UMKC’s weekly arts and culture 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 has made UMKC an arts and culture powerhouse. The influence of UMKC-based and UMKC-trained artists extends well beyond the campus’ edge, so their activities are listed here as well.

Featured Event: “Look Attractive”.

What makes a person attractive? Seven national and international artists addressed that topic for the UMKC Gallery of Art‘s newest exhibition, “Look Attractive.” The exhibit is on view through January 14.

“Look Attractive” investigates the convergence of physical, biological, cultural, environmental and societal influences on beauty.

The exhibition offers several diverse interpretations. Jane Almirall‘s experiences as a mother led her to study the conflicting forces of devotion, heartbreak, and aversion. Max Key‘s highly decorated canvases reflect society’s adoration for commercial gaudiness, which often acts as a veneer for more unpleasant realities. Carol-Anne McFarlane‘s provocative illustrations serve as a harsh but also humorous criticism of the male gaze.

Kate O’Donovan Cook‘s theatrical self-portraits question the nature of identity. Keer Tanchak‘s rococo-inspired paintings juxtapose the classical and the modern, comparing the decadent and fantastic culture of 18th century France to our present existence. Dawn Woolley‘s illusionistic photographs are a striking testament to artificiality and idealization, voyeurism and exhibitionism. Finally, Erin Zerbe‘s video performances unabashedly target issues of fatness, sexuality, and body policing.

What:“Look Attractive.” The UMKC Gallery of Art presents a curated exhibition that features work from seven national and international artists who address the subject of attraction.
Where: 204 Fine Arts Building, 5015 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Exhibit runs through January 14.
Get more details.

Friday, November 16 – Thursday, November 22

What:“A Christmas Carol.” Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costuming and dashing stagecraft, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what’s really worth celebrating.
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: November 16 through December 26.
UMKC Connection: The Kansas City Repertory Theatre is the professional theatre in residence at UMKC.
Get more details.

What:The Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents “The Mystery of Irma Vep (A Penny Dreadful).”
Where: Copaken Stage, in the H&R Block Center, 1 H&R Block Way (corner of 13th & Walnut), Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Nov. 18.
UMKC Connection: The Kansas City Repertory Theatre is the professional theatre in residence at UMKC.
Get more details.

What:A master’s recital with Laura MacAvoy, soprano.
Where: Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 West 13th Street,
Kansas City, Mo.
When: Sunday, November 18, 7:30 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.

What:A doctoral lecture-recital with Robert Burke, percussion.
Where: James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Monday, November 19, 5 p.m.
It’s free. Get more details.

What:“On Display: Exploring Body Image,” a multi-media, group invitational exhibition. The selected works explore the broad concept of “body image” through a variety of methods – urging viewers to rethink personal perceptions.
Where: Greenlease Gallery at Rockhurst University, 1100 Rockhurst Rd, Kansas City, Mo.
When: The exhibit will run through December 1.
UMKC Connection: UMKC Studio Art BA student Jason Carron’s work is included in the exhibit.
Get more details.

What:“Dwell(ing).”The artists in this show were simply given the title, “Dwell(ing).”
Where: The Beggars Table Church and Gallery, 2010 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
When: The exhibit will run through December 31.
UMKC Connection: Art BA alum Christopher Clark’s work is included in the exhibit.
Get more details.

What:The Blue Gallery presents Rich Bowman’s “Passages” Stephen Dinsmore’s “New Paintings” and Sarah Williams’ “Homeward.”
Where: The Blue Gallery, 118 Southwest Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Exhibition runs through December 3.
UMKC Connection: Kelly Kuhn, co-owner of the Blue Gallery, is a UMKC graduate.
Get more details.

What:The New Theatre Restaurant’s “The Game’s Afoot,” features Marion Ross, best known for her role in “Happy Days.”
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Ks.
When: Now through January 20.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented this year with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences.
Get more details.

What:The Coterie Theatre presents “Shrek the Musical,” based on the DreamWorks film.
Where: 2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 144, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Performances began December 30.
UMKC Connection: Two UMKC graduate theatre students founded the Coterie.
Get more details.

What:Two contrasts in music: Haydn’s elegant “Surprise” Symphony contrasts with the bombastic and rowdy Carmina buranaby Carl Orff, a celebration of orchestral and choral power with the orchestra, Kansas City Symphony Chorus and soloists.
When: Saturday, November 17, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, November 18, at 2 p.m.
Where: Shoal Creek Valley, Highway 152 at Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, Mo.
UMKC Connection: The Kansas City Symphony was founded by faculty member Karl Krueger in 1933.
Get more details.