Kansas City Remembers Mosaic Artist Arthur Kraft

News Summary

Kansas City mourns the loss of beloved mosaic artist Arthur Kraft, known for his enchanting public art, including a 35-foot mosaic at the Kansas City Public Library. Kraft’s artistic journey began in his youth and evolved into a celebrated legacy, marked by whimsical sculptures and intricate murals that charmed the city. Despite his struggles with alcoholism, his contributions have been preserved, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate his work. The preservation efforts for his famous mosaic highlight the community’s commitment to honoring his memory.

Remembering Kansas City’s Beloved Mosaic Artist: Arthur Kraft

Kansas City, a vibrant hub of culture and creativity, is mourning the loss of *breathtaking works of art* created by one of its own, Arthur Kraft. An iconic figure in the world of public art, Kraft graced the city with a variety of whimsical sculptures and murals, including his beloved 35-foot long mosaic that charmed countless visitors at the Kansas City Public Library for over four decades.

The Iconic Mosaic

Set in the children’s section of the library at 1211 McGee, Kraft’s mosaic featured an enchanting procession of children and circus animals. With vibrant colors and intricate designs made from around 220,000 colorful glass tiles imported from Italy, the piece was specifically crafted to attract young children, enriching their literary experience. This was no ordinary decor; it was a dazzling gateway into the wonderful world of stories and imagination. Its presence in the library became so entrenched in the community’s fabric that it was an absolute heartbreaker when the building was demolished in 2020.

A Bit About the Artist

Born right here in Kansas City on August 31, 1921, Kraft was a creative prodigy from the start. Showcasing pipe cleaner sculptures at just 11 years old during the inaugural Plaza Art Fair in 1932, it became evident that he was destined for great things. By the time he turned 13, he was already selling painted matchboxes and oil portraits, launching an artistic career that would take him around the globe.

Kraft honed his skills at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Sunday morning classes, before completing his education at Southwest High School in 1939. His journey led him to the Kansas City Art Institute and later to Yale University. However, the winds of World War II redirected Kraft, who served in the Army Air Corps. Following the war, he returned to Yale to complete his degree, where his painting, “New York As Seen by a Casual Observer Through My Great Aunt Jennifer’s Ouija Board,” earned first prize at the Audubon Artists exhibition in 1946, catapulting him into the public spotlight.

Art with a Twist

Arthur Kraft was renowned not just for his mosaics but also for his whimsical sculptures scattered throughout the United States, such as a 10-ton laughing elephant in Detroit and delightful penguin sculptures at Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza. While his artistic endeavors flourished, Kraft faced significant struggles, including challenges with *alcoholism* that took a toll on his life. In 1971, he found himself at St. Joseph’s State Mental Hospital No. 2, during which time he cleverly created a limited-edition book titled *The Sounds of Fury*, illuminating the narratives of fellow patients through his illustrations.

Legacy and Commemoration

Arthur Kraft passed away on September 28, 1977, after a long battle with cancer. His final artistic contribution was a mural in the lobby of the veterans’ hospital in Topeka. However, his artistic legacy lives on in Kansas City, with remarkable installations including a mosaic in the Missouri Public Service Company building and the “Family” fountain at the Executive Plaza Building, which is now on display at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

A Heartfelt Preservation Effort

Unfortunately, the location of the mosaic from the Public Service Company building is currently unknown, shedding a slight shadow over its legacy. However, it’s comforting to know that when the main library and Board of Education building was demolished, arrangements were made to preserve Kraft’s treasured mosaic. The developers hired an architectural preservation firm to carefully remove the mosaic, which was cut into seven sections to ensure its protection for future generations.

In a promising turn of events, both the developers and the preservation team received a preservation award from Historic Kansas City in 2021, a testament to their commitment to honoring Kraft’s artistic contributions. With continued efforts to find a new home for this magnificent mosaic, perhaps one day it will inspire and enchant new generations, just as it did for the children of Kansas City.