Back in 2017, we were invited by the Nelson Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City to consult on the development of a new artist-designed course, to be located in the exquisite Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park that is a massive community gathering space. In January 2018, we headed down for a site visit and to help finalize the hole selection and designs. The idea was that each hole would be directly inspired by and reflective of an existing work of art in the museum’s collection.
Fast forward to April 2019, when the holes were finally coming to life in the shop at A to Z Theatrical Supply and Service. We made another trip down to test play the works in progress and give some input before on-site installation. The course was open all of summer 2020 and was a huge success.
After going on hiatus for the 2020 season due to COVID, Art Course 2021 will return this year and add a new hole, “Eyy Putter Putter Swing”. This hole was inspired by Radcliffe Bailey’s Mound Magician, designed by Sierra Swift and fabricated by Dimensional Innovations. The new hole is in honor of 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues and the Kansas City Monarchs.
First visit to the location in January 2018Pink tape marks off future locations of the holesThe Nelson-Atkins staff William created several amazing mock-ups of the selected designsFast forward to the fun part! Testing out the holes in the shop at A to Z in Kansas City.Testing the Plinko hole inspired by: Vasily Kandinsky, Rose with Gray, 1924. Designer: John GlessnerIn progress build of The Mischievous Dragon – Inspired by: Chinese, Vase, 1426-1435. Designer: Kelly Batcheller-MummeyThere were so many holes that they took over the entire courtyard!Testing out a hole inspired by: Edouard Manet, The Croquet Party, 1871. Designer: Richard FarnanThe Pink Putter tests out Heaven Putt Hell – Inspired by: Marsden Hartley, Himmel, circa 1914-1915. Designer: Parker StoryTesting Pedal! – Inspired by: Evelyn Hofer, Girl with Bicycle, Dublin, 1966. Designers: Jacob Hodson & Jesse CrupperTesting Zoomy – Inspired by: Mark Di Suvero, Rumi, 1991. Designer: Brett PaytonHangin’ with the crew
From the Nelson-Atkins
Zoomy – Inspired by: Mark Di Suvero, Rumi, 1991. Designer: Brett PaytonNelson-Atkins Campus – Inspired by: Grounds of the Nelson-Atkins. Designer: Lee ErnstThe Mischievous Dragon – Inspired by: Chinese, Vase, 1426-1435. Designer: Kelly Batcheller-MummeyOp-Art – Inspired by: Luis Tomasello, Chromoplastic Mural, 2011. Designer: Andrew WilsonHeaven Putt Hell – Inspired by: Marsden Hartley, Himmel, circa 1914-1915. Designer: Parker StoryPedal! – Inspired by: Evelyn Hofer, Girl with Bicycle, Dublin, 1966. Designers: Jacob Hodson & Jesse CrupperJawbreaker Machine – Inspired by: Wayne Thiebaud, Jawbreaker Machine, 1963. Designer: Lisa Campbell ErnstRose with Gray – Inspired by: Vasily Kandinsky, Rose with Gray, 1924. Designer: John GlessnerA new hole for 2021 year celebrating Negro Leagues Baseball Museum inspired by Radcliffe Bailey’s “Mound Magician.”
