ust close your eyes and hold your breath and everything will turn real pretty is a quote from Close Encounters. I feel it reflects the bizarre world we’re living in currently. Sometimes we need to alter our state of mind to face the reality of the world. I tend to accomplish that through art. This work is a reflection of the lightness & darkness that surrounds us. The effects of religious wars, political violence and social media has taken a toll on the fundamental goodness intended for our species. Although optimism tends to hold strong, I can’t help but wonder what we’re heading into while the darkness continues to fight for control. 

Artist Statement

My artwork tends to reflect our current state in the world. Religion, social issues, politics as well as humor play an enormous role in my approach. No expectations. Look, close your eyes, feel or don’t. 

Bio

Lori Raye Erickson is a multidisciplinary artist working in Kansas City, Missouri. She received her BFA from The Kansas City Art Institute and continued working at Hallmark cards for several years after graduating. Taking a break from the corporate world she has worked in property management while continuing to create works of art shown throughout the US. 

Headspaces is a show about two friends getting to know the ins and outs of each other’s art processes and interior landscapes that produce their most recent work.

John Raux and JT Daniels both grew up in KCK and connected some years ago while painting murals in the Midwest. Early morning coffee conversations about each other’s upbringing and spirituality in process is the heartbeat of their collaboration.

Piecing together symbols and caricatures of personality and community, Daniels graphically layers the complexities of tradition, culture, and societal nuance into playful and uplifting collages of intersectional representation. 

Carving polystyrene pieces into lightweight stonelike forms, Raux’s sculptural painting process layers collisions and contouring colors into poetic, social, and spiritual commentary.

Read KC Studio Article

The goblet or chalice has a long history filled with mysticism, power, and ritual. At its core, a goblet is defined as a footed vessel intended to hold drink. However, the common understanding of what a goblet is expands beyond its function to its inherent symbolism relating to ceremony and opulence. Playful or traditional, the artists in the exhibition offer their interpretations of the goblet’s history and form. The exhibition includes over 50 ceramics, glass, and mixed media works. Purchase awards totaling up to $2,500 will be offered. The public will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite goblet.

Join us for First Friday’s with our Analog Art Exhibition featuring the works of 7 artists all working with analog video art.

Matte Glossy

Ian O’Neill

Shawn Englar

Ex Mortal

AITSO

Max Capacity

Jon Cates

We will have a giant CRT TV Wall along with the cutting edge digital displays from Blackdove.

Plus a glitch art photo booth from Shawn Englar.

Join us as we celebrate the beginning of digital art, from the root of the pioneers like Nam Jun Paik.

Doors open at 5pm.

• 4 – 6 PM: Pumpkin Glassblowing Demos

  Attendees can see how glass pumpkins are made and register to make a glass pumpkin between 4 and 6 PM. Space is limited. Registration is $75.

• 6 – 8 PM: Glassblowing Main Event

  A team of artists will mesmerize attendees as they create a molten glass masterpiece inspired by the Halloween season.

There’s no cost to attend. Free parking provided.