Returning | Belonging
On view January 15 – April 16, 2022
“As families separate and migrate, I recognize the invariable loss and the struggle to justify and reconcile the distance in between.” – Kathy Liao
Returning | Belonging is an exhibition featuring monumental, large-scale artworks by Kansas City- based artists Benjamin Parks and Kathy Liao.
- Benjamin Parks was born in Fairfax, Missouri and creates music, performances, illustrations, interactive installations, printmaking and sculpture. His primary focus is painting large-scale portraits and figurative work. This will be the first time all nine of his family members’ portraits will be exhibited in the same space.
- Kathy Liao was born in Taipei, Taiwan and most recently was named the Artist iNC Program Specialist with the Mid-America Arts Alliance in Kansas City. Prior to 2020, she served as an Associate Professor of Art and Director of Painting and Printmaking at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Opening receptions are FREE and open to the public. A cash bar and light refreshments will be served. All visitors are requested to wear a mask at all times in the museum while not actively eating or drinking.
48th Annual Membership Exhibition
On view January 15 – February 20, 2022
A tradition at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art celebrating the value of artists and creators in our community!
In past years, participating artists in the Membership Exhibition have ranged in age from 9 to 90 years old. Artworks are divided into ten categories and are evaluated on technique, composition, and aesthetic appeal by a panel of adjudicators from the St. Joseph arts community.
Awards will be announced at the Opening Reception on Friday, January 14 at 6:00 pm, and via social media over the next few weeks.
IN THE NEWS
Top 5: What’s happening in the area
Longtime art teacher hosts book signing
The Membership Exhibition deadline has passed, but we have several more opportunities to exhibit your work.
6th Annual National Undergraduate Juried Exhibition
Deadline: February 7, 2022
Open to undergraduate students enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic year. $10 entry fee.
Mosaic Life Care Art Experience Galleries
Deadline: March 4, 2022
Artists must live within 100 miles of St. Joseph, Missouri. $20 entry fee for unlimited pieces.
Deadline: June 10, 2022
Choose a found object from our stash and let it inspire your next artwork. $20 per item for members / $30 per item for non-members.
Valentine’s Day Dinner at the AKMA
Saturday, February 12, 2022
6:00 PM
Reservations open January 15 – spaces limited
Show love for your sweetheart with a special dinner crafted by Chef Ralph from Luna’s Fine Dining. Your gourmet meal will include three courses and a glass of bubbly for $75 per person. Reserve for a couple or bring a group. Private rooms and take-out options available.
Reservations open on January 15 – spaces are limited for this exclusive and unique event! See more
Calling all art history enthusiasts
The refereed AKMA / MWSU Undergraduate Art History Symposium is back for a sixth year. Students from across the United States present original research papers on various topics advancing the field of art history.
The keynote presentation will be given by Dr. Larisa Grollemond, Assistant Curator in the Manuscripts Department at the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Call for proposals deadline for undergrads: February 1, 2022
Symposium date: April 9, 2022
SAVE THE DATE
January 12, 19 & 26
Colored Pencil Happy Hour with Wanda Taylor
Wednesdays, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
January 14
Opening Reception for Kathy Liao & Ben Parks; 48th Annual Membership Exhibition
4:00 – 7:00 pm
Awards Ceremony at 6:00 pm
FREE
January 19 – March 9
Drawing for Beginners with Eric Fuson
Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm (8 weeks)
$225 members / $250 non-members
January 25
5:00 – 7:00 pm
FREE
January 27-28
Painting with Pastels with Jill Tichenor
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
$200 for the two-day class, $110 per day
February 12
Valentine’s Day Dinner at the AKMA
Reservations required – spaces limited
February 18
The Painted Poster Study Workshop with Cody Wheelock
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$100
February 22
5:00 – 7:00 pm
FREE
Make 2022 your most creative year yet
Try out something new with an AKMA class
Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6:00 pm
$12 per class / $60 for 6-class punch card (includes art supplies/materials)
Put your imagination to work by using different mediums to create unique artwork! Perfect after school class for children ages 6-12. See more.
Colored Pencil Happy Hour with Wanda Taylor
Wednesdays in January 2022
1:00 – 4:00 pm
$55 per class
Keep your New Years’ Resolutions by learning something new. Award-winning artist Wanda Taylor will walk you through the process step by step, layer by layer, as you learn her methods in colored pencil. See more.
Drawing for Beginners with Eric Fuson
Session 1: Wednesdays, January 19 – March 9, 2022
6:00 – 8:00 PM
$225 / AKMA members
$250 / non-members
Learn the fundamentals of drawing with artist and AKMA Executive Director Eric Fuson! This eight-week course will introduce students to perspective, proportion, line, and shape using pencil and charcoal. Must be 13 or older to participate. See more.
Painting with Pastels with Jill Tichenor
January 27 – 28, 2022
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
$200 for the two-day class, $110 per day
Learn the basics of pastel painting with artist Jill Tichenor. Jill will discuss materials, show examples of her own work as well as famous artists, and have a planned exercise to get everyone familiar with the materials. See more.
The Painted Poster Study Workshop with Cody Wheelock
Friday, February 18, 2022
11:00 AM – 5:00 pm
$100
Learn how you can vastly improve your paintings by developing a consistent poster study practice. A poster study is a small, quickly executed painting that captures the essence of a subject. While Cody will be demonstrating with oil paint, any paint media is acceptable for this workshop. See more.
We are looking for donations to our Education Wish List
See the complete list of what we’re looking for to power our education initiatives–plus, you can ship directly to us. Whether you use Amazon, purchase items in a store, or even just have these items around the house, your donation makes a big impact to our education programs.
Questions? Contact Alex Asher at (816) 233-7003.
AKMA is making life easier in 2022
Automatic monthly membership payments are here! You won’t have to worry about your membership expiring, and you won’t have to pay everything in one lump sum. Now more than ever it is easier to support your local art community.
$5/month gives you Family/Dual level benefits
$10/month gives you Associate level benefits
$100/month gives you Fellows level benefits
And don’t worry, if you want to pay your annual membership like you have in the past, you can still do so – our levels haven’t changed. Why not spread the joy and give an AKMA Membership as a gift?
Call us today at (816) 233-7003 to get set up!