When a beloved grandmother asks for a poem to be memorized and recited, consider it done. Glenn North, at the age of eight, did exactly what his grandmother challenged him to, and since then, he’s been devoted to poetry – and activism. The poem was “If” by Rudyard Kipling, and it carries with it a […]

This much is undeniable – Christianne (Chris) Bohannon has a delicious sense of humor and a big heart. Everything else about this St. Louis born – but Kansas City is home – animal lover can be subjective, but the humor and the heart are self-evident. Acrylic paint and brushes are her tools, but improv could […]

Some things can’t be explained.  Some things can be briefed and overviewed in an attempt to condense the extremely complicated into the understandable for those of us who need assistance. The work of Mike Lyon straddles the hemispheres of north and south, east and west, left brain and right brain, genius and super-genius, explainable and […]

Classifying Rachael Blackburn Cozad proves to be more challenging the more one dives into her many diverse artistic  pursuits. What strikes us initially is the breadth and depth of her knowledge; there is no one area of expertise, but rather a multitude of them. The second impression is of Rachael’s incredible and innate taste; she clearly […]

With a degree in psychology from Avila University, and many years teaching at the Multiply Handicapped Preschool at The University of Kansas Medical Center, and later as an administrator at St. Michael’s Day School helping mainstream children with special needs, Melanie Nolker seemed to have a comfortable niche in life. Although, she said, “I come […]

“Is this one yummy enough to print?” The words are Laura Crehuet Berman’s, and she is speaking about a color – any color with which she plans to work. But the sentiment is definitely ours, her colors are indeed yummy. Before this article came into being, the thought process already existed that Laura Berman’s work […]

Let’s start with the Congressional Record proclamation in the House of Representatives in the state of Missouri on March 26th of 2015, recommended by the Honorable Emanuel Cleaver. Lonnie Powell’s accomplishments and contributions were and are so vast that a seven-paragraph entry was required to list the basics regarding this talented and dedicated artist and […]

Artist and athlete – not usually two descriptions seen in tandem. Kati Toivanen is unique in many ways, not the least of which are her two compelling passions. Born and raised in Finland, Kati earned her bachelor of fine arts degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and her master of fine arts degree from […]

Having a wedding photographer is a must, even today when everything is digital. A wedding video is also nice, although the bride’s memory of the event might just be more magical without the reminder that her hair wasn’t perfect by hour five. There are also drones, GoPros, and photo booths. But, the most imaginative way […]