Elisabeth Kirsch

Elisabeth Kirsch

Elisabeth Kirsch is an art historian, curator and writer who has curated over 100 exhibitions of contemporary art, American Indian art and photography, locally and across the country. She writes frequently for national and local arts publications.

“Roger Shimomura: American Muse,” Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art

“Roger Shimomura: American Muse,” Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art

With more than 100 paintings, and subject matter that unabashedly juxtaposes politics and pop culture with the personal, Roger Shimomura blows the roof off Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art with “American Muse.” At 79, the internationally known Japanese -American artist is creating art that is more assured than ever. Stylistically, Shimomura is known for work that […]

Arts News: Raymond T. Starzmann (1945-2019): A Local Treasure

If Kansas City honored individuals considered local treasures, Raymond Starzmann would top the list. Starzmann, who died in February of complications from surgery, was not a native of KC but lived here since his days at Park College (now Park University). He loved the city and knew more about its history than any scholar — just ask some of the thousands of people he mesmerized over the years with his anecdotes of local politics, art and personalities.

Arts News: Lennie Berkowitz (1929-2019)

KC Mourns the Loss of a Cultural Leader Lennie Berkowitz was a style maven and a trendsetter, one of the first in Kansas City to embrace contemporary architecture, furniture and design. But she was so much more than that. An arts and education promoter, Berkowitz was a genius at enlisting others to work with her […]

Arts News: Remembering Michael Stack

Arts News: Remembering Michael Stack

On June 1, 2018, sculptor, painter and designer Michael Stack died from complications following a fall. Born in 1941 in Chicago, where many of his extended Irish-American family still live, Stack graduated with a B.A. in art from the University of Illinois and received an M.F.A. from the University of Florida. He lived and worked […]

“Pulse,” Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

“Pulse,” Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

For figurative artists, there is no greater canvas for angst than the human body. In “Pulse,” six diverse graphic artists and painters, ranging in age from 33 to 76, and each with their own distinctive focus on the figure, wrangle with a host of topics ranging from the most intimate of concerns to those screaming […]

Arts News: New Book Looks at the Spiritual in Contemporary Art

For decades the subject of spirituality and/or religion in contemporary art has either been denied or repressed. The academy, art museums and galleries have dealt openly with sexuality and sexism, politics, racism, identity, the environment and effects of globalism, but God has been taboo. As a prominent art critic once said, “If you bring up […]