“Each new series of work continues to generate a different kind of informal discussion among colleagues; many express their points-of-view with each other building relationships outside their traditional work modes; many ponder the ‘meaning’ of the work and how it alters their perspective, and many just smile as they welcome a new look to our space. Through this program, the FH team believes that they are really demonstrating their pride and faith in the thriving creative culture here in Kansas City. We are very community-minded. We want to continually acknowledge and celebrate our artists because they truly distinguish us from other cities in the Midwest as well as the coasts.”
- Jan Rasmussen, Fleishman Hillard Inc.
“The program has been an overwhelming success! Our colleagues love it; our visitors love it; it’s awesome. We like the variety and the different mediums allow us to cater to a variety of tastes. It also gives us something to talk about when the art changes out. People really look forward to what’s next even if it’s not something they’d typically choose.
I’d absolutely recommend the program. (Pretty sure I have already.) The cost is very reasonable and it truly is something our colleagues appreciate. We’re also helping the art community. It’s a cliché but it’s a win-win.”
- Rachel Bias, ProPharma Group
“EPR Properties has participated in the Now Showing program for close to three years. During that time we have enjoyed the art of almost a dozen Kansas City artists. There are several benefits to this program: Our staff of 40 all have varied artistic tastes so the quarterly change in artists’ exhibition mean that there is something for each staff member to enjoy during the year. A couple of our staff members have even purchased a piece for their homes. Also, our office space is historic and quite large. Having different areas for the rotating art pieces regularly gives us a fresh look vs purchasing a piece that would be displayed continuously and the annual cost to participate is very reasonable.
It has been a pleasure to meet and work with the different artists, learning their stories and what inspires them to create the exceptional pieces of art we have displayed. We would definitely recommend the program to other businesses in Kansas City (and, in fact, have done so), based on the reasons above.”
- Jo Rydman, EPR Properties
“Now Showing helps companies like ours bring fresh, vibrant art into our work spaces. Believe me, the energy and inspiration this artwork brings into our work environment is invaluable. This program is just one example of the winning solutions ArtsKC develops which invite collaboration, communication, and creativity; the same qualities that Haas & Wilkerson was looking for when we modernized our workspace!”
- Ryan Wilkerson, Haas & Wilkerson
“There is an energy that comes with changing out the art work each quarter. The work creates conversation and employee interaction on a universal subject. When I was contemplating how best to approach the art in the financial headquarter advisors office on the Plaza, I thought about how to best elevate the corporate headquarter experience starting when a person walks through the doors. The artwork we display gives our guests richer and more interesting experiences. The art speaks to them and engages them. It demonstrates there is culture within our organization and that Waddell & Reed supports local artists. Plus every quarter it’s new, fresh, and exciting all over again.”
- Laura DeMaria, Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
“The Now Showing program has greatly enhanced the customer experience at Atlantic Aviation. There are many guests that pass through the lobby of Atlantic Aviation at the downtown airport each day and the Now Showing program gives us the perfect platform to promote the artists in our region. We are firm believers that the arts and sciences are two key elements that make Kansas City attractive to visitors and interesting for residents.
The rotating art display exposes our clients and employees to a variety of art forms to enjoy and learn about and it has generated great conversations as the new exhibits are installed each quarter. It is like working in a private art gallery. Atlantic Aviation has displayed stunning glass works by Dierk Van Keppel, textiles by Debbie Barrett- Jones and a vast collection of photography and paintings by very talented artists. I personally love going through the artist selection process each quarter. We all enjoy meeting the artists and hearing their stories and passing those on to our visitors. In fact, there have been several purchases through the years which is gratifying. The Now Showing program has been a win/win for our clients, the employees and the artists. It is a gift to all three constituent groups and I would highly recommend Now Showing for any company hoping to enhance their working environment by keeping things fresh and interesting.”
- Michele Stowers, Atlantic Aviation
“While to many, engineering looks like cold calculations on sets of schematics, the heart of what we do is design. There is a unique creativity and finesse that goes into each drawing we produce and each building we help bring to life. At Henderson Engineers, we understand that science and art don’t have to be mutually exclusive; in fact, they are better together. That’s why supporting local artists through the ArtsKC Now Showing program just makes sense to us.
Each quarter, we make a concerted effort to fill our walls with a mixture of styles and themes. Selecting the artists each season is one of the most enjoyable parts of this program. We love the opportunity to look through all the portfolios and are consistently inspired by the amazing things Kansas Citians are creating. Over the course of our participation in the Now Showing program, we have enjoyed everything from the stunning black and white photography of Diallo French to the colorful and emotive paintings by Maggie Stubbs. Our employees always enjoy taking in the new artwork each season—we even had an employee purchase Ken Dela’s “Attack of the Goldfish” this summer!
This opportunity to support the arts is especially meaningful for our office located in the Crossroads Art District. This office, which just moved into the Lead Bank building on Main, hosted a Grand Opening Open House in June. At this event we invited Mark Mohr, the artist whose pieces were on display at the time, to join the party and we (and our guests) loved having him in attendance. We truly enjoy meeting with the artists, getting to know them, and talking about their work. This program is a wonderful addition to our offices and we would definitely encourage any company to consider becoming a member of the Now Showing program.”
- Amanda Giles, Henderson Engineers
