Kansas City Museum Showcases Latest Art Installation bound for Carriage House Roof

On Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, the Kansas City Museum unveiled its latest commissioned artwork currently on temporary display in Corinthian Hall. Created by celebrated artist Ed Dwight, the piece is entitled ‘The Loula Long Combs & Tom Bass Memorial Weathervane’ and will eventually adorn the roof of the Carriage House upon its slated renovation and restoration.

A Tribute to Equestrian Heritage

The Loula Long Combs & Tom Bass Memorial Weathervane pays homage to two pivotal figures in the American Royal Horse Show — Loula Long Combs and Tom Bass. Combs, the youngest daughter of Robert A. and Ella Long, was recognized for her lifelong passion for horses, becoming affectionately known as the grand dame of the American Royal horse, and stock show. Her counterpart, Tom Bass, was a globally renowned saddle horse rider, trainer, and equestrian showman. Of notable mention, he was the first African American participant in the show. Moreover, Bass’s legacy continues today with the use of the “Bass Bit,” an innovative device he developed to minimize discomfort to horses during riding.

Artist Ed Dwight’s Journey: From Astronaut to Artist

Notably, the artist behind the commission, Ed Dwight, leads an intriguing life journey. As a native of Kansas City, Kansas, Dwight embarked on a career in the Air Force in 1953 after completing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Arizona State University. In 1961, during a time of racial segregation, President John F. Kennedy selected Dwight as the country’s first Black astronaut. Consequently, he trained alongside fellow astronauts such as Gordon Cooper, Scott Carpenter, John Glenn, and Virgil “Gus” Grissom.

However, following Kennedy’s tragic assassination in 1963, Dwight left the service to explore a new path. Eventually, his dream of space travel eventually came to fruition at 90 years old, participating in the seventh human flight of Blue Origin that took off on May 19th, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Local Recognition and Display

In acknowledgment of Dwight’s luminary accomplishments, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas proudly stated, “I am proud Ed Dwight’s life and legacy will be honored in Kansas City. I am looking forward to seeing his artwork being included as the newest addition to the Kansas City Museum property.”

Visitors to the museum will find the weathervane exhibit situated on the landing of the grand staircase bridging the first and second floors. This addition further emphasizes the museum’s ongoing commitment to narrating ‘The Whole Story.’

For more information regarding museum exhibitions and programs, please visit the Kansas City Museum’s official website.