Minor Monuments exhibit opens at MCC-Longview Aug. 26

MCC-Longview presents: Minor Monuments, an exhibit by Katherine Anne Novotny.

This outstanding show by Katherine Anne Novotny takes modern icons we see everyday, such as a stop sign or crosswalk, and turns them into something new and unexpected.

Here is what the artist says about her show: "I can only consider my experience with our landscape to be glimpses or windows. The landscape is wild and ever-changing; the air can be dense and light, vastness can be freeing or trapping, the horizon moves up and down in a fast-moving train and from a plane remains about the same.

"When placed in my memory, these experiences become scenes... these scenes confront me with characters: a stop sign, a detour, a bridge overhead, a path underfoot, the green man means go and the flashing hand means no. With Minor Monuments I wish to reintroduce these sights by changing their materiality from a symbol to a manipulated form. My recent works are building blocks meant to be treasured and re-imagined within the space, whichever that may be."

Minor Monuments

Opening reception and lecture

Aug. 26 5-8 p.m.

Artist lecture at 6 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Full show: Aug. 26-Sept. 24

Gallery hours: Wednesday-Saturday Noon-4 p.m.
MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center
500 SW Longview Road, Lee's Summit MO

MCC-Longview presents: Songs of a New World

MCC-Longview is proud to present Songs for a New World, a critically acclaimed musical written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, who has been praised by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “one of Broadway’s smartest and most sophisticated songwriters since Steven Sondheim.

Since its off-Broadway debut in 1995, Songs for a New World has delighted audiences around world.

Songs for a New World
8 p.m.  July 28, 29 & 30
At the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center
Tickets: $10 at the door

For information, or to buy advance tickets, call 816.604.2030.

TONIGHT: Opening reception for the Summer Exhibit at MCC-Longview

Metropolitan Community College-Longview is proud to present an exhibit of works from several of Kansas City’s up-and-coming artists.

This unique exhibit, The Presentation Imperative, at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery will showcase works of art that examine the construct of institutions and social/cultural structures.

“In each work, the physical presence of the depicted image is not only understood by it’s physical weight but also by its visual reception, which is ultimately tied to its context,” gallery curator Daniel Reneau said.

The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, June 24, where the artists will answer questions and talk about each of their pieces.

Artists included: Brandon Briscoe, Todd Christiansen, Peter Granados, Blake Sidebottom, Jaclyn Senne, Kate Smithson and Elizabeth Woodfill.

Opening Reception:

June 24, 5 – 8 p.m.

The MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

The Presentation Imperative

June 24 – July 30

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Noon – 4 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Summer exhibit to open at MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery

Metropolitan Community College-Longview is proud to present an exhibit of works from several of Kansas City’s up-and-coming artists.

This unique exhibit, The Presentation Imperative, at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery will showcase works of art that examine the construct of institutions and social/cultural structures. 

“In each work, the physical presence of the depicted image is not only understood by it’s physical weight but also by its visual reception, which is ultimately tied to its context,” gallery curator Daniel Reneau said.  

The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, June 24, where the artists will answer questions and talk about each of their pieces.

Artists included: Brandon Briscoe, Todd Christiansen, Peter Granados, Blake Sidebottom, Jaclyn Senne, Kate Smithson and Elizabeth Woodfill

The Presentation Imperative

June 24 – July 30

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Noon – 4 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Opening Reception:

June 24, 5 – 8 p.m.

The MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

LIMITED TIME ONLY: Rachel Nelson exhibit at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

In a limited two-week engagement, the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center is proud to exhibit the artwork of Rachel Nelson, who just completed her masters in Art Therapy.

Nelson began her journey when major life transitions triggered her passion for art. When she began repetitively drawing flowers to relieve the pain and anxiety caused by ulcerative colitis, the artist emerged.

After completing the AA at MCC-Longview and earning a degree in Psychology at MU, she made a synchronistic discovery—Avila University offered a master’s program in Art Therapy and Counseling. To qualify for the program, she returned to MCC-Longview to complete

VIDEO: One-on-One with MCC-Longview's guest theater director Ryan Morehead, PART 3

In this installment of our on-going series of interviews with guest director Ryan Morehead, Ryan explores how the Lakeside Summer Theatre Workshop will fit into MCC's mission of serving the community of Lee's Summit and the greater Kansas City area.

Be sure to check out the rest of the interviews with Morehead. For more information about the Lakeside Summer Theatre Workshop, call 816.604.2530 or 816.604.2338

VIDEO: One-on-One with MCC-Longview's guest theater director Ryan Morehead

Starting this summer MCC-Longview is going to offer a whole new classroom opportunity for students interested in the theater.

Guest Director Ryan Morehead will be launch the inaugural Lakeside Summer Theatre Workshop where he will explore every facet of the theater culminating in a musical theater production in August.

The workshop itself is not limited to just actors or musicians. Morehead has tailored this workshop to also expose students to theatre roles that exist backstage. Set builders, costumers, lighting technicians and more will all get a chance to learn about the theater trade and work through this new experience at Longview with Morehead.

For more information, contact the Liberal Arts Department at MCC-Longview.

VIDEO: MCC-Longview Faculty art exhibit

The MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit wrapped up this past week, but the artists and minds behind some of the creations will still be on campus inspiring new artists to follow in their footsteps.

 Check out the video from the exhibit and see for your self.

The Mighty Voices of Longview: April 29, 30 and May 6, 7

The Mighty Voices of Longview return for another show-stopping concert at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center.

Starting April 29, you and your family can delight in the music and sounds of Disney on Stage as the show choir from MCC-Longview performs a range of Disney musical classics.

Students will be performing songs from Pocahontas, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Tarzan, Toy Story, Mary Poppins, Cars, Sister Act, The Lion King, and more.


Tickets are $7 at door and $3.50 for children under 10.

The Mighty Voices of Longview

April 29, 30 and May 6, 7.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

7:30 p.m.

Tickets $7

$3.50 for children under 10 

MCC-Longview presents: Death Takes a Holiday

Veteran community actors team up with MCC-Longview's own beginning actors and actresses - working side-by-side - as they prepare for this spring's anticipated debut of Death Takes a Holiday.

The play opens Friday and will run through April 16.

The classic Death Takes a Holiday follows the adventures of Death himself as he decides to quit the killing business and join humanity. On his brief holiday, Death discovers true love, the thrill of life and questions whether he wants to return to his grim profession.

Recognize the story? You should. Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins stepped into the lead rolls in the Hollywood version of the play (renamed Meet Joe Black).

Death Takes a Holiday

Presented by MCC-Longview Dinner Theater

April 8, 9, 15 and 16

For more information and reservations, call 816-604-2299 or e-mail joyce.kuhn@mcckc.edu

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit Reception TONIGHT

Opening Reception

March 25, 5-8 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

The MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center is proud to present the work of our art faculty in the 2nd Metropolitan Community College-Longview Art Faculty Exhibit.

Tonight you can meet with those faculty members and artists who have help make this show such a success.

“We’re very fortunate to have with us an exemplary group of instructors who are not only excellent educators but also artists and designers active in their own practices as well,” said Daniel Reneau, MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery curator.

The exhibit runs through April 23. There will be a reception with the artists on March 25 from 5-8 p.m.

The gallery hours are 12-4, Wed.–Sat. and is located at 500 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit

Gallery Days and Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 12-4 p.m.

Artist featured are: Jay Hunt, Amy Kephart, Kim Lindaberry, Nancy Morrison, Sydney Pener, Daniel Reneau, Scott Seebart, Jim Smith, Susan Speck and Dee Washer

FREE Kansas City Ballet performance Thursday at MCC-Longview

Using simple lighting, the narrated INFORMances will feature excerpts from Kansas City Ballet's varies and eclectic repertory, which ranges from the classic story ballet, 'Giselle', to the upbeat jazz work, 'Hey, Hay, Goin' to Kansas City', and bits of the ever-popular The Nutcracker and much more.

Ballet professionals will be available following the demonstrations for Footnotes, a question-and-answer session for audience members.

The event if FREE and all donations will benefit Hope House.

Talking Pointes: a behind-the-scenes glimpse of dance

Thursday, March 24

Two free performances

5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For reservations, call 816.604.2200

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit: March 25

The MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center is proud to present the work of our art faculty in the 2nd Metropolitan Community College-Longview Art Faculty Exhibit.

The exhibition opens March 23 and will feature sculpture, digital prints, handmade jewelry and other media from our talented art faculty.

“We’re very fortunate to have with us an exemplary group of instructors who are not only excellent educators but also artists and designers active in their own practices as well,” said Daniel Reneau, MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery curator.

The exhibit runs through April 23. There will be a reception with the artists on March 25 from 5-8 p.m.

The gallery hours are 12-4, Wed.–Sat. and is located at 500 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit

March 23 - April 23

Gallery Days and Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 12-4 p.m.

Opening Reception

March 25, 5-8 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Artist featured are: Jay Hunt, Amy Kephart, Kim Lindaberry, Nancy Morrison, Sydney Pener, Daniel Reneau, Scott Seebart, Jim Smith, Susan Speck and Dee Washer

MCC-Longview presents guest director for summer theatre workshop

Theatre instructor Ryan Morehead has big plans for his summer.

In May, Morehead will be at the helm of MCC-Longview's newest theatre program and summer workshop that will transform the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center into a dynamic space where students will learn about every facet of the theatre.

"This is going to be a new opportunity for students to learn not only about acting, but also lighting design, scenic and costume design, music, and everything that goes into the creation of a play," said Morehead.

The summer theatre workshop and classes are a new collaboration between the college and Morehead, who is the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan.

Morehead will teach two acting classes (Acting I and II) and the new summer theatre workshop at Longview this summer. All of the work done in those classes and on stage will culminate into a series of final performances of the hit musical Songs for a New World in late July, by and for the students of Longview.

Discover the World: Japan @ MCC-Longview

It was a night of performances that were rhythmic and powerful as the MCC-Longview Discover the World international art series opened once again for a stunning look into the art and culture of Japan.

Inviting Japanese Drummers and musicians, the MCC-Longview Cultura Arts Center offered an exciting look into old customs and rituals as performed by area residents.

For more photos from the evening, be sure to swing by the MCC-Longview photo blog.

Discover the World: Japan TONIGHT

Immerse yourself in the culture, dance and music of Japan at this amazing event presented by the MCC-Longview International Arts Series at the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center.

The performance is free, but advanced reservations are required as seating is limited.

Call, 816.604.2200 for reservations.

Discover the World: Japan

Friday, March 4

7-8:30 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

MCC-Longview Spring 2011 Dinner Theater is scaring up a deadly tale

Rehearsals have started for the Spring 2011 MCC-Longview dinner theater production of Death Takes a Holiday.

Veteran community actors and actresses team up with MCC-Longview's own beginning actors and actresses - working side-by-side - as they prepare for this spring's anticipated debut of Death Takes a Holiday.

The play follows the adventures of Death himself as he decides to quit the killing business and joins humanity. On his brief holiday, Death discovers true love, the thrill of life and questions whether he wants to return to his grim profession.

Recognize the story? You should. Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins stepped into the lead rolls in the Hollywood version of the play (renamed Meet Joe Black).

Death Takes a Holiday

Presented by MCC-Longview Dinner Theater

April 8, 9, 15 and 16

For more information and reservations, call 816-604-2299 or e-mail joyce.kuhn@mcckc.edu

2011 Lee's Summit Arts Challenge brings new artists into the spotlight at MCC-Longview

The 2011 Lee's Summit Fine Arts Challenge is off and artwork from some of the most talented high school students in the R-7 Schools District is on a full display in the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center.

On Friday more than 100 people packed into the Cultural Arts Center gallery to be a part of the opening event and get a sneak peak at who is going to be the next great artist coming out of Lee's Summit.

"This is such a unique experience for some of these artists as it is the first time they are exposed to what it is like to have their pieces displayed in a gallery like ours," gallery curator Daniel Reneau said.

Although the exhibit's opening night was Friday, the exhibit itself will be open until Feb. 26.

Lee's Summit Arts Challenge

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Jan. 21- Feb. 26

The Gallery is open Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

UPDATE: Check out the fun video from the event.

For more photos from this fantastic event, check out our Flickr page.

2nd Annual Lee's Summit Fine Arts Challenge opening reception TONIGHT

Check out this video from the 2010 Fine Arts Challenge

The MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center is proud to present its second annual Lee’s Summit Fine Arts Challenge, a high school fine arts competition and exhibit featuring the works of high school students from the three Lee’s Summit High Schools.

Tonight's opening ceremony and awards presentation will kick off the month-long exhibition that has become one of the Cultural Arts Center's most popular events.

“This is a great opportunity for high school students to interact with fellow art students and professional artists here at MCC-Longview,” said Daniel Reneau, MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery manager.
This year, officials have invited David Harrison, a painting instructor at the Kansas City Art Institute, to judge the competition and selected the top high school artists in Lee’s Summit.

Death Takes a Holiday auditions at MCC-Longview

Calling all actors and actresses: The MCC-Longview Dinner Theater is once again looking for players to act in its spring performance of Death Takes a Holiday.

The play follows Death himself as he decided to take a small vacation from his usual deathly duties. Finding a Italian Duke who will let him pretend to be a human for a few days, Death discovers there is much more to life.

The 1928 play has inspired several movie versions including a 1934 remake staring Fredric March. The movie also inspired the 1998 Brad Pitt movie Meet Joe Black.

Auditions will be held at MCC-Longview.  Director Joyce Kuhn is looking for seven males and six females. The play itself will open April 8.

Death Takes a Holiday auditions

6-8 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25

MCC-Longview Liberal Arts Building room 102

816.604.2299 or email joyce.kuhn@mcckc.edu

Production Dates: April 8, 9, 15 and 16.