Albrecht-Kemper art museum shares culture with visitors
I’ve never considered myself a fan of the classics when it comes to art. I’ve preferred visiting living history museums rather than museums loaded with paintings and the like.
I’m not sure why I continue saying that, because each time I go to a museum with classical and modern art pieces, I find myself impressed and amazed with the talent. So, I guess I have to stop saying that.
Especially after enjoying our visit to the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph. The museum has more than 3,000 pieces on display.
The museum focuses on American art from the 18th century through today. The pieces feature artwork involving oils, as well as pencil. Sculptures tend to focus on the western stories.
One of my favorite pieces at the Albrecht-Kemper was Lago di Como. The 1995 piece by Ken Moylan used Masonite, wood veneers, oil paints and modeling paste to create an almost lifelike view out of an Italian chateau.
The main gallery features oil paintings of significant American figures from the 18th century, including George Washington and John Law.
A painting featuring a Native American with pilgrims was impressive to view.
A break from classic artwork shows a painted cow that was part of a community project.
I was super impressed with artwork based on pencil drawings. The drawings looked lifelike. They almost resembled photographs.
The Albrecht-Kemper has an impressive collection of art featuring Native Americans and western heritage.
The museum has two special exhibits going on right now.
The first features modern African-American paintings. “Naturally Human” by Kwanzaa Humphrey highlights people in natural acts via colorful paintings. One of my favorite was an older man holding a lit cigarette between his fingers. It looked real. Photos were not allowed in the exhibit.
Humphrey is a Kansas City-based artist, who studied at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.
The second display focused on quilts. “Pattern: Repeat” features quilts designed by artists Tula Pink and Luke Haynes.
Pink, a graduate from the Otis School of Art and Design in Los Angeles, is recognized her work with fabrics and textiles.
Haynes is an LA-based designer, who seeks to educate people through utility objects.
Both collections are on display through Sept. 7th.
The Albrecht-Kemper museum is located in the former William Albrecht mansion.
The museum grounds are as well decorated as the art collections.
A small waterfall highlights a landscape feature.
The entrance to the museum features a fountain, bordered by landscape.
After enjoying our visit to the Albrecht-Kemper, I will officially stop saying I do not care for classic art. I am now an art fan. It really is pretty neat to think about how old some of our art is, and amazed at how it continues to survive.
We recommend visiting the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art when in St. Joe. You won’t be disappointed. You can probably spend 1-3 hours there.
For more information on the museum, please visit http://albrecht-kemper.org/.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the St. Joseph Visitors Bureau for the complimentary tickets to the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. However, all opinions and views are ours.
