13th Annual ArtsKC Awards Luncheon

One of the things that we love most about working for ourselves is the variety clients and assignments that we got to work with and do. I think that most people know that we shoot a lot of engagements and weddings, but not many people know that we also work with several local non-profits and corporate groups as well. One of our oldest non-profit clients is ArtsKC. We have had the sincere pleasure and honor of working with ArtsKC for the last several years now, and this group means the world to us. We cover multiple events throughout the year for them, whether it’s their new Block Party held in the spring in the heart of the Crossroads District by their headquarters, fundraising events held throughout the city, art festivals and performances they put on for people of all ages, or their annual Awards events, we just love it.

If you’re not familiar with ArtsKC you need to check them out. Their mission is simple and powerful, “To unleash the power of the arts.” Some of their more well-known programs include the ArtsKC Fund, Kansas City’s United Arts Fund, and Now Showing. The work these amazing people do is connecting individual, local artists to the community. They support them, fund them, and help get their names out in the community in various ways, shapes, and forms. Over the years we’ve seen photographers, puppet troupes, dancers, weavers, painters, and sculptors all be helped by ArtsKC. For real – check them out and figure out how you can help or donate! As artists ourselves these guys are after our own hearts, and we love promoting and telling people about them whenever we get the chance.

So, back to their Annual Awards Luncheon that happened this last week. In years past this event has been held backstage at Starlight. This year, ArtsKC doubled, that’s right, doubled their numbers of attendees and givers and had to move their luncheon to the Grand Ballroom at the Kansas City Convention Center. One of our favorite aspects of this luncheon is always the local artists on display. This year, the two featured artists,  collaborated on pieces that were gorgeous. We would love to be able to have any one in our homes. The featured artists also create the centerpieces for each table (over 100 this year) that attendees can bid on to take home. There are special performances from various groups that are supported by ArtsKC throughout the luncheon, and 6 awards are given out as well: Virtuoso Award, Advocate Award, Education Award, Innovator Award, Creative Impact Award, and the ArtsKC Fund Excellence Award. Below is just a glimpse into our wonderful afternoon at this year’s luncheon. If you’re looking for a volunteer or philanthropy to help with that is locally based and has a huge impact on the community, check ArtsKC out and get involved!

This year’s featured artists were:

Holly Ann Schenk

Jeffery C. Porter

This year’s ArtsKC Awards Luncheon performers included:

Kansas City Power and Light Band

Maura Garcia

Amado Espinoza

KC Wordshop

Heartland Men’s Chorus “Burnt Ends”