[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 50 (Thursday, April 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E663-E664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF KATHLEEN COLLINS, PRESIDENT OF THE KANSAS CITY ART 
                               INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 7, 2011

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognizing the 
outstanding achievements and cultural legacy nurtured at the Kansas 
City Art Institute by retiring President, Kathleen Collins. She took 
over the duties as President in 1996 and through the years has built 
strong community partnerships that resulted in creative and innovative 
projects. Her efforts enhanced and modernized the quality and function 
of the Kansas City Art Institute into providing an education in 
creativity, professionalism and business practices.
  The Kansas City Art Institute dates back to 1885 to a group of 
artists who referred to themselves as the Sketch Club. Walt Disney, 
Thomas Hart Benton, Robert Rauschenberg and Robert Morris have all been 
associated with the Institute. Two of Kansas City's most well known 
businessmen, J.C. Nichols and William T. Kemper, Jr., served on the 
Board of Trustees. Today, the Kansas City Art Institute is an integral 
part of the cultural growth of Kansas City and continues to sustain the 
support of the community.
  Under Kathleen Collins' leadership, enrollment escalated and the 
Institute expanded, with over $25 million in renovations and 
improvements on campus. The H&R Block Artspace, the Jannes Library and 
Learning Center, the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge Painting Building, the 
Cafe Nerman, and the

[[Page E664]]

J.C. Nichols Patio Garden are all new additions cultivated through 
Kathleen Collins' vision. Additionally, she has secured the Institute's 
financial future with a $40 million endowment.
  As President, Kathleen Collins reorganized the Institute into four 
schools: Foundation, Fine Arts, Design, and Liberal Arts. The 
curriculum emphasizes liberal arts while expanding the curriculum to 
the School of Design and Electronic Arts. The Institute maintains its 
foundation of art while educating artists in the fundamentals of 
business through its required Professional Practice program.
  Kathleen launched a Community Arts and Service Learning certificate 
program that provides an opportunity for students to work in 
partnerships for the betterment of the community. The Brush Creek 
Community Rain Garden project is one example of this successful 
program. Students partnered with city and state officials and private 
sector companies to design an environmental solution based on regional 
ecological principals. By using native plants in a garden setting, they 
addressed the ecological impact from stormwater runoff. The 
partnerships created a beautiful solution that serves as an 
artistically green example for the community.
  The presence of the Art Institute can be seen throughout our 
community. The latest addition of community partnership will be 
unveiled when the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts opens. Patrons 
will have the wonderful experience of viewing extraordinary murals 
created by KCAI students in partnership with architect Moshe Safdie.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege for me to recognize 
Kathleen Collins. She began her career as President of the Kansas City 
Art Institute 15 years ago and during her tenure worked tirelessly to 
solve financial and creative challenges. As she retires, she can look 
with pride on her accomplishments that propelled the Kansas City Art 
Institute into the recognizable and renowned institution that it is 
today. We wish her well as she returns to photography and travel and 
enjoys the good life with her husband, Jeff Love. On behalf of the 
people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, I wish this academic 
leader a well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________