FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2007

Artist selected for River Market public art installation

The Kansas City Municipal Art Commission unanimously approved the selection of Chicago-based artist Stuart Keeler on March 5 for the creation of two art installations for the River Market district. These artworks are part of the City of Kansas City, Mo., Second Street improvement project and will be installed at the intersections of Second Street and Main Street, and Second Street and Walnut Street.

The art installations will be a focal point for the north end of the River Market district, uniting the City Market and the Missouri River. Keeler's design will pay homage to the historic aspects of the area and will be lit, making it visible at night. The lighting component will complement the lighted walls that will be installed around the Grand Avenue electric substation and the River Market gateway in summer 2007. These walls are part of the Second Street improvement project and will be completed by the City and Kansas City Power & Light.

"Stuart is taking a site-specific approach that is mindful to the surrounding architectural and environmental features," said Porter Arneill, director of the Municipal Art Commission. "His unique artistic vision will further add to the City's growing public art collection and to the rich urban landscape of the River Market."

City officials, representatives from Brian Clark + Associates (the project's design firm) and members of the River Market Community Improvement District selected Keeler. The selection panel reviewed artist proposals from across the nation and narrowed the field to four proposals, two of which were from Kansas City artists.

The Capital Improvements Management Office is managing the $2.8 million Second Street improvement project and it is scheduled to begin construction in May 2007. The improvements will include the installation of new water mains and separate storm and sanitary sewer lines. Second Street will be resurfaced and lined with new planters, streetlights and bicycle racks. In addition, a pedestrian trail will be constructed connecting the River Front Trail and the River Market district.

Media inquiries and other requests for more information about this issue should be directed to Marny Burke, Capital Improvements Management Office, (816) 513-2749.