National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day!

Today is National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day! Inspiration can be a hard thing to come by, especially during these winter months when the weather is so often gloomy and cold. Luckily Clay is home to several unique art installations that may be just the picker-upper you need to get through all of winter with that same motivation you began the year with!

Here’s a quick guide to art installations and galleries located around Clay; we hope you take the time to visit them in the coming weeks!

Liberty

Liberty Murals: There are several murals that can be found throughout Historic Downtown Liberty. Many of these murals represent the history of Clay County; from the exploration of Lewis and Clark to pivotal moments in Liberty’s past.

China Slaughter Reading Park Sculpture: Sculpted by Martha Aldridge, this bronze sculpture is dedicated to Lawrence “China” Slaughter. China served as a crossing guard and custodian for Franklin Elementary for several years and inspired many children to read.

The Great Americans Project: Honoring men and women from American history, this privately funded project has brought three sculptures to Historic Downtown Liberty since 2013. The three statues you can currently find on the square are of George Washington, Mark Twain, and Susan B. Anthony.

Wind Sculptures: These kinetic sculptures were installed in 2013 and were created by artist Lyman Whitaker. The organic forms of this sculpture are designed to move gently with the wind.

Bottle Tree: Made be Liberty resident Robert Evans, this steel sculpture has links to African tradition. The Bakongo people of the Congo believed that the lapis lazuli blue color bottles on the tree were able to capture and destroy evil spirits.

Ruth E. Stocksdale Gallery of Art: Found at William Jewell College on the 2^nd Floor of Brown Hall, this gallery houses works from the school’s Department of Art.

Excelsior Springs

Excelsior Springs Murals: Excelsior Springs is home to several murals, learn more about them here!

Main Spring Arts Gallery & Studios: This studio and gallery nurtures local artists by giving them a space to create and showcase their art.

Bohemian Sage Gallery: This gallery hosts an eclectic mix of 25 local artists. Learn more about the gallery here!

Molly Roberts Studio: This art studio and shop features unique, hand-made original artwork by Molly Roberts. Much of the artwork is for sale and include colorful and whimsical paintings, mixed media, copper wire art, bookmarks, and much more!

North Kansas City

Children’s Fountain: This landmark fountain was designed to celebrate the children of Kansas City. The fountain’s dedication reads: “The bronze figures represent children everywhere to whom this fountain is dedicated and the activities that shape young lives making childhood a joy.”

North Kansas City Murals: North Kansas City is home to numerous murals, one of the most eye-catching being Spaceship Zulu’s new addition, “This is Us”, which can be found on the north wall of the Brewkery. Learn more about North Kansas City’s murals here!

“Bloom”: Created by artist Sijia Chen, this sculpture can be found in Richards Park, located across the street from North Kansas City’s YMCA.

Kearney

Kearney Murals: Several murals can be found throughout Kearney, learn more about the here!

Gladstone

“Kites”: Found at Linden Square, the stained glass kites are a charming addition to the burgeoning area.