Beyond Bounds • BRILLIANT! offers unique art for purchas

International, national and regional artists were invited to create a work of art using select mediums provided by the museum. This year's theme was "BRILLIANT!"

"We sought a word which best exemplifies artists - their talent, their innovation and their extraordinary contributions to our lives," said Bruce Hartman, executive director of the Nerman museum. "The color yellow was chosen to symbolize brilliance."

Dr. Mary Davidson Cohen and Dr. J. David and Dana Kriet are serving as co-chairs of this year's event. "We are deeply grateful to Mary Cohen and David and Dana Kriet for their generous support," said Dr. Terry Calaway, president of Johnson County Community College.

Among the sponsors for the event are Jerry and Margaret Nerman, Jon and Christi Stewart, Capitol Federal and JE Dunn Construction and numerous others. Media sponsors include KC Magazine, SPACES and 435 South Magazine. Well-known Kansas City auctioneer, Dirk Soulis , will serve as this year's guest auctioneer.

"Many of Kansas City's best known collectors eagerly await each Beyond Bounds," Hartman said. "This event allows collectors an opportunity to view and acquire works by leading contemporary artists and often at very affordable prices."

"BRILLIANT!" features the most impressive array of artists to ever participate in Beyond Bounds. "The works we've received are extraordinary," Hartman said. In all, 154 works of art will be available for sale at the event, including paintings, works on paper, photographs, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture.

Beyond Bounds is national and international in scope, with works ranging from major paintings by Warren Isensee , Kim Dorland and Karin Davie to photographs by Lynn Davis and Sheila Pree Bright.

Internationally-renowned sculptor Jonathan Borofsky contributed a unique, cylindrical sculpture comprised of dozens of alternating yellow and black figures. Kevin Pourier contributed an extraordinary buffalo horn spoon embellished with a Swallowtail butterfly designed of inlaid gold mother-of-pearl and lapis lazuli. Clay artists Jason Garcia and Mark Errol each contributed signature ceramic works.

Numerous Kansas City-based artists also are participating, with each employing the color yellow. "The many works by area artists are astonishing," Hartman said. "We are so appreciative of their incredible generosity."

Completed, signed works will be sold during live and silent auctions. The evening also includes a gourmet buffet of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and desserts and musical entertainment.

In 2009, more than 800 artists, collectors and patrons attended Beyond Bounds. Collectors from New York, Chicago, St. Louis and Los Angeles will be attending this year.

"The success of Beyond Bounds can be directly attributed to the incredible generosity and creativity of the participating artists," Hartman said.

To date, Beyond Bounds events have garnered nearly $700,000 to support exhibitions, educational programming and art acquisitions on the JCCC campus.