The new Blitt Art Suite is open, and The J is offering expanded art classes, including ceramics. The J’s recent expansion included the addition of 1,000 square feet for a new ceramics studio that has seven pottery wheels, two kilns and two wedge tables for the use of white and red clay. It features skylights to allow for natural light. The ceramics studio is connected to the existing painting studio.
Outside the two studios is a beautiful display case featuring the sculptures of artist Rita Blitt that connects the two spaces. The name, Blitt Art Suite, honors the legacy of her late husband Irwin Blitt, who was instrumental in building the Jewish Community Campus.
“The pieces selected for the case are representative of larger pieces from the surrounding Kansas City area,” said Blitt. “All of these pieces are significant to me, and I wanted to share them with the community to enjoy.”
Blitt was asked to become involved in the expansion project by Scott Slabotsky, chair of The J’s Capital Campaign. She and her late husband had always been interested in arts and culture on the Campus and had previously donated a small gallery in the main lobby. She also has donated several works of her art including “My Joyous Jewish Star,” “The Dance,” “L’chaim: To Life,” which is the large sculpture that graces The White Theatre circle drive entrance, as well as paintings on paper that hang near the former dance studio on the second floor.
“Rita’s art often has a reference to the uplifting moves of dance or the organic forms of nature — thus imparting a sense of joie de vivre, or a cheerful enjoyment of life,” said Aletha Simon, a community volunteer and longtime friend of Blitt’s, who served on the art selection committee with her when the Campus opened in 1988.
New Classes for Adults of All Ages
The J is enrolling now for all types of art classes, including virtual and in-person offerings, taught by professional instructors. The in-person classes will ensure safety precautions, including limited participants and a face mask requirement. Some of the March and April offerings include Hand-building Ceramics, Beginning Wheel Throwing, Intermediate Wheel Throwing and Realistic Drawing Basics (virtual). Class prices range from $69 for virtual painting to $130 for J members and $150 for guests for ceramics. For more information and to register, go to thejkc.org/art.
