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The Dolphin Closes in the Crossroads

The Dolphin Gallery will be relocating to 1600 Liberty St. in the West Bottoms. Design: Kem Sudios (Jonathon Kemnitzer, Brad Satterwhite, Jon Taylor) and Dolphin Construction: A.L. Huber
Photo: Dolphin
The Dolphin Gallery will be relocating to 1600 Liberty St. in the West Bottoms. Design: Kem Sudios (Jonathon Kemnitzer, Brad Satterwhite, Jon Taylor) and Dolphin Construction: A.L. Huber

One of the early pioneers of the Crossroads Arts District, who coined First Fridays as a way of bringing people to the area after 9-11, is moving to the West Bottoms. After 16 years, Dolphin Gallery owner John O'Brien sold his building to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and says he's ready for a new challenge.By Laura Spencer

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/national/local-national-735329.mp3

Kansas City, MO – Dolphin owner John O'Brien describes the West Bottoms as "the new frontier." KCUR's Laura Spencer talked to O'Brien recently among stacks of artwork in the back room of the Dolphin Gallery about the move, the influence of artist Jim Leedy, and the early days of the Crossroads.

Final exhibition at 1901 Baltimore: FOR ARTS' SAKE June 6 - July 26, 2008

The Dolphin's new location in the West Bottoms/Stockyards opens this August with a first exhibition expected in September. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art will open a Crossroads exhibition space at the former site of the Dolphin in the fall.

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday 9-5 Saturday 12-5

To listen to a recent Walt Bodine Show discussing the history and future of the Bottoms, including John O'Brien as a guest, check here.

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