We’re back with calendar picks for the first weekend in February from KC Studio editor, Alice Thorson. Get your weekend started early tonight with a free showing of a documentary on tennis player Althea Gibson at the National Archives. Kansas City Artists Coalition also begins the preview of its 34th Annual Art Auction today and will be open Wednesday – Sunday through February 12 (auction is Feb. 18). Tomorrow evening, join a discussion on installation art, in conjunction with Janet Cardiff: Forty-Part Motet, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. See Störling Dance Theater’s production of Underground at the Kauffman Center Friday and Saturday. And starting Friday night, Starlight Theatre begins its run of the musical comedy First Date, with performances through February 15. for more ideas this weekend, visit Kansas City’s most comperehensive arts calendar at kcstudio.org/events.
34th Annual Art Auction Preview
February 1 – 4 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
February 5 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Kansas City Artists Coalition
Preview artworks before the excitement of Auction night, bid on Silent Auction artworks, submit an Absentee Bid, a Sealed Bid, and make your Buy Outs.
Althea
February 1 @ 6:00 pm | Free
National Archives at Kansas City
A portrait/biography of Althea Gibson, who in 1950 became the first non-white person to compete for the U.S. National Tennis Championship. Post-film discussion to be led by local tennis coach/pro Daniel Wellington. This program is presented in partnership with the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group.
Reservations are requested for all programs by calling 816-268-8010 or emailing kansascity.educate@nara.gov.
Art Engaging the Audience
February 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
In conjunction with Janet Cardiff: Forty-Part Motet, join curator Leesa Fanning in a discussion of experiential contemporary art, which engages visitors through participation.
From Christo and Jeanne-Claude to Marina Abramović, the talk will encompass diverse artists who create immersive installations, prepare food meant to be shared, mount massive tree planting campaigns, and arrange for singers to give the gift of a song to an individual within museum galleries. In Abramović’s The Artist is Present, the artist sits with one visitor in silence, looking deeply into their eyes, with emotionally moving results.
Briefly touching on historical precedents from art of the 1960s, as well as relevant theory on relational aesthetics, Fanning’s survey will focus primarily on the art of today. Visitors will leave with an understanding of the prevalence of participatory contemporary art and the unique ways artists invite audiences to become a key part of the art itself.
Underground
February 3 & 4 @ 7:30 pm
February 4 @ 2:00 pm
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Celebrate Störling Dance Theater’s 10th Anniversary of presenting UNDERGROUND in Kansas City! Don’t miss the performance that brings Kansas City together and was chosen as one of the “Top 10 Performance of the Decade!” – Paul Horsley, The Independent. Make UNDERGROUND a tradition for you and your family. The Underground Railroad told like never before! UNDERGROUND will capture your heart and revive your spirit.
First Date
February 3 & 4 @ 8:00 pm
February 4 & 5 @ 2:00 pm
Starlight Theatre
When blind-date “newbie” Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy restaurant quickly turns into a hilarious, high-stakes dinner. As their First Date unfolds in real time, the couple soon finds they are not alone!
In a delightful and unexpected twist, Aaron and Casey’s inner critics take on a life of their own. Restaurant staff transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents who sing and dance the couple through ice breakers, appetizers and conversational land mines.
Can Aaron and Casey turn a potential dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?!
Men and women of dating age and older will enjoy this modern musical.
