An often overlooked part of our city's culture is the Kansas City Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (http://www.kemperart.org). Smack-dab in the middle of Westport, it is surprising how few people know about or have been to this museum.

October 2, was the Kemper's thirteenth birthday. Located at 4420 Warwick Boulevard, one block west of the Nelson Museum, the Kemper provides the city with free admission to see work by some of the world's most well-known artists, including Georgia O'keeffe, William de Kooning, and Frank Stella.

Ten to twelve new exhibits see their way though the Kemper each year. With collections from both world-renowned and local artists, a visit to this museum is guaranteed exposure to a variety of pieces and styles.

The Museum's most recent installation is "The Backstage Pass: Collecting Art in Kansas City," featuring sixty works of art including paintings, sculptures and photographs. The exhibit contains a nice mix of pieces that any art connoisseur would enjoy.

A personal favorite of mine was John Kalymnios’s "Untitled" piece. It is made of 29 of the most radiant butterflies, each individually connected to a motorized wire so that their wings slowly flap back and forth, giving the illusion that the butterflies are still alive.

Neither words nor a picture will give you the full effect of this piece. It must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.

Other artists with pieces temporarily on display are Andy Warhol, Mike Lyon, Deborah Butterfield, and Joan Mitchell.

Also worth checking out are some of the Museum's permanent pieces, including Joseph Stella’s "Dance of Spring (Song of the Birds)," Dale William Nichols's "Earth to Rest," and Jim Dines's "Meadow Heart #1."

Consider it a shame if you have not yet made it a point to check out this museum. A few pieces may turn your head, but a few more may take your breath away. For those who appreciate art but often find themselves short on cash, here is a way to dig treasures for free.

Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College