Art Raffle for Scholarship Funds.
Giving back with something I love doing. Creating unique art. (2025)
Four paintings and a great cause
The American Institute of Architects Kansas Chapter (AIA Kansas) provides services and programs to meet the needs and interests of Kansas architects and develop public awareness of the value of architects and architecture. AIA Kansas is also committed to the development of architectural students and, through the foundation, offers an annual scholarship.
One Scholarship, Two Universities
One scholarship is awarded at each of the two universities offering architectural programs: Kansas State University and the University of Kansas. Recipients are chosen based on academic excellence, portfolio quality, and faculty recommendations. The goal of the scholarship is to:
- Reduce financial barriers for students pursuing degrees in architecture. By supporting students early in their careers, AIA helps ensure a strong, ethical, and skilled pipeline of architects who will shape the future of the built environment.
- Reinforces AIA’s mission to advocate for architecture that serves the public good.
- To reward students who demonstrate exceptional design talent, creativity, and leadership potential.
- Invest in individuals who are likely to advance architectural innovation and sustainability in the future.
In 2025, AIA Kansas hosted a silent auction during the annual meeting, held in Wichita, to raise money for these scholarship opportunities. The silent auction included twelve different items with significance to Kansas, and it was a big hit amongst the members. This was the first time a silent auction was held, but it will be a recurring event going forward. aiaks.org
For this opportunity, I created four paintings. All were done with acrylic on canvas and framed within a floater style frames. Each painting was a Kansas City landmark, showcasing the diverse archtecture found across the metro.
Below is a brief excerpt about each landmark and a photo of the final piece that went up for auction.
Painting 1: Sauer Castle
Sauer Castle is an Italianate architecture home at 935 Shawnee Road in Kansas City, Kansas, built from 1871 to 1873. It was designed by famed architect Asa Beebe Cross as the residence of German immigrant and local business owner Anton Sauer. He had married Francesca in Vienna, Austria at age 18. Wikipedia
Painting 2: Western Auto Building
The Western Auto Building, first known as the Coca-Cola Building or the Candler Building, after owner Asa Griggs Candler, is located at 2107 Grand Boulevard, in the Crossroads neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. Wikipedia
Painting 3: World’s Largest Shuttlecock
Once a controversial work at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art when originally installed in 1994, Shuttlecocks is now one of Kansas City’s most recognizable icons. Conceived by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coojse van Bruggen, the four giant shuttlecocks casually placed on the museum’s lawn suggest a game of badminton had been played by giants using the museum building as a net. The sculptures, constructed primarily of fiberglass, were supposed to be repainted every two years to keep them in optimal condition. However, museum officials quickly grew concerned that paint buildup would obscure the fine details on the “feathers”. Tnemec.com
Painting 4: Buck O'Neil Bridge
The Buck O'Neil Bridge was a triple arch bridge that spanned the Missouri River in Kansas City, Missouri, in the United States. It first opened for traffic September 9, 1956 as the Broadway Bridge. It was built at a cost of $12 million. It was a toll bridge until 1991. Wikipedia
Final Thoughts
I produced these in a pretty fast turn around. Normally, I probably would have choosen oil as my medium, but knowing I needed a fast dry time so I could varnish and frame in time to deliver, acrylic made the most sense. My approach is always the same regardless of medium, however I find myself adjusting how I mix for the desired color.
I'm pleased how these turmed out, and excited for the opportunity to be a part of a scholarship award for architectual students.