The Libraries are full of dedicated staff and faculty, but in addition to doing what they do so well for the UMKC Libraries, they’re also very artistically talented! Currently on display through December 2023 in the 212 Administrative suite are five pieces of art from staff members across the libraries. Stop by Monday-Friday from 8-5 to see them!
Sean McCue, User Interface & Graphic Designer – Stuck in the Mud! illustrations
Sean illustrated Stuck in the Mud!, a children’s book about a family story he heard growing up. Sean had been hearing this family story about his uncle’s old beloved farm dog “Gomer” since he was a kid, and he had ideas about illustrating the tale for many years. The impetus finally came during the global pandemic, when this type of long-postponed passion project was all Sean could to do keep from climbing the walls in the nightmarish spring of 2020. The book was hand illustrated and finished with gouache, which is very similar to watercolor.
Scott Gipson, Library Information Specialist Sr. – traveling salesman’s wand display case and wands
Various woods (Ash, Ebonized Cherry, Walnut, Fumed Oak, and Roasted Maple) and Selenite crystal.
From Scott: “I started making Wizarding World inspired wands in 2008 and worked my way up from small craft fairs to Comic Cons. I needed a way to display wands at smaller shows that held a little whimsy. I found a case at a local craft supply store, reconfigured the hinges, added a wand rack on one side and compartments for postcards and business cards on the other.
Each wand contained is individually handmade out of locally sourced or salvaged woods, or a Selenite Crystal rod. They are all made without a pattern, no two are identical, with the idea that these would be used to cosplay the individual as themselves or a self-created character within the Wizarding World.”
Becky Briggs Becker, Library Archivist – Amigurumi Crochet Octopus
Materials: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport yarn in Sprinkle Heather and White (100% wool light weight yarn); scrap wool sock yarn.
From Becky: “I have crocheted amigurumi animals and characters since 2010. Many of my pieces I give to family, friends, and coworkers for milestones such as birthdays, holidays, and baby showers. I also donated amigurumi puzzle ball animals and crochet ornaments to the Persistent Stitches’ #Auction4AWEfund in 2020 and 2021 to raise money for the SAA Foundation’s Archival Workers Emergency Fund. I crocheted this octopus during Winter Break 2021, after I received a pattern book to create an angler fish pouch.”
Sophia Pressler, Library Information Specialist – black wolf resting in the snow painting
Materials: acrylic paint on wood
Garth Tardy, Special Collections Catalog Librarian – “There are Other Worlds They Have Not Told You Of”
Materials: copper foil, solder, and stained glass
