UMKC’s weekly arts, culture and sports roundup
Every week, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an array of on-campus activities. It’s nothing new. UMKC has a long legacy of hosting countless culturally enriching events. These activities are part of what give UMKC a vibrant campus life, and make UMKC an arts and culture powerhouse. The influence of UMKC-based and UMKC-trained alumni extends well beyond the campus’ edge, so their activities are listed here as well.
Featured Event: “Anomalous: Investigating the Science Fiction Aesthetic”
The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Gallery of Art is going into uncharted territory.
The gallery’s first exhibit of the 2013-14 academic year will celebrate science fiction and futuristic artistic expression. “Anomalous: Investigating the Science Fiction Aesthetic” will bring together the work of five artists whose work appears to be influenced by a futuristic/science fiction aesthetic. The exhibit will also feature three free science fiction film screenings.
The exhibit runs Aug. 29-Oct. 4. An opening reception will take place 5-7 p.m., Thursday Aug. 29, in the Fine Arts Building, 5015 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo. Three free, open-to-the-public film screenings will take place at 7 p.m., in the same location. “Zardoz” will be shown Sept. 5, “Blade Runner” will be shown Sept. 19, and “2001: A Space Odyssey” will be shown Oct. 3.
The exhibit is curated by UMKC Art History alumnus Justin Beachler.
While the science fiction genre continues to imagine the future of humanity and its advancement, the genre has developed an aesthetic quality of its own.
This exhibit is inspired by the science fiction author Philip K. Dick, whose work regularly features the concept that with a flux of disorder there is evolutionary advancement. This idea holds strong in basic scientific studies of evolution, where anomalies – or deviations within nature – can become dominant advancements within the natural world. While these changes within the universe can appear as oddities, invoking anxiety or altering perception, they can also represent positive advancement thus acting as a window into the future.
Within the confines of this concept, five artists have been chosen whose work appears to be influenced by a futuristic/science fiction aesthetic. The exhibit will feature the work of Matt Borruso, Jonah Criswell, Scott Dickson, Ari Fish, and Colin Leipelt.
Fall gallery hours: Mon. 9 a.m.-noon; Tues. 11a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed. 9-noon; Thurs. 11a.m.-4 p.m.
What: The UMKC Art Gallery presents “Anomalous.” This exhibition is inspired by the aesthetics of the science fiction genre, featuring local and national artists Matt Borruso, Jonah Criswell, Scott Dickson, Ari Fish and Colin Leipelt. The exhibition also includes a collection of vintage Philip K. Dick paperbacks, courtesy of Tim Fisher.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, Fine Arts Bldg. 203, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Exhibit runs Thursday, Aug. 29 – Friday, Oct. 4. Three free, open-to-the-public film screenings will take place at 7 p.m., in the gallery. “Zardoz” will be shown Sept. 5, “Blade Runner” will be shown Sept. 19, and “2001: A Space Odyssey” will be shown Oct. 3.
It’s free. Get more details.
Friday, Aug. 30 – Thursday, Sept. 5
What: A faculty recital featuring Tom Stein, tuba with Patricia Higdon, piano; and Erik Augereau, Austin Peiffer, and Anthony Rodgers, trombones
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3.
It’s free. Get more details.
What: The Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents, “The Tallest Tree in the Forest.” As an internationally-renowned vocalist and star of stage and screen, Paul Robeson was one of the best known African American artists in the world in the early 20th century. Through his singing and acting talent, he became enormously popular and wealthy; but as a champion for human rights, he became controversial to his people and his country.
Where: Copaken Stage, 1 H and R Block Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Aug. 30 – Sep 28.
Get more details.
What: The Competitive Advantage for Women. This workshop will help participants identify personal attributes that provide a competitive advantage in seizing future opportunities.
Where: UMKC Student Union, Fourth Floor, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1-5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5.
It’s free; tickets required. Get more details.
What: A Chicana’s Life in Literature with Dr. Norma Cantú. Author and poet Norma Cantú, internationally known scholar of Latina/o and Chicana/o literature and studies, reads from her book, “Canicula: Snapshots of a Girlhood en la Frontera,” and from her poetry book manuscript “Meditacion Fronteriza/Borderlands Meditation” and from her novel-in-progress, tentatively titled “Champú” or “Hair Matters.” Dr. Cantú is professor of Latina/o Studies and English at UMKC.
Where: KC Central Library, 14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6-8 p.m.,Thursday, Sept. 5.
Get more details.
What: UMKC men’s soccer v. Wisconsin.
Where: Durwood Stadium, 51st and Cherry streets, Kansas City, Mo.
When: 8 p.m. Sat, Aug 31.
Get more details.
What: UMKC women’s soccer v. Missouri.
Where: Durwood Stadium, 51st and Cherry streets, Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6:30 p.m. Sun, Sept. 1.
Get more details.
What: UMKC volleyball v. Kansas.
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7 p.m. Tue, Sept. 3.
Get more details.
What: “The Fox on the Fairway,” starring three-time Academy Award nominee Dyan Cannon. This chaotic comedy takes audiences on a hilarious romp that pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Kan.
When: Aug. 29 – Nov. 3.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented in 2012 with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences.
Get more details.