As a native Kansas Citian, Miller Bogart has long appreciated KC’s unparalleled art scene. “We are fortunate to have world-class institutions here, such as the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. They are constantly bringing in outstanding programs and exhibits for the cultural benefit of our city.” Now, Bogart is an art gallerist himself. His newly opened West Bottoms gallery, Gallery Bogart, is fulfilling a need he saw in the Kansas City community: art from Latin America. “To me, it’s all about the artist, their personal narrative, and the story they are telling through their work. I am thrilled to be able to bring these artists to Kansas City and the Midwest,” Bogart says. Over his career, he has met emerging artists from countries such as Columbia, Mexico, and Cuba, whose work he plans to bring to the Kansas City art scene. First up? Cuban artist Abel Massot. Bogart says his gallery’s current (and first) public exhibition Dialogo Figurativo showcases emotional bonds and existentialist questions of the modern human being with contemporary works of art created by Massot. The exhibit is on display through December 31, and you’ll want to stay tuned to gallerybogart.com to see what Bogart has planned. In the meantime, check out some of Bogart’s favorite finds from his adventures in Kansas City.
Local Artists: Two exceptionally talented artists and current Kansas City Art Institute students, Aleta Larkin and Haven Lee, have been doing amazing mural work on the side of our building at 1400 Union Avenue. It has been impressive to see the progress on the mural and is a must-stop when touring the street art in the West Bottoms!
Shop Local: Hammerpress in the West Bottoms is my go-to place for an impressive, locally designed, and printed card for any occasion. I enjoy looking through their nicely curated selection of pens and notebooks as well.
Warm Drink: Hands down, Café Corazón is where you can find me most weekends starting my day. I know you might be thinking about their horchata or dulce de leche lattes, but the yerba mate is where it’s at! They offer an incredible selection from all over South America.
Self-Care: Anthony Molle at Hair Trap runs a great old-school-style shop. You always come out looking refreshed and put together. Plus, he has a pair of friendly dogs who will say hello while you are getting your cut.
Holiday Tradition: Hopping in the car with family and friends with a big thermos full of hot cocoa and driving around the Plaza and Ward Parkway neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights.
Dinner Time: For me, nothing is more authentic Kansas City than the original Peanut on Main. It might be the year-round Christmas lights, the regular staff, or just the patrons’ Kansas City charm. I would recommend the cheeseburger and add jalapeños. Their nachos are an underrated alternative.
Hidden Gem: A neighborhood I have been enjoying lately is Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas. They have a variety of great local spots worth checking out. I find myself grabbing dinner there often. They also have a local arts scene, anchored by their third Friday art walk.