International award-winning KC artist recognized for donation to KU Edwards Campus
OVERLAND PARK – Rita Blitt, international award-winning painter, sculptor and filmmaker, was recognized by the KU Edwards Campus last week for her recent gift of more than 100 pieces of original artwork. Blitt’s work is currently displayed on the walls of the campus’ Regnier Hall, Regents Center and BEST Building.
Community, business, philanthropic and education leaders and guests from Kansas and Missouri joined Blitt, University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod and KU Edwards Campus Vice Chancellor David Cook for the opening Aug. 16. The program included an artist talk, followed by guided tours of the new Rita Blitt Collection at the KU Edwards Campus.
“Rita’s gift has helped turn our campus into a space that generates welcome, warmth, curiosity and enthusiasm,” Cook said. “We are grateful for her generosity and honored to display her work.”
A Kansas City native, Blitt donates her work to nonprofit organizations across the United States, and her work is included in many museums and private collections, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Spencer Museum of Art, Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Mulvane Art Museum, John F. Kennedy Library, National Museum of Singapore, Nevada Museum of Art, Spertus Institute, Skirball Cultural Center, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art and the Kennedy Museum of American Art. More information on Blitt and her work can be found on her website.
Blitt said she finds great satisfaction in giving her art to institutions such as the KU Edwards Campus.
“I love learning and being surrounded by the pursuit of knowledge,” Blitt said. “The KU Edwards Campus is a perfect place for me to share my art with people discovering their own way to make a contribution towards a better world.”
Carol and Fred Logan were leadership donors for the collection. Carol Logan says she’s excited for the collection to inspire KU Edwards Campus students, faculty and staff.
“We’re pleased to support the presentation of Rita’s work and hope that it will enhance the experience of learning and community engagement at the KU Edwards Campus,” Logan said.
Girod says Blitt’s gift complements the culture and focus of the KU Edwards Campus.
“Rita’s work inspires the same kind of engagement and creativity that we hope students experience during their education at KU,” Girod said. We’re grateful to her and excited for our students, faculty and staff to encounter her work on the Edwards Campus.”
About the KU Edwards Campus
The KU Edwards Campus at 127th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park delivers high-quality academic, professional and continuing education programs as well as research and public-service benefits of KU to the Greater Kansas City community in order to serve the workforce, economic and community development needs of the region. More than 3,000 individuals pursue degrees and certificates through the Edwards Campus, and its Professional & Continue Education units receive more than 40,000 class registrations each year.
Top right photo: KU Chancellor Doug Girod introduces artist Rita Blitt at the event celebrating her gift to the KU Edwards Campus on Aug. 16.
Bottom right photo: David Cook, KU Edwards Campus vice chancellor, presents artist Rita Blitt with a commemorative plaque honoring the gift of her artwork to the campus.