It was a little over a year ago that I sat at my computer banging out the finishing touches on the Square One Interiors business plan. There were, as you can imagine, multiple brainstorming sessions, coffee stained drafts and chicken scratched revisions in my efforts to put into words a roadmap of where I wanted this journey to take me. In all that planning mayhem, there were a few recurring ideas that made the leap from first draft to final hard copy.
One of the ideas that grabbed hold in my mind from the moment I put it on paper, was to get involved with and promote the work of Kansas City’s local artists. If you weren’t aware, Kansas City is ranked nationally as one of the top cities for creative individuals. What better way to promote these artists and their amazing work than to showcase pieces regularly? Ok, small confession, there may have been a teeny, tiny ulterior motive as well. I mean seriously, who wouldn’t want to look at beautiful art each and every day right? So, it is with much excitement (giddiness really) that Square One Interiors will officially throw open our doors with gorgeous original art from a very talented Kansas City native. Brady Legler has graciously agreed to become our first major installation in what will become a regularly rotating exhibit. Read on for a bio of Brady’s work:
Brady Legler, New York, NY
Brady’s color palate is often as bright and vibrant as any Impressionist painting. Splashes of electric turquoise vibrate against fiery reds. Slashes and spirals infuse the abstract paintings with a sense of movement. The overall effect is emotional and optimistic. People meeting Brady for the first time might think he is reserved, but the paintings tell a different story. “I like to work on big canvases because I like to see walls covered in color.”
His use of acrylic paint and non-traditional application methods give his work a sense of depth and texture. Layers appear on the canvas as paint is slathered on then scraped away. “I see my paintings the same way I see people in layers. Sometimes the layers have to be peeled away to see the true meaning.”
The artist, Brady Legler, is a student at the Parsons School of Design in New York and a native of Kansas City. His life, much like his art, is multi-faceted. He began his creative process designing jewelry. The jewelry is sold at high-end retailers throughout the United States and select boutiques.
This may be a little cliché, but to me, having Brady’s bright and bold canvases in our space seems to be icing on the Square One Interiors cake. Many thanks to Bob and Brady Legler, for helping us achieve one of our major goals!
Be sure to swing by the Square One Interiors showroom to see Brady’s work live and in person. Join us for the Grand Opening on July 8, 4pm-8pm. We will also be holding an exclusive Brady Legler event later this summer so bookmark our Events page and stay tuned for updates!
Peace + Love + Furniture
Courtnay
Ah, it’s nearly time again. A mere 36 hours until manufacturers, industry professionals, client end-users and eager students decend upon the Merchandise Mart’s four million (yeah, million) square feet of interiors heaven. For me it’s a love/hate realationship. I love to see all my friends, industry people and new products. I hate however, the fact at the end of the day my feet feel like they have been run over by a Mack truck then chewed on by wild animals.
If you are not familar, Chicago and The Merchandise Mart play host to my industry’s largest event of the year: NEOCON World’s Trade Fair. NEOCON has taken the term “one stop shopping” to the extreme. There are literally thousands of products and resources for commercial interiors enthusiasts. Whether your interest is corporate, retail, healthcare, education or government; you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Take a sneak peek at what’s in store for this year’s show:
Exhibitors: Get your walkin’ shoes ready. Taking in 700 showrooms and booths over 18 floors and 4 million square feet, you’re guaranteed to have some sore feet. Like I said…Dr. Scholls would be a wise investment this week!
Education: Discover new ideas and techniques from top industry professionals with over 150 CEU- accredited seminars, tours and educational programs. Can you say brain overload? Hope they give handouts!
Networking: Catch up with old friends and make new ones! Explore the excitement of the industry with over 40,000 design professionals and hundreds of exciting networking events and parties.
I don’t know about you, but I’d say that is A LOT to pack into three days! If you are Chicago bound this week, I’ll see you there. You’ll easily recognize me, I’ll be the one with ice packs strapped to my feet. If you can’t make the show this year, don’t fret. We’ll be doing our own “miniCON” in July!
Peace + Love + Furniture
Courtnay
I know, I know…it’s been nearly three months since my last post! I’m a little frightened at how the time flies by but rest assured, now that summer is upon us and the total craziness of construction and moving is over I’m going to get back to posting regularly.
I must say that taking up work residence in Kansas City’s River Market has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Seriously, I was lucky enough to stumble smack into my dream space! It really goes to show it is who and not what you know. A HUGE thank you to Kelly Jander, Shaul Jolles, Courtney Beaumont and Alan Waterman for helping me find and get into such an amazing space in one of the coolest communities in Kansas City. If you haven’t been down to the River Market in a while, I urge you to get down here pronto! The City Market is always bustling with activity, the local restaurants are pretty darn tasty and there’s even great shops to get your buy on.
But that’s not even the best part. My favorite thing about the River Market is the true sense of community. Delware Street is filled with a fun mix of both residential and commercial tenants and I really don’t think there is a more dog friendly neighborhood in this city! Not a day goes by that I walk down the street and don’t get a hi or a friendly wave from a neighbor. From the first day Square One Interiors moved down here, everyone has truly welcomed us with open arms. So thank you River Market community for making each work day seem more like a vacation day!
I’m still venturing out to the various restaurants and shops but here are some my favorite places so far. Go check them out next time you’re down here!
Cascone’s
If that isn’t enough to get you down here maybe a party will motivate! Come join us for the GRAND OPENING of the Square One Interiors new showroom. We’re celebrating with food, cocktails, live music and great door prizes, so save the date and come celebrate! Thursday July 8, 2010 4pm-8pm. Please RSVP to hilary@squareoneinteriorsllc.com
Hope to see you there!
Peace + Love + Furniture
Courtnay
