AUCTION 2023
40th Annual KCAC Art Auction
KCAC would like to introduce you to the 40th Annual Auction Honorary Chairs, TOM & SUSIE CORBIN.
Susie and Tom Corbin believe strongly in giving back to the Kansas City community and especially in supporting organizations such as KCAC who in turn support the work and lives of KC artists. As a bronze sculptor, Tom Corbin has numerous public works on display across KC with his greater body of work being represented by designer showrooms internationally. Most recently, his monumental sculpture of President Harry Truman was installed in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Tom spends his creative time sculpting both figures and nonobjective themes, designing bronze furnishings and painting.
There are so many stories to tell through art!! As avid art collectors, art lovers and art supporters, the Corbins treasure the works they have won at the KCAC auctions. Tom and Susie have been involved with the Coalition since the very beginning and look forward to sharing more of their art journey with the KCAC community as the honorary chairs for the 2023 Art Auction.
“We are so grateful for the strong support we have received over 35 years from our Kansas City collectors, friends and the community. Giving back is important to us and the KCAC has been a constant friend and resource since the very beginning of my career. The works we have collected from local artists make up the majority of our art collection and we are so proud to tell the stories from this amazing stable of artists.” ~ Tom Corbin
And we are excited to share that Harold Smith was the Honorary Artist of the 2023 Annual Auction
Harold Smith is a self-taught artist who has dedicated himself to his studio practice while also teaching in the Kansas City Public School system. A little more than a year ago, Harold was able to retire from his career as an educator and transition his entire focus and dedication to his studio practice. Upon which, he has been deservedly recognized with multiple awards and opportunities; such as a three-year residency at Studios Inc, a Charlotte Street Foundation Fellowship, a Pollock-Krasner award, a MacDowell Residency, and most recently a residency at Art Omi in New York.
Harold is engaged and works to uplift others artists in the community through mentorship, teaching, and providing visibility. Harold is a regular contributor to KC Studio Magazine and teaches Art History courses at KCAC. He is an artist that seeks growth and understanding through continued learning, travel, and studio investigation. His concepts are rooted in genuine investigation and the honsesty of personal experience.
Harold embodies the spirit of the Kansas City Artists Coalition and KCAC is proud to recognize Harold Smith as the 2023 Honorary Artist due to his talent, grace, humility, relevance, and commitment to the KC art community.
In Memoriam… Hugh Merrill
Hugh Merrill was an artist, educator, poet, activist, and supporter of the Kansas City Artists Coalition. Hugh passed away in the fall of 2022. He was a long-time professor at the Kansas City Art Institute who taught foundations, printmaking, and community engagement. Hugh was a dynamic and challenging instructor who introduced many students to the concept of an art practice rooted in community engagement.
Those that knew Hugh intimately understood that he was an imperfect, multi-faceted, passionate and complex individual that had a profound impact on the Kansas City community.
“Often our creative expressions mirror the unbalanced world we travel through. When asked what my work is about, I often shrug and say, ‘Drawing.’ The reality is too much to consider in mere conversation.” ~ Hugh Merrill
Link to Auction Catalog
