Blog @ the Nelson-Atkins

Shuttlecocks created a lot of controversy when they first appeared on the Museum's lawn in 1994. Outraged citizens wrote letters to the editor of the Kansas City Star and editorial cartoons popped up about what a waste of money the four sculptures were.

In the 15 years since, they have become an icon for the Nelson-Atkins and Kansas City. This summer, the Museum celebrates the anniversary with a special exhibition Inventing the Shuttlecocks.

The gallery contains drawings, sketches, mock ups and even blue prints showing how Shuttlecocks were created from inspiration to installation.

One of the things I don't think anyone anticipated was how important Shuttlecocks would become for Kansas City. They have appeared on professional football broadcasts and in advertisements for state tourism.

One of my favorites was an image that was published in mutliple newspapers of a nun about to whack a birdie during a badminton tournament (this is not Photoshopped, I swear).

On almost any day, there is a lot of activity physically surrounding the Shuttleocks including school kids frolicking, families picnicking and especially, people taking pictures of themselves with the giant badminton birdies.

Those pictures end up on personal blogs and other social networking sites. We thought since you have so much fun with the sculptures, we would have some fun and ask you to upload those photos to our website.

Click here to see images that have been uploaded and add your own!