Northeast News
November 4, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center’s downtown campus, 825 Euclid Ave., has a new look, thanks to a large sculpture donated by artist Rita Blitt.

Titled “Trio,” the sculpture measures 26 feet in height and 15 feet wide. The sculpture was installed last week at the Center’s Legacy Park, which is adjacent to the downtown campus and features a 1/8 of mile paved walking trail and vegetation native to the area. The park is open to the public and accessible to the community.

Hilda Fuentes, CEO for Samuel U. Rodgers, said they are excited to become home for this piece of art. The piece has been in storage in need of some refurbishing, along with funding for its relocation and installation.

“Now, thanks to the generosity of its creator, Ms. Blitt, our campus will have a new addition that we know our patients, neighbors and staff will enjoy,” Fuentes said.

The downtown campus now displays drawings, paintings and a small sculpture loaned by Blitt, throughout the building. Blitt donated the large outdoor sculpture in 2012, when the health center moved into its current location. Blitt attended the Kansas City Art Institute and graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Blitt is an award winning and internationally known artist, sculptor, painter and filmmaker whose works of art can be found throughout the world. In a press release, the artist said she’s grateful for the opportunity to share her work which will, “hopefully, bring joy to many people.”

Fuentes said this could be the beginning of a new art in the park development, “providing patients and residents with a more aesthetic, healing environment while also offering a greater sense of identity to the northeast area of Kansas City.”