Recently, a friend pointed my artistic interests towards an often overlooked Kansas Citian by the name of the late Arthur Kraft (1922-1977). I hadn’t realized I’d been a fan of his work on the Country Club Plaza for years. However, his prolific range goes further than the stuff of bronze penguins. From sculpture and stained glass, painting and illustration and more, Kraft had an incredible technical eye, hand and creative whimsy. Unfortunately, talent often has a bedfellow in trouble. After many health struggles, setbacks and addiction, Arthur Kraft passed away in 1977 at the age of 55. But, the legacy shines on. His should be one of the great names referenced in the halls of American art history. A couple weekends ago we found his downtown Kansas City circus mosaic mural, a true cool highlight of hot summer. I just wish I’d known years ago.
Images: Arthur C. Kraft, Various Dates / Photos: Internet