New Sculpture Brings Visual Art to Starlight Theatre
A new sculpture by artist Douglas Kornfeld was revealed on the north lawn of Starlight Theatre on June 2. The work is comprised of two large, abstracted faces made of bent steel tubing
painted boldly in red. The artist was inspired by masks symbolizing tragedy and comedy that originated in ancient Greece.
“The ancient masks traditionally symbolize the theatre,” Kornfeld states. “Today, however, the wide diversity of audiences and performances means there are many more emotions and ideas evoked than just the two depicted by the masks. I liked the idea of the masks, but I wanted expressions less-specific and open to different interpretations to evoke a wider variety of emotions and ideas.”
He adds, “I’m very excited to be working on the Starlight Theatre site, a place seen and loved by so many Kansas City citizens.”
The completed work measures approximately 9 feet high by 13 feet wide and will reside on the lawn on the north side of the venue.
ADA Improvement Project
As part of the theatre’s recent ADA Improvement project to increase accessibility for patrons in the venue, Starlight qualified for funds for the acquisition and installation of artistic work through Kansas City’s One Percent for Art Program.
The project, completed in April 2021, leveled numerous walkways throughout the venue, increased the number of ADA and ADA companion seats in all four seating sections and price levels, elevated the outer Terrace sections to improve sight lines over the Plaza ADA seating and elevated ADA seating at the Terrace level. New, accessible informational, directional and weather shelter signage were also installed throughout the venue.
The ADA Improvement project and the new artwork were paid for by general obligation bonds that voters passed in 2017 for building renovations and city-wide infrastructure improvements.
One Percent for Art Program
Kansas City’s One Percent for Art Program sets aside 1% of the cost of construction and renovation of public buildings, streets, bridges, sidewalks, trails, and flood control projects.