Award-winning artist Rita Blitt donates original pieces to MCC-Penn Valley

Carter Art Center Gallery Director Bernadette Torres beams proudly following the installation of Rita Blitt's "New Beginnings."

Famed artist Rita Blitt's painting "New Beginnings" was recently installed on the east wall of the Carter Art Center (CAC) at MCC-Penn Valley. The 108" x 56" original oil painting is one of several original pieces donated to the campus by the artist.

Other works include "The Sense of the Sublime," a stainless steel wall sculpture, is outside the main conference room in the Education Center (EC).

Another 5-piece artwork will also be displayed in the EC as well.

Blitt is an award-winning painter, sculptor and filmmaker whose works celebrate her love of nature, music, dance and the spontaneous flow of movement captured in the drawn gesture.

Friends of the Carter Art Center covered the expenses of the covering of the oil canvas and name plates for all donated pieces.

Inaugural MCC Gala a Success

The goal of this year’s MCC Five Star Gala was to honor Henry Bloch and raise funds to help support MCC students in providing scholarships, emergency book funds, and special educational programs. On both fronts, the gala was a success.

Over 400 guests attended, raising $160,000, of which approximately $40,000 will go towards scholarships and programs. The event also honored Bloch, co-founder of H&R Block, for his foundation’s efforts in establishing the Bloch Scholars Program at MCC.

The event was emceed by Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, and entertainment was provided by the Metropolitan Chorale of Kansas City. A light show highlighted the event on the side of the Marriott on 12th Street and an illuminated blue MCC ice sculpture was a lobby centerpiece. MCC alumni and Henry W. Bloch Scholars greeted and thanked guests for their support.

The Chorale, directed by Dr. Rebecca Johnson, includes the ensemble group Vox Luminese. They performed four numbers, including the world premiere of Spirit of Saints, written by award winning composer-in-residence, Ryan Main. Main presented Mr. Bloch with the sheet music as a special gift from the Bloch Scholars and MCC.

Guests enjoyed a video presentation of the history of MCC, and heard personal stories from past and current Bloch Scholars. The Bloch Scholars later joined Mr. Bloch on stage when he was presented the Five Star award, specially-designed and donated by artist Rita Blitt.