OPEN UP the Art Gallery at Shawnee Mission North

The student art gallery at Shawnee Mission North (SMN) High School, the Brantman Art Gallery, is 42 years old and showing its age. The lighting is poor and the wall materials are deteriorating. Most importantly, with a closed-off entrance to the Gallery, students are unable to see the art when they walk by. In fact, some SMN students don't even know there's a gallery in the school. We want to change that!

 

We are grateful to the Shawnee Mission School District and a local contractor for donating their services to fix the interior needs. But to create a modern Gallery for SMN students, we want to OPEN UP the gallery with a glass entry wall so everyone can see the art!

 

The district cannot cover the cost of the new glass wall and with the interior updates starting over Spring Break, we only have until February 28th to raise $12,000 to bring a fresh, new look to the Gallery. Every dollar donated will go directly to the purchase of this glass wall and donors will be recognized on a plaque near the Art Gallery.

 

With the 100th year anniversary of Shawnee Mission North this year, please make a donation TODAY to ensure the North community has an art gallery they can be proud of!

 

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About the Gallery 

For the students and teachers of Shawnee Mission North High School, the Brantman Art Gallery has been a staple of the art department for over 40 years. Serving both students and the broader community, the Gallery provides a space for students and community artists to present their work in a proper environment. It provides for North’s art students what gymnasiums and theaters offer for other students.  

 

The first of its kind, the Gallery opened in 1980 with overwhelming support from the community. The Patrons Art Gallery, Inc, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed with a Board of Directors to support the programming and fundraising needs of the space. The Board, comprised of community volunteers and North teachers, has continued to support the Gallery through the years.

 

The Board has engaged many professional artists who have shown at the gallery and worked alongside students in their classrooms. In addition to regular exhibits, the gallery has purchased over 50 pieces of art from students to form a permanent collection. To support the art department, the Gallery has funded scholarships for over 30 North students to attend summer art enrichment classes at the KC Art Institute. Annually, the Gallery funds opportunities for students to visit the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum exhibits—some students attending a museum for the first time. The Board is proud to continue providing enrichment opportunities and support for the artistic growth of Shawnee Mission North art students.