February 28th was a big day for ArtsKC Regional Arts Council: a celebration of its 20th anniversary with the Annual Awards Luncheon. Nate Orr and Richard Wetzel served as co-chairmen for the event, which was held at the Kay Barnes Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center. Shirley Bush Helzberg, Joan Israelite, Janice Kreamer, Henry Bloch, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation, and Artist INC, were honored for helping to advance the arts and the mission of ArtsKC. Each honoree received an award that was handmade by Stephen Proski. His artwork was featured throughout the event: his hand-sewn tapestries were on display at the Artist Reception and his porcelain “silly cups” served as centerpieces. Calvin Arsenia, AY-MusiK, The Living Room Theatre, The Sextet, and the horn quartet of the Kansas City Symphony performed.

Julia Irene Kauffman accepted the Pillar Award on behalf of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation.

Ashley Miller and Calvin Arsenia, performers

(Front row) Jeff Serven, Lisa Ginter, and Angie Endicott (back row) Matt Johnson, Amy Grothaus, Amanda Clark, Allison Steinbeck, Erin Evans, Debbie Swearingen, and Bob Glaser

Nate Orr and Richard Wetzel, co-chairmen

Cheryl Eve Acosta and Leo Prieto

Joan Israelite and Janice Kreamer, honorees; Bob and Barbara Bloch, Dana Knapp, ArtsKC; and Shirley Bush Helzberg, honoree

Also featured in the March 30, 2019 issue of The Independent
Photo Credit: Rivas Photography