Review

Krystal Kuhn, "I Think I'm Turning Japanese, I Really Think So," woodblock print, 2009, is but one of many student works that will be on display and for sale during the Kansas City Art Institute's end-of-semester exhibitions and performances December 4 through 6 on campus. Image: courtesy of KCAI

Laura Nugent's paintings are among work featured at Krzyzanowski Studio for December 4th's First Friday. The "Whimsical Six" show features "six well-known local artists, who have each taken their work far beyond Kansas City, present their charming, fun, well-crafted and affordable mixed media art." Nugent's "small acrylic paintings are known for their folksy stylings, expressive color palette and whimsical patterning. Her silhouette animal images and portraits of trees are meant to bring thoughtful levity to where ever they hang." Other artists are Joe Blake, Dick Daniels, Andrew Johnson, Amy Meya and Anthony Pack. Image and quoted text: courtesy of the gallery

Zachary Eubank at work on paintings for "nar'cis•sist," his master's thesis exhibition at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. It opens December 3 with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Eubank's new work explores the idea of how we see ourselves and how our self-worth is generated from our idea of others' ideas of us. His detailed statement narrates it better and includes: "We are forced to use other people in order to feel that we exist. It is through their eyes and through their behavior that we obtain proof of our uniqueness and grandeur. With time, we come to regard those around us as mere instruments of gratification, as two-dimensional cartoon figures meant only to stare and envy at our elaborate beauty." Image and quoted text: courtesy of the artist

Milosz Konefal, "Face The Three Circles," oil and enamel on canvas, 60" x 84", is featured in the artist's solo exhibition at Cocoon Gallery, opening December 4. A large-scale abstract painter, Konefal "engages in what he calls 'structured spontaneity'" for this new series of work. "Is it about symbols or surface?" starts the conversation. Image and quoted text: courtesy of the gallery

Anne Mulvihill, hand-carved porcelain pottery, 2009, is among her functional ware on display in "Clayativity" at Barbershop Gallery December 4 and 5. The Midtown space is just east of Costco and hosting a First Friday reception open to all. Mulvihill studied ceramics at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and is an active member and teacher of the Kansas City Clay Guild, which is hosting its 27th annual holiday pottery show and studio tour this weekend. Image: courtesy of the gallery and artist.

José Sierra, ceramics, 2009, part of new work by this Tucson, Arizona, artist at Red Star Studios, opening December 4; "South x Midwest" also includes work by Kansas City, Missouri, artist John Lujan; both artists are Venezuelan and work in different mediums. Red Star Studios is also having its annual holiday sale December 4 through 6. Image: courtesy of the gallery

The Locust Street Gallery is open December 3 with winter-inspired "embellishments for your body and home," such as (left to right) art glass by Kathy Barnard, fine art jewelry by Susan Mahlstedt and kimono textile designs by Linda Flake. Image and quoted text: courtesy of the gallery

David Goodrich, "A Child Leads Monsters," pen on paper, 2009, is one of the small works in Pi Gallery's December exhibition, opening December 4. Artists were asked to work within the guidelines of 12 inches or smaller, and work of a variety of mediums and styles is included. Image: courtesy of the gallery and artist

Jeremiah Ariaz, "Frontier," video still, part of a new three-projection installation opening at La Esquina December 4 that builds on his 2008 "Shadow Root" installation about the historic Santa Fe Trail. "Frontier" was filmed in rural Kansas and "presents presents a panoramic view of open sky and prairie, amidst which the artist attempts to 'run West' for a duration of 24 hours. As one quickly realizes that the figure, dressed in blue jeans and cowboy hat, is making no progress but rather running in place, the work becomes both a quiet meditation on the land and a portrait of unfulfilled desire. The adventure-seeking, possibility-laden American call of, 'Go West, young man,' is here answered with futility and exhaustion, with the outcome of his action being a scar carved in the earth." Image and quoted text: courtesy of the Charlotte Street Foundation / gallery