An Art Legend's Legacy to Lakeside

Kansas City, Missouri, requires that one percent of the cost of a new municipal building go toward art to compliment that structure.  In the process of planning and constructing the new Lakeside Nature Center in the 1990’s, a panel was formed at the Municipal Arts Commission to begin the selection process of an artist to create the art for our beautiful new building.  It was my privilege to be one of those sitting on that panel as representatives of Lakeside and Friends of Lakeside, as well as  Sharon Goff, Kaye Wise, and  former director Tammie Tritico. 

It was difficult to choose just one artist from the many who were so well qualified. After many trips downtown, to sit through  long meetings viewing  hundreds of slides and reading dozens of resumes,  the artist who would grace our new center with his talent was selected.  He was Ken Ferguson, well-known Kansas City artist.

Those who are familiar with Mr. Ferguson’s work would be quick to say he was one of the best to be found.  Well known for his ceramics,  he taught for many years at the Kansas City Art Institute.  Upon his retirement, he was named  Professor Emeritus of Ceramics.

Mr. Ferguson completed two beautiful bronzes and a pair of ceramic doves for Lakeside Nature Center. The one percent for art fee he was paid didn’t begin to cover what he normally might have earned for such work.  However, it was his love of Kansas City, of art, and yes, of nature, that inspired him to design and create for us.  And we are very thankful.

Ken Ferguson passed away in December, 2004.  His legacy lives on here at Lakeside Nature Center and everywhere else one might be fortunate enough to find his work, as well as in the many artists who studied under him.                                                    

(Story and photos by Diane Clark)