Contents

6 Mission Arts Center

10 Portrait of an Artist

14 Art In School

18 Newsletter

24 Bulletin board

28 KC Maker Studio

34 Mission Market Artists

As we see out 2023 and welcome in 2024, it’s a joy to reflect back on a year of change and progress in the City of Mission. We’ve started wonderful new traditions, including our Downtown Business District window decorating contest. Adding beautiful art and glowing light to the windows of our downtown businesses is the perfect antidote to a cold winter! I hope you had a chance to stroll down Johnson Drive and see them for yourself!

Featuring all things arts in this issue is the perfect pairing. Art, in all of it forms, has the ability to take a dreary, gray winter day and add in the perfect amount of color. Art also gives us the ability to express ourselves in a different way than with words or actions, allowing anyone to use color, shape, movement, and texture to show feeling, emotions, and dreams. Whether you’re an artist at heart, or an admirer like I am, seeing the artistic passions of so many of our neighbors is an inspiration.

Have you ever wandered into a retail shop and spent more time looking up toward the wall and ceiling décor than at the offerings for sale? That’s what happens when you walk into KC Maker Studio and Fabrics in the Mission Mart Shopping Center. Owner Patti Meier has created a quilt art gallery, a space that sells every sewing notion you could ever need, and, most importantly, a community. Be sure to check out the space and if you feel inspired you can even join a group "sew day" or a class!

Just a few blocks west on Johnson Drive at the Mission Arts Center, art from all over the world, with a particular emphasis on pieces from Ukraine, shines. A philanthropic partner to local Mission not-for-profits like Tyler’s House, and a partner with the Girl scouts of Greater Kansas City, the Mission Arts Center brings amazing professional art shows to our community. Art wellness classes made a perfect fit for our cover story. I've been to several of their new exhibit openings and Second Friday events and owner Lyudmyla Savinkova has done an amazing job creating a welcoming space where all can experience the healing power of art. Drop by to activate your own "creative spark!"

Young artists attending Shawnee Mission North High School now have a redesigned gallery space to call home for their creations. The Greg Brantman Patrons Gallery was renovated in 2022, and now patrons and volunteers are working to raise money to fund a scholarship at the school in the Brantman name. In this issue, you can learn how a dedicated group worked to bring the renovations to life, and the positive impact the gallery has on students and our community.

We're very fortunate to have many talented artists right here in Mission. A sculptor by trade, Mission resident Marcella Lally comes from a long line of artists and uses themes of nature and the passage of time in her work. Lally is passionate about sharing her art with others and discussing the inspiration behind her "portraits of nature." I love what she has to say about the impact of artists on our community and how they breathe in life and vibrancy.

We're also lucky to have a rotating group of local artists and makers who participate in our summer Mission Market! This issue profiles Mission Market artists across several mediums including digital art, hand-drawn prints, furniture, and pottery. I appreciate their enthusiasm for our beloved market and I hope we can continue to grow the presence of artists and makers in the upcoming market season!

Keep an eye out for lots of inspiration as you get lost in the arts in this issue of the Mission Magazine!

-Sollie Flora, Mayor

January 2024

Publisher David Small

Editor Kris Baker

Advertising Executive Angie Riffel

Graphic Designer Mike Nickells

Editorial Board Stoney Bogan

Trent Boultinghouse

Cathy Casey

Kate Deacon

Kathy Lockard

Mark Raduziner

Laura Smith

Copyright © 2023 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | marketing@tspubs.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Mission Arts Center

brings art from Ukraine and the rest of the world to the Kansas City area

By Kris Baker • Photos by Kathy DeLorenzo

rom peaceful Mission to volatile Ukraine, creativity and the arts endure informing us about ourselves and the world. Lyudmyla Savinkova, owner/director of Mission Arts Center, is originally from Ukraine and now wants to share her love of both local and international art with the people of Mission. She describes the Mission Arts Center as “standing as a beacon of creativity and healing in Mission, Kansas.”

The Mission Arts Center was established in 2022. It serves as a gallery showcasing unique works from both local and international artists, with a particular emphasis on pieces from Ukraine. Many art lovers know engaging in the creative process has immense therapeutic benefits, particularly for mental health. This is reflected in the center's commitment to non-clinical art therapy, catering to a diverse community, including Ukrainian refugees who have faced significant trauma.

“The Mission Arts Center has rapidly become an integral part of the local community, not just as a space for artistic expression but as a haven for mental well-being,” Savinkova said.

Through the Center’s art and art wellness classes, visitors are offered an accessible outlet for creativity and healing, welcoming individuals of all ages and skill levels. Its role extends beyond just an educational facility; by hosting events, exhibitions, and programs, the Center fosters a sense of community and cultural enrichment.

“As the owner, curator, and art instructor at the Mission Arts Center, my involvement is deeply personal and professional,” said Savinkova, who believe her Arts Center adds a unique voice to the community. “Originating from Ukraine, my experiences have profoundly shaped the center's vision and offerings. My role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities, from curating artworks and organizing exhibitions to designing and leading art wellness classes. The center manifests my commitment to art as a healing force. I also volunteer my time and resources to give back to the community, especially supporting those who have endured hardships akin to those faced by many in Ukraine.”

Savinkova has a passion in her voice when she speaks about these issues. She believes strong voices are crucial to understanding events like the war in Ukraine. The Center wants to help cultivate more strong voices.

“I am committed to guiding the Mission Arts Center as a vital community resource where creativity and compassion are interwoven,” Savinkova continued. “Every individual's story is honored and heard. I strive to provide an accessible platform for residents of Mission to explore their artistic talents in a supportive and welcoming environment.”

Being an Arts Center means there are always some new, exciting events coming up.

One of the most exciting upcoming events is the "Masks: Narratives Beneath the Surface" exhibition, curated by Savinkova and Sydney Pener. This mixed-media mask exhibition, running from December 8, 2023, to February 17, 2024, is more than just an artistic showcase; it's a philanthropic endeavor, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Sunflower House and Tyler's House KC. This exhibition in support of local organizations underscores the Center’s commitment to social impact.

“Following this exhibition, our dedication to healing through art continues with a project to support Ukrainian refugees and other war-affected communities,” Savinkova said. From February 22 through April 26, 2024, the Center will create and display a community mural. “This collective artwork will stand as a symbol of resilience and hope. The free accompanying art therapy workshops will provide a therapeutic outlet for participants to process and articulate their experiences through the power of creative expression.”

Mission Arts Center is also proud to become an official Community Partner to the Girl Scouts of Greater Kansas City as of 2024 to empower young minds through art.

The Mission Arts Center has several outlets for those looking to share their voice. Visitors are encouraged to uncover their creative potential, join a class, and experience the power of art. The motto is “Your creative spark awaits at the Mission Arts Center – where curiosity and growth thrive.”

The Mission Arts Center is located at 6124 Johnson Drive, Mission Kansas. For more information visit missionarts.center.

Portrait of an artist

Sculptor Marcella Lally chisels out her story

By Kris Baker • Photos by Kathy DeLorenzo

Mission supports its homegrown artists. Marcella (or as her friends like to call her Marcy) Lally is just such a Mission resident. She has worked her entire life to achieve her status as a working artist, and she got here by thinking outside the box.

Lally is a sculptor by trade; her current body of work focuses on nature and the passage of time with themes of death and rebirth. She hand sculpts birds, bugs, flowers and many other kinds of flora and fauna out of clay. Though her inspirations sometimes surprise people, it was a natural journey for her, as she explains in her own words.

“I am mostly known for assemblages that I have created incorporating hand sculpted ceramic flowers and other bits of vintage, ephemera arranged on real animal skulls,” Lally said. “I call them portraits on nature, each one adorned carefully, creating its own unique narrative.”

“I’ve worked on and off in the floral and horticultural industry for years. It was hard work but also very rewarding. There is something about the lore and language of flowers that has left a deep impression on me and the artwork I produce today,” she continued.

While working in the floral industry Lally also taught creative workshops. She taught mixed media, assemblage and mosaic workshops at a little shop called Gardenology. She credits these years teaching workshops as giving her the confidence she needed to go forward and create her own stamp with her original pieces. Gardens and flowers have always fueled her inspiration.

Lally participates in open studios every fall and spring at the Livestock Exchange Building. This building houses over 30 different artists’ studios who open their doors to the public. She also supplies artwork to galleries in New Orleans, Tennessee and Florida. These galleries keep Lally and her husband busy traveling across the country.

“We look at it as a road to discovery, friendships and adventures,” Lally said. “It’s been a lot of fun. I also hope to return to Sicily soon to study the native plant life, herbal remedies, ancient folklore and eat some pastries.”

Artists are said to march to the beat of their own drum. Lally has done this as well, though she recognizes her path came from her roots.

“I grew up in a family of creative people and craftsmen,” Lally said. “My mother is a painter; my grandfather made ballet shoes for a living. My great-great-grandfather was a stained-glass worker and a painter. The houses I lived in had my family’s artworks hanging on the walls. It was a natural progression for me to follow in those footsteps, working with my hands and becoming an artist.”

Growing up in this milieu gave Lally the confidence to try new things. She believes this approach has paid off with the positive local responses she has received. While Mission supports local artists, Lally believes artists return this favor in kind.

“Artists have an enormous impact on our community. More than we will ever really know,” Lally said. “They set the tone and the vibe. Artists are responsible for giving a place, a setting, a venue its own character. Art breathes life and vibrancy into our city. Without this there would be no originality. I also think art helps people find their way in becoming who they are meant to be. It’s a way to express yourself. We are blessed with a lot of artists in this town and I think that’s why it has so much pride and personality.”

As for her specific works, the support there has been rewarding as well.

“I think in general I have gotten a positive response from my art. It’s always validating when your artwork sells off a gallery wall,” Lally said. “The art sort of takes on a life of its own once it leaves your hands, reaching destinations unknown. Especially when someone you don’t know buys your art. I’ve been blessed to focus on a body of art that I believe has set me apart and has a lasting impression. I have my own aesthetic that is personal to me and the journey I have been on. It’s really complementary and special when someone can relate to your vision and wants to be a part of that by being a fan or a patron.”

Though her work may be exploring some big themes, it comes from some traditional training and medium. This education provided a strong base for Lally as she moves her work into the future.

“I am classically trained in sculpture,” Lally said. “The one thing I took away from my studies is to keep an open mind. The world is your resource. I have never felt limited to one medium. Clay however has always been a natural choice for me, given the subject matter of what I make – flora and fauna. I believe clay symbolically references the diverse tones of earth itself. My artwork is conceptual and that dictates the medium. It’s clay and bone today, tomorrow it may be stone and glass.”

To learn more about Lally's work visit marcylally.com.

Past and present students come together to support the Shawnee Mission

North Patrons Gallery

ART IN SCHOOL

By Kris Baker • Photos by Kathy DeLorenzo

The students of Shawnee Mission North High School have a unique resource for burgeoning artists right on campus that gives them a head start on their creative paths. The Greg Brantman Patrons Gallery has long been a venerated part of the school. Now Cathy Thomas, president and secretary of the gallery, and others are leading the charge for the gallery to stay at the forefront of local artistic expression, as well as highlight an important part of the gallery’s foundation.

Honoring a teacher

The gallery’s namesake is a teacher who left a lasting impact.

“Greg Brantman was my teacher at Shawnee Mission North from 1976 to 1979,” Thomas said. “He was really an inspirational, creative teacher.”

The gallery is run by the art teachers and a board of directors comprised of community volunteers and former teachers. Thomas quickly knew she wanted to be a part of it.

“When my oldest son started high school at Shawnee Mission North in 2002, I joined the gallery board to help in whatever way I could,” she said.” I’ve been the treasurer and secretary, fundraiser, and this year I took on the job as president.”

Shawnee Mission North is currently working to raise money for the Greg Brantman Art Scholarship, which will be awarded each year to a graduating art senior. Last year, the school was fortunate to receive an individual grant of $10,000; this donation was used to start an art scholarship fund. North has a number of scholarships in honor of athletic coaches, and the feeling was Greg Brantman was also more than worthy of this honor.

“He has had a tremendous impact over the years for thousands of students in the fine arts,” Thomas said. “We need to raise an additional $10,000 in order to be part of the Shawnee Mission North Scholarship Foundation. We’re asking that the community help us reach that mark and support the scholarship with donations.”

A gallery with deep roots

The Brantman Patrons Gallery became part of the school in 1979 and was the first high school art gallery in the nation at the time. Funding for the gallery came from the larger community under the efforts of Meg Cross who solicited support from major corporations and individuals throughout the Kansas City and Shawnee Mission areas. Greg Brantman, who was the ceramics, jewelry and sculpture teacher at the time, was also instrumental in starting the gallery. He taught at North until 2012 and is still active on the board of directors for the gallery.

The school completely renovated the gallery in 2022 after a successful fundraising campaign brought in $20,000 from the community. The front wall was replaced with glass, allowing students to see inside the gallery when they pass by.

“The gallery has the most impact on the students at Shawnee Mission North, but it reaches into the community-at-large as well,” Thomas said. “AP Art students present their advanced work in senior shows each March and April. Alumni shows bring back former students who have gone on to careers in the arts or who still create on their own. “

In the Brantman Patrons Gallery, North students receive the opportunity for their work to share wall space with more established artists.

“We exhibit professional artists each year in the fall and early winter months,” Thomas said. “Those professional artists present workshops or artist talks with the students to teach a specific skill or talk about how their careers evolved. We also have had photojournalism exhibits and North faculty shows where any teacher can submit something they made. It’s a really interesting mix of talents and skills that we showcase.”

The Brantman Patrons Gallery is located on the first floor of Shawnee Mission North High School, 7401 Johnson Drive, Overland Park, Kansas. For more information and to support Shawnee Mission North’s efforts visit their website at patronsgallery.org.

#MakeitYourMission

We made it our Mission in 2023 to interact with the community in many different ways. Did you have a chance to join us? It feels great to be able to be together solving issues, visioning for the future and celebrating our successes. If we didn’t connect in 2023, let’s make sure to do so in 2024!

A Special Thank You to Our

Outgoing Councilmembers

Following the November 2023 municipal elections, Mission

bid farewell to two members of the City Council who

did not seek re-election.

Councilmembers Kristin Inman (Ward III) and Ken Davis

(Ward IV) both elected not to pursue additional terms on

Mission’s City Council. Councilmember Inman was first

elected in 2016 and has consistently advocated for infrastructure investments, strong fiscal management and quality development. Councilmember Davis, also a former Councilmember and Mayor of Countryside, was originally appointed in 2018 and subsequently elected to the position. He has been a strong proponent of responsive government, infrastructure investment and public health initiatives, especially steps to reduce the availability and use of tobacco products. The City of Mission is fortunate to have such dedicated public representatives and we thank them for their dedicated service to all in our community.

Incoming Councilmembers Brian Schmid (Ward III) and Cheryl Carpenter-Davis (Ward IV) were sworn

in on December 20, 2024. We look forward to introducing you to them in a future issue of the magazine.

Contact information for the Mayor and all Councilmembers is always available on the City’s website

at www.missionks.org

KC Maker Studio and Fabrics promotes a disappearing art form

By Kris Baker • Photos by Kathy DeLorenzo

Art - the kind, who creates it and where it is created are all reflective of the history of a place. Sewn in the fabric of its identity, many current communities are taking old traditions and joining them with new practices, ideas and technology. This is Patti Meier’s goal with KC Maker Studio and Fabrics. KC Maker Studio and Fabrics sells designer quality modern quilt fabrics, garment fabrics, needle arts and notions. They also sell modern equipment like Handiquilter Longarm quilting machines.

The threads of the community can be joined together at a place like KC Maker Studio and Fabrics. Similar to the old-fashioned sewing circles in small towns of yesteryear where women (and any interested men) would meet and catch up on the local news of the day, Meier wants her establishment to serve as an active hub for Mission. She has even set aside a particular day for this.

“We bring the community together to sew and quilt each week via our sew days,” Meier said. “Sewing is known to have excellent health benefits as it is a stress reducer. Our sewists love to come in, visit with others and work on their projects.”

Meier says you don’t have to be Betsy Ross to come and see what they are about. Sewers of any experience and knowledge level are invited. Men and women, young and old, programs at KC Maker Studio can be tailor made to fit whatever skill set might be needed. Whether you have been crocheting all your life or have never threaded a needle, if you have ever had any interest in sewing, you can drop on in.

“Everyone is welcome in our shop,” Meier said. “We provide an open, accepting environment that allows everyone to flourish while perfecting their craft. Our staff is made up of experienced sewists and quilters, so we're always happy to answer customer questions or provide demos for them.”

Set aside any preconceived notions of a small sewing shop, KC Maker Studio is a growing business. The shop opened in Mission in July of 2021 and Meier says it has quickly become the destination quilt shop in the Kansas City area. They expanded in September 2023 into an over 12,000 square foot space, making them the largest shop with the largest selection.

They now have over 12,000 bolts of fabric; a number which is growing every day. Their dedication is not only to selling fabric, but also to providing education around sewing, quilting and needle arts. They have four classrooms to serve the customers and allow the KC Maker Studio staff to teach in small groups where they can provide individual instruction. They have classes almost every day of the week and host sew days 11 days each month. The sew days are where customers can bring their projects and sew together in the shop. KC Maker Studio is open seven days a week, allowing customers to shop despite busy schedules.

KC Maker Studio offers a wide range of beginner classes with new sessions starting every six weeks. These classes are specific to learning to quilt, learning to sew, garment sewing and kids sewing.

“The goal is to ensure there is education for the next generation so that this art doesn't die off,” Meier said.

KC Maker Studio and Fabrics is located at 5331 Johnson Drive, in Mission, Kansas. For more information visit their website at kcmakerstudio.com.

Fresh Out of the Studio:

A Closer Look at Mission Market Artists

Story by Kate Deacon

rotating lineup of local artists and makers pops up under the tents each summer at the Mission Market. Here’s a closer look at some of the artists that make the Market a more colorful place each season. Be sure to keep an eye out for these artists in the off-season to support them year-round!

Bernadette Lee: Art from Architecture

While artist Bernadette Lee has the artistic chops to paint meticulously detailed renderings of iconic landmarks in watercolor, she’s just as adept at manipulating technology to make custom pieces with only her fingertip and her cell phone. With this artistic versatility, there’s something for every style at Art from Architecture.

Professionally, Lee has carved a niche in creating lasting memories for clients with custom home portraits. “These portraits are great gifts for new homeowners, weddings, or if you are selling your family home.” Lee is a prolific artist and enjoys taking time to paint just about anywhere. “If I am inspired to paint plein air (outside) I will use watercolor, acrylic, or cellphone art. By drawing on my cellphone, I always have a canvas in my pocket.” Her cell phone drawings showcase a modern, vibrant look that many clients are drawn to.

“My inspiration comes from beautiful architecture and its surrounding landscape,” Lee says. It’s a labor of love for Lee, who notes that it can take up to 30 hours to complete one of her detailed architectural watercolors. “My work is ‘old school’; without the use of Photoshop, beginning with a pencil sketch, adding pen and then watercolor.”

Lee enjoys including the tiniest details in her watercolors, which sets her work apart. “It makes me happy to include the little things, and if my clients cry when they pick up a drawing of their home, I know I’ve captured a lasting memory for them.”

Lee has been a regular vendor at the Mission Market for many years, selling prints of her most popular artwork featuring beloved Kansas City landmarks (including the Mission Market!) and considers the Mission Market team her summer family. In the off season, be sure to check for upcoming local shows and shop online at https://artfromarchitecture.com/

Dee Roof and Paul Raymond:

Leaf and Sky

Dee Roof had just finished her Master of Fine Arts at Kansas State University when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing work to a standstill for Dee and husband Paul Raymond. “Instead of doing nothing, we started making things on the theme of biodiversity,” and Leaf & Sky was born.

With a background in the arts and 18 years of experience as a Hallmark graphic designer, Dee turned her talents to a passionate purpose: a focus on art and design that encourages people to connect with ecosystems within their reach. Leaf & Sky now produces a variety locally handmade items, from tea towels, totes, stationery and prints highlighting local native plants hand drawn and designed by Dee, to handcrafted bird feeders and houses for birds, bees, bats and butterflies that Paul builds.

“My creative process is first to grow and observe native plants, and to create habitat for pollinators and wildlife. I draw plants and wildlife then scan the drawings to create digital patterns.” Dee enjoys the artistic process and notes the importance of taking time with each piece. “I go through a lot of sketches searching for a beautiful or surprising outcome. I let the work lead me because I always want something fresh and new to happen.”

Her most popular art print is the Purple Cone Flower, a familiar friend of many in the area, Dee notes. “We feature it on tea towels, totes, art prints, stationery, bandanas, coloring pages, and it is making a second appearance in our 3rd calendar called Habitat Garden 2024 coming soon.”

Leaf & Sky can be found at local pop-ups or shop online and enjoy front-porch pick up locally. Check out their schedule and online shop at: https://www.leafandsky.com

Tyler Carter: Firewood Furniture

Looking for a bespoke sideboard to complete your dining room this season? Shop local and look no further than Mission’s own Firewood Furniture, where craftsman Tyler Carter marries form and function to make client dreams come true.

While Carter has always enjoyed learning new ways to express himself creatively, his interest in woodworking has blossomed into a unique business which allows him to collaborate with clients. “In the past 2-3 years I’ve really dedicated my attention to fine woodworking and cabinetry. I officially founded Firewood Furniture in 2022.” With a focus on mid-century modern interiors, Carter’s pieces offer customizable high style at an unexpected value. “I am always eager to collaborate with clients on crafting unique, one-of-a-kind treasures that will hold a special place in their hearts for years to come.”

Carter is not only a featured vendor at the mission market, but a loyal market customer as well. “Since I live just a few blocks away from Johnson Drive, the Mission Market has become a part of my weekly summer routine. It's always fun meeting the community members and vendors each week, supporting local vendors and small businesses while making some new friends and clients along the way.”

Find Tyler’s one-of-a-kind creations or contact him to make a custom piece online at firewoodfurniture.com, on Instagram and Facebook @firewoodfurntireco, or in person at KC Style House on the Country Club Plaza.

Tricia Allen: T. Allen Arts

Coffee just tastes better out of a handmade mug, artist Tricia Allen says, and those native blooms feel a little more at home in a locally handcrafted vase, so Allen takes great joy in making affordable handmade pottery for people to use every day. “I enjoy making functional pottery and incorporating my painting in the glazing process. I love how there are so many different techniques and processes to make a piece, so I am always learning.”

Allen fell in love with ceramics while taking her first ceramics class at Kansas State University and eventually graduated with a BFA in ceramics and painting. After taking a long break to focus on raising kids, she jumped back into pottery and painting when a small studio space opened in her neighborhood about 15 years ago.

Allen offers a line of jewelry as well, using her ceramic and painting skills on a smaller scale to bring the variations of glazing techniques to life in an unexpected way. Allen enjoys the small town feel of places like the Mission Market for sharing her pieces with others. “Mission Market is my favorite place to sell my work in the summer. I love that it is accessible to all and affordable for small business vendors!”

When she’s not at the Mission Market, you can find her handmade pieces on Etsy at tallenarts.etsy.com, on Instagram @tallen.arts, and keep an eye out for her studio sales a few times a year.