Last night was the dazzling kick off to our year-long celebration of the Museum's 75th anniversary. More than 1,200 of our closest friends and supporters were on hand to clink champagne glasses and hear inspirational words about both the past and the future.
Morton Sosland, longtime Museum supporter, spoke about the first 75 years of the Museum's history and how things have changed at both the Nelson-Atkins and for Kansas City. He was present as a young child on opening day in 1933.
Museum Director Marc Wilson spoke next and announced the launch of a major, year-long initiative to collect 75 significant works of art. So far, 34 donors have given or pledged works of art to the Nelson-Atkins.
Eleven of those works were on view in Kirkwood Hall including a sculpture by George Segal, a photography by Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, a breathtaking glass and silver vase, a painting by Raphaelle Peale and an intriguing chair called Black Widow by Wendell Castle, an artist born in Emporia, KS, now working in Rochester, NY.
The 11 works in Kirkwood Hall will be on view through the weekend. After Sunday, you will have to wait until 2010 for an exhibition of all the new acquisitions.