First of the Month

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Originally uploaded by andebos.

The Kansas City of my youth was much more of a suburbanite world - mostly because I never really explored, or was over interested in, the culture that downtown offered. However, years progress and you find youself more interested in new things, culture, and heritage. Recently, KC is trying to improve the downtown climate...through architecture, events, and just general vibe the city provides. In this effort, the Crossraods Community Association has brought us "First Fridays." Crossroads is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the crossroads district. Here is a great description of what they are acoomplishing:
"One thing vibrant cities have in common is a healthy and lively urban core. While this has not always been the case in Kansas City, exciting changes are under way that are bringing new life to the heart of our city. The Crossroads Arts District already has begun an amazing transformation. Long vacant buildings have been replaced by growing businesses, restaurants, residences and a thriving art scene. The members of the Crossroads Community Association are determined to make certain this transformation continues."

At First Fridays, art galleries display work in a variety of locations - maxing out the scene with art and people. It is quickly becoming a favorite among the young and older generations alike. Tonight, roommates and I attended. It was a fun night and really sparked an interest in me to begin producing art once again. It always fascinates me what creates an appreciation, or an interest, or whatever you call it, that makes me turn my eyes towards one piece of art over all others. I loved the variety of pieced down there - and the mix of people all around one event. While down there though, the night quickly turned a bit ackward. Unfortunately my roommate ran into an old girlfriend who is now married - she didn't see us but it was enough to shake him a bit. I can't imagine that situation, I don't want to. I think it is an extremely challening one that can produce destruction or construction...odds are, destruction. We quickly came home thereafter. However, before that, we ran into several Jacob's Well people including Chris and Kevin and their wives...then later we ran into Stephanie and several of her friends. Shared a laugh as I intoduced Stephanie to one of Mike's female co-workers as one of my roommates...oddly enough, she fell for it - April Fool's I suppose. A great event and I'm excited to attend again in May.