Northeast News

July 16, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The Inn at 425 opened up its pristine garden to the community on Saturday, July 16, as part of Northeast Arts KC’s first-ever Art in the Garden event.

A handful of local artists were featured at the event – Evie Englezos (Ceramics), Jackie Haltom (Graphic design, mixed media art), Rebecca Koop (Stoneware and porcelain pottery), Shane Rowse (Photography), Peggy Wilson (Oils and watercolor), and Dr. Ed Kendrick (photography). The idea for Art in the Garden was concocted by Rebecca Koop and Carl Markus, who work together with the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District. The pair turned a simple conversation about highlighting local artists into a full-blown idea: and they had the perfect venue in mind.

“It was just a conversation we were having about Northeast Arts, and how we could get more people interested in this organization,” said Koop. “I think (Carl) suggested doing some kind of little meet and greet, and he said he’s got this great garden. I said, ‘Yeah, you do have a great garden.’ So I just started calling some friends.”

Koop was pleased to realize that local artists – as well as the hosts at Inn at 425 – were more than happy to participate in the event.

“Things move a lot smoother when they yes than when they say no,” said Koop with a laugh. “It’s a gorgeous venue; it was made for us.”

Markus owns and operates the Inn at 425 with his husband Stephan Zweifler. Zweifler said that it didn’t take long for Markus to convince him of the merits of hosting an event at the popular Northeast bed and breakfast.

“Carl came home and said, ‘Well, what do you think of it?” remembers Zweifler. “I said, ‘Absolutely.’ It helps to showcase the inn, and we are very neighborhood-oriented.”

In fact, Zweifler indicated during the event that he would welcome turning Art in the Garden into an annual event.

“I think everything look perfect, I think the artists are fabulous, and I don’t think the garden has ever looked better,” Zweifler said. “It was really designed to be full of people, and to have enjoyment in it.”