For about a decade, I would travel from Jacksonville, Florida to Kansas City, Missouri once, sometimes twice a year, to visit my niece and nephew. Apologies in advance to all Missourians, but yours is not one of those states that I would have had a burning desire to go to otherwise. Between its deplorable politics, repressive school system, and its total lack of stimulation, I can’t imagine why anyone would live there. The lack of both hope and opportunity that I feel when I’m there is heartbreaking, and it settles down on me like a wet, woolen blanket. But I kept going back because that’s what you do for the people you love.
Parts of Kansas City are actually rather nice, though. You just have to make an effort to overlook the unfortunate Missouri-ness of it. One thing I definitely have to say about this little city is that I have always been extremely impressed with its public art.
When I lived in Jacksonville, it was so conservative that its governing body considered art to be too controversial to display publicly. If people started exposing themselves to artistic concepts, they might get open minds, and the city could not have that. My goodness, it might lead to dancing, or something. (I haven’t been to Jacksonville in nearly a decade. Perhaps they’ve entered the modern world since I left. I hope so.)
After living in that art-deprived atmosphere for the bulk of my adult life, seeing the sculptures and murals and fountains of Kansas City was always a bit of a shock as well as a huge breath of fresh air for me. I have often said that you can tell a lot about a city by its public art. The art I’ve encountered there doesn’t necessarily give you the impression that its residents have a sense of humor or that they’re willing to poke fun at themselves, but it is colorful and vibrant and extremely well made. It makes you stop and think. It shows that this city appreciates all things beautiful, and that is a wonderful vibe to foster in any metropolis.
I’ll leave you with some of the public art Dear Husband and I encountered during a recent visit to Kansas City. Enjoy!
Are you wondering what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner? How about my book, Notes on Gratitude? Place your orders now! (Or any other time, since we’re on the subject.) And… thanks!
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