures, Water Bags, the exhibition encourages careful consideration and invites viewers to carefully inspect, question, and meaningfully explore.

In conjunction with More than Meets the Eye, the Gallery will host a pop-up series in the vein of the “Is it Cake?” Netflix television show where bakers create hyper-realistic replicas of objects. Three local culinary artists will create “replicakes” (replicas in cake form) of specific works from the exhibition. The public is invited to view and taste these “replicakes” and purchase tasty treats at the culinary artist pop-ups held on the following First Fridays during the run of the exhibition:

  • Friday, September 5, 6 – 8 pm: Kannika Costello, owner of Mooyuei Baker.

Shifting Perspective: Belger Arts’ Twelfth Annual Resident Exhibition

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Belger Arts is pleased to present Shifting Perspective: Belger Arts’ Twelfth Annual Resident Exhibition. The exhibition opens Friday, June 6, at the Belger Crane Yard Gallery (2011 Tracy Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108) and continues through September 6, 2025. An opening night reception will be held from 6 to 8 PM, where artists will give remarks at 6:30 PM.

Shifting Perspective features work by Allyson George, Lucky Moe, Joel Pisowicz, Logan Reynolds, Hannah Schelb, and Warren Van Ryzin. The exhibition includes work the artists have completed during their year-long residency at Belger Crane Yard Studios. Exploring themes of memory, culture, and narrative, the six artists invite viewers to reimagine the familiar, explore existing perceptions, and shift perspectives.

Inspired by cartoons and animation, Allyson George creates ceramic figures, placing them in humorous scenes that portray what it’s like to be a potter and the challenges inherent to the creative process. Drawing from her childhood in Myanmar, the imagery in Lucky Moe’s work depicts memories, narratives, and artifacts from Burmese culture. Using materials like wood, clay, and fiber, Joel Pisowicz explores themes of memory and memorials. His large-scale ceramic sculptures stand like altar sentinels and invite contemplation. Logan Reynolds finds inspiration in popular culture, media, and romanticized tropes of middle-class America. His distorted yet representational forms stir feelings of nostalgia and collective memories. Hannah Schelb’s brightly colored caricature forms entice viewers to delve into the darker side of interpersonal relationships. Drawing from contemporary internet content and his indigenous heritage, Warren Van Ryzin creates sculptures that reference meme culture while appearing as historical artifacts.

Belger Crane Yard Studios continues to host national and international artists through its Artists in Residence program. A residency provides ceramic artists with the opportunity to expand their body of work or create a special project that may be outside of the scope of their existing studio practice.

First Friday September Art Show

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Welcome to our September Art Gallery Show!
Show runs thru October 2nd.
First Friday hours on September 5th. are from 5 till 8pm.
All are welcome and always free to visit, thanks!
Regular Gallery hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Jones Gallery 1717 Walnut, KCMO. 64108
816 – 421‑2111
https://jonesgallerykc.com/

Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
Crossroads Community Association

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