photo by Mark Berndt
KC artist launches online magazine devoted to artists
If you’ve ever experienced the vibrant and energetic paintings and mixed-media works of Harold Smith there can be little doubt that the spirit and aesthetic of jazz inspires and infuses his efforts. A prolific artist who is exhibited and collected worldwide, Harold is also a dedicated high school teacher, and this year, from the technology end of his home studio, launched UrbanKore – the online Journal of Kansas City’s Black Arts Scene.
UrbanKore is the virtual re-birth of Smith’s previous physical space – UrbanKore Artspace, in Kansas City, Kan. – which featured the work of Kansas City’s black artists. That gallery closed after a run-in with a fallen tree, but now returns as UrbanKore online—a virtual space in a bi-monthly ‘zine’ format. As publisher, curator, writer and webmaster, Harold Smith has renewed his commitment to the black arts community and created a new venue for black artists working in all media.
UrbanKore launched with Issue 1 in March, 2015. Look for the new issue online this month at haroldsmithart.com/urbankore.htm and visit the UrbanKore Community Facebook page for updates between issues.
