Search Stories
Now @ Leawood: Marcia Streepy
Influenced primarily by John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt, Kansas City-based painter Marcia Streepy enjoys the challenges of "plein air," or outdoor, painting. Her work depicts scenes of the natural world and city life painted on location. Whether she is applying oil paint, pastels, watercolors or pen and ink, the main hallmark of Streepy’s work is her use of vibrant color and light, which she says is motivated more by the “spirit of the object” than the realistic form of what she is trying to capture on the canvas.
Please introduce yourself. How long have you been a painter?
I am a Modern American Impressionistic Painter, according to one client. I have been painting almost daily since 1965. I painted and illustrated school papers, did posters for games, did a mural for extra money all before I went to college. Once in college, I took all the art classes I could while obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Painting is my passion. Nursing was my career.
I am married and have two daughters and two grandchildren. My mother was a fulltime artist who gave me inspiration. One significant factor in my life is that at age 12 I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and then lupus at age 30, so I have had times in my life when painting was very therapeutic.
Talk about the works currently on display at the Leawood Pioneer Library. What would you like people to know about them?
The two 60”x 60” paintings at Pioneer Library were done at the InterUrban Arthouse as memory paintings from the many plein-air paintings I have done in the Flint Hills of Kansas. The two smaller paintings are plein-air paintings done during the Brush Creek plein-air event and Kansas City Parks and Recreation event. The vertical painting of trees was done as an experiment in changing the horizon line to the top of the canvas. The backyard scene is so typical of the ordinary lonely back yards in winter. I hope the people who see my work at the library enjoy the color and vibrancy of the work and will able to relate to the beautiful Kansas sky. Maybe they will recognize the pond at the discovery center and the utility mobile unit for the parks department.
If interested in seeing more of my work contact the artist or visit the InterUrban Arthouse.
Describe your creative process. How long does it typically take for you to complete a painting?
My creative process is first observing, looking at the world and selecting what interests me. Sometimes I see light on an object or the atmosphere of a scene that inspires me to try to courageously paint not knowing if the painting will be what I hope it will be. Second, practice and more practice which helps me develop the skill to paint on paper or canvas. Changing mediums helps me be more creative. I like to use watercolors, pastels, oils and acrylics. If someone asks me about starting a career as an artist, I tell them to buy a sketch book and continually draw. Inspiration comes from doing.
How long does it take to finish a painting? I think all my paintings help develop the next painting, so to be truthful, each painting has taken me about 55 years and four weeks to complete.
What books, movies and/or music have inspired you recently?
The books about other artists such as the impressionist or post-modern American, French or Swedish artists are inspiring. I enjoy studying individual artists work more than the step by step art books. I am in three book clubs and read every evening. I enjoy novels, historical or biographical and children’s literature. The most recent art book that I purchased is “Fishing For Elephants” by Larry Moore.
The most recent movie I saw was “Mary Poppins Returns”. I thought the opening scenes were so artistic and I loved the scenes taken from the special bowl because the illustrated clothing was so fun on the actors.
Dreamy Music Monday Local Music
With a sound inspired by 80s synthpop, surf and dreampop, Dreamgirl's self-titled debut album is an affirmation of the potential shown on their previous two EPs. Led by singer Lacey Hopkins, the band's music is the product of a true collaboration between the members. We are lucky to bring you an interview with Hopkins about their debut album, songwriting process and what inspires them about music in Kansas City.
*
Lenexa City Center Library Opens Sunday, June 2!
The new Lenexa City Center Library will open its doors to the public on Sunday, June 2, 2019, 1:00 – 5:00 pm, the Johnson County Library Board of Directors announced at their February 14 board meeting.
The June 2 event will be focused on the building and its amenities, according to Library Board chair Nancy Hupp. “This is a really striking and beautiful facility,” she says, “and we are eager to invite our patrons in so people can start using their new Library right away.”
A ribbon cutting will open the doors promptly at 1 pm. There will be remarks from public officials, and a recitation of a work commissioned for the occasion from the emerita Poet Laureate of Kansas, Wyatt Townley. Activities will include tours conducted by Library staff of the new building and an opportunity to meet Stephen T. Johnson, award-winning children’s book illustrator who is installing a new work of public art at the site.
The afternoon event takes place during what will be regular Sunday service hours, confirming that Lenexa City Center joins 4 other branches which are open on Sundays.
The new 40,000 square foot building occupies two floors at the Lenexa City Center campus. In addition to high-quality library services, the new space features public meeting rooms, public computers and a robust children’s programming area. Construction cost is $21.1 million.
Throwback Thursday Valentines
Love! It's timeless. jocohistory.org wants to be your Valentine. Discover and fall in love with Johnson County, Kansas history! Follow our hashtag on Twitter.
Now Showing at Lackman: Ken Dela
Currently the Art Director at The Culture House in Olathe, KS, Ken Dela’s main passion, aside from his own art, is mentoring young artists. He experiments with different media and is stylistically versatile. Whether it’s street art or more detailed portrait work, Dela says, “I am always learning and am forever a student. I feel that the minute you stop learning is the minute you stop growing and improving, not just in your craft, but also in your life.” Dela's work will be on display at the Lackman Library through April 21.
*
Introduce yourself and describe your work and the genre you work in.
I am a Kansas City Freelance Artist and also the Art Director at The Culture House in Olathe, Kansas where I love to mentor young artists and watch them grow. When I'm not mentoring our youth, I'm a freelance artist who enjoys seeing what combination of mediums he can put together. My goal in art is to share my vision with the world. I enjoy experimenting with different mediums while using a lot of stencils and shaker cans. I am very versatile with what I can do, that’s what keeps things interesting, anywhere from a street art style to more detailed portrait style work.
Talk about the work on view. What would you like people to know about it?
Currently, I am working on a series of paintings which are inspired by quotes, sayings, feelings or advice. With our world today so hectic, crazy, busy and bullyish, I use bright contrasting colors with lines and patterns. I am always hoping to capture the attention of someone racing by; encouraging them to slow down, even if it’s just for a second. I feel if I can touch just one person with one of my paintings, then the painting was successful
What’s the most challenging thing about your creative process?
I am always learning and am a forever student. I feel that the minute you stop learning is the minute you stop growing and improving, not just in your craft, but also in your life. The challenge is too not fall into the trap of complacency but to continue pushing yourself, even on the days you don't want to.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration?
I have always been inspired by those who pushed the envelope a bit or figured out how to stand out in the crowd. Some of my influences are Andy Warhol for his ability to take his art, mass produce it and make it affordable for the masses. Romero Britto, who is based out of Miami, for his ability to bring happiness through the big, bright, bold paintings and Rene Magritte for the way he could create these dream like illusion pieces without them looking too over the top.
Your Gift Makes An Impact
The Johnson County Library Foundation’s mission is to build an endowment for the Library’s collection and secure support for life-long learning programs offered at Johnson County Library.
The Foundation does this by securing and managing donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support the Library above and beyond what public funding provides. Special thanks to all of you who have made a donation, participated in a fundraising event, or volunteered! The Foundation counts on the financial and in-kind support of individuals, businesses, and charitable foundations to grow to meet the ever-changing needs in Johnson County.
In 2018, more than 500 individuals, couples, corporations and foundations made a point of making a donation to the Foundation to support the Library's programs. Go here to see the impact your gift has made.
Since its establishment in 1996, the Foundation has supported the Library’s lifelong learning programs including:
- Collection and resource enrichment
- 6 by 6 Ready To Read
- Summer Reading
- Homework Help
- Live online tutoring
- elementia Teen Literary Program
- Black & Veatch MakerSpace
- Civic Engagement
- Joan Berkley Writers Fund
Thank you for your continued support. Your gift has the power to change lives!
Central Resource Library's READ Poster Winner
Each of our locations draws a name from the pool of kids who participated in Summer Reading to win a READ poster photoshoot. Here is Central Resource Library's winner!
Central Resource Library hosts many of our Library systems larger events, such as Career and Finance programs, Genealogy events, movie screenings and more »
Music Monday Featured Local Artist
Amy Marcus's music is based in classic roots and folk. While she only recently released her first collection of songs, Marcus has been writing music since the age of four. Marcus, who is also a photographer and mother of three children, uses music as a means to tell her own stories, and the songs on Brave are rich with their own snapshots of life and hard lessons. We are excited to share an interview with Amy Marcus about her new music and creative process, along with her book recommendations.
*
A Library for Lovers
Atabong and Dada, February is a month about LOVE!!! And, the Library is for lovers.
Wait! Before reading the rest of this post, let’s set the mood with some silky-smooth jazz from our Naxos Music Library. Now, please, continue reading.
Don't forget that Valentine's Day is right around the corner. It's a celebration of love. It’s recognizing and appreciating all the hard work that goes into achieving and maintaining a successful relationship. You love each other. You are committed to each other. Attraction? Oh yeah! Yet, that’s not enough is it? Some say you’ve got to work at a relationship. Why? Because you have to love each other enough to get past those moments you don’t like each other!
That’s where we come in. Your Library Card can be more powerful than a box of chocolates and definitely better than a Dear John letter.
Our idea of a good date? Believe it or not, a Librarian is better than eHarmony. True! Trust us, the Library has what you need to create a summer of love:
- Do your research. There’s some good stuff in those steamy romance novels. Get some “informal” learning with eBooks and eAudiobooks from Axis 360.
- Get “scentual.” No, we didn’t misspell “sensual.” We’re talkin’ aromatherapy! Learn olfactory optimization with a Universal Class.
- Greet your partner with “Je t'aime,” “Te amo,” “Abdi bogoh ka anjeun” and a kiss! Where did you get so worldly? That’s right, Mango Languages.
- If they don’t get the hint, look for inspiration together from magazines like Cosmopolitan with eMagazines from RBdigital.
- In the end, entertainment. Stream independent films, shorts and documentaries from around the world. IndieFlix and chill.
Good luck! ;)