From October 25-28, 2017, over 300 arts professionals gathered in Kansas City, MO for the 27th International Sculpture Conference: Intersections + Identities.

The opening reception was held at Studios Inc., where attendees viewed the little SCULPTURE Show, opening of Underpass, an exhibition by current and former Studios Inc. residents, open artist studios, and more.

Programming was held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where attendees heard from over 30 diverse speakers about sculpture, identity, technology, and more. Keynote speaker Willie Cole showed attendees how he works within his community, and shared insight into his thought process and how projects evolve over time. Other programming included Sculpture Parks in the Urban Core: What is the Future?, a program that featured curators and directors of sculpture parks who spoke to park development and plans for the future.

Optional trips included studio tours at Belger Crane Yard Studios, Zahner and Metalabs, a glass demonstration at Monarch Glass Studio, Gallery Hop in the Crossroads Arts District, and more. A small group visited the University of Kansas for a tour about the ISC’s history, and viewed an exhibition about Elden Tefft with introduction to the works by his son, Kim Tefft. Hands on workshops for attendees included CNC Milling, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, and an iron pour workshop at Wickerson Studios.

The closing reception was held at Belger Crane Yard, where guests got a final glimpse of the little SCULPTURE Show and the 2017 Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award exhibition.