public art business

Without singling out any specific public art for mockery — because that would be mean — Kansas City does boast a few, um, unevenly executed public murals. So it seems right to point out the unimpeachably competent jazz mural on the southeastern wall of the Power & Light District, a new commercial entertainment venture in downtown Kansas City with which you may be familiar. The painting honors Kansas City’s musical history with great portraiture, cool light effects and (by comparison with one historical mural in the River Market) recognizable human proportions. At the same time, it’s not so distracting that engrossed drivers rear-end parked cars while driving past. Now, attention-starved student artists, including recent graduates, are invited to submit visual artwork for exhibition throughout the nine-block Power and Light District. A business partnership is soliciting submissions for 58 banners, 3 feet by 7 feet, that will hang from the district’s ornate simulacra of old-timey lampposts. Students can submit as many works as they choose, including whole portfolios, in digital form. Send submissions and inquiries to artists@sd2con sulting.com by May 30. Artists should include a brief biography, including name, age, school, education, hometown and creative inspiration. Selected art will hang in the district indefinitely.— Chris Packham

May 3-30, 2008