Tributary

In June 2016, artists and scientists convened near the confluence of the Missouri and the Kansas Rivers to swap river stories. From those discussions, the idea of bringing together contemporary art, current scientific research, interactive natural resource workshops, and big river adventures was born. Built around the theme of the Missouri River and its tributaries, real and metaphorical, Tributary creates an experimental resource evaluation that mingles observation, experience, and intuition to improve understanding of one of our nation’s greatest natural resources. Tributary exhibiting artists and scientists include: Tim Amundson, Lynn Benson, Carrie Elliot, Dave Heimann, Caitlin Horsmon, Heather Krempa, Karen McCoy, Melissa McGrath, Anson the Ornery, Libby Reuters, Joshua Rowan, Steve Snell and the Prairie Rivers Network. Chief Hydrologist for Tributary is M.O.I.–The Minister of Information.

Tributary: an exploration of the Missouri River, Real and Metaphorical
May 12 – June 10
Opening Reception: Friday, May 12th, 6-9PM
la Esquina, 1000 W 25th Street KC MO 64108

Tributary programming:

Tributary partner exhibition
April 8 – 22nd
Opening Reception, Saturday, April 8th 1-4PM
Healthy Rivers Partnership, 815 Woodswether Rd. KC, MO
Venue open Friday/Saturdays, or by appointment

Tributary Artist Talks
Saturday, April 8th, 2PM
Healthy Rivers Partnership, 815 Woodswether Rd., KC, MO

A Walk from a River Sculpture to a Sculpture on the River
Saturday, April 15th, 1:15PM
Healthy Rivers Partnership, 815 Woodswether Rd., KC, MO
Walk begins and ends at the Healthy Rivers Partnership. Walk with Karen McCoy, followed by expanded media presentations by Caitlin Horsmon at 1PM and 3PM.

New Media Night at Healthy Rivers Partnership
Friday, April 21th
Healthy Rivers Partnership, 815 Woodswether Rd., KC, MO
Watch the sunset on the Missouri River from the HRP rooftop garden, then watch “Every time I go Outside the World is Different” by Caitlin Horsmon and Michael Price’s documentary “Water Rates and Rivers”. Artists Sarah Hearne and m.o.i. will discuss photography as an installation tool.

“What Does the Bottom of the Missouri River Look Like?” As part of the Big Muddy Speaker Series, featuring Caroline Elliott, USGS Geomorphologist
Tuesday, April 24th, 7PM
Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, KC, MO

“Where’s the Mud: Understanding sediment sources and storage in the Big Muddy?” As part of the Big Muddy Speaker Series, featuring Dave Heimann, USGS Hydrologist
Tuesday, May 23rd, 7PM
Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, KC, MO

A Whole world at Your Feet: an Invertebrate Workshop with USGS Biologist, Heather Krempa
Thursday, June 1st, 5:30-7PM
la Esquina, 1000 W 25th Street KC MO 64106

Big River Tributary
Saturday, June 10th, 12-2PM
Kaw Point Park, 1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, KS 66115
At high noon, adventure artist Steve Snell will commander Daunting Courage, a cardboard replica of Lewis and Clark’s keelboat into historic Kaw Point. The public can witness and provide testimony from the vantage point of a former Lewis and Clark camp. Water protectors from Healthy Rivers Partnership will offer free Missouri River boat tours from noon until 2PM.