Inspiring Photo: SPANISH WINDOWS, LAMPS & SHADOWS #8781872

SPANISH WINDOWS, LAMPS & SHADOWS

Uploaded: August 05, 2009 00:38:31

Description

Those who have traveled overseas might do a double take when they stroll past the statue of Sir Winston Churchill. Just steps away two of Spain's landmarks--the Giralda Tower and the Seville Light -- tower majestically on the horizon. Down the street in a quiet courtyard sits an original bronze of Pomona by Italian sculptor Donatello Gabrielli. Is this England, or maybe Spain, or could it be Italy? What a surprise to the traveler to find these magnificent European works of art in the heart of the Midwest -- on Kansas City's famed Country Club Plaza.

Built in 1922, the Country Club Plaza is one of this country's architectural and cultural treasures. It was designed as America's first shopping center. But today it's much more than that. The Plaza is a virtual outdoor museum with over $1 million in art work found in its monumental fountains and over 30 statues and tile-laced murals. Every street on the 14-square block Plaza is worthy of an attentive stroll.

Comments

Dominick M. Dimacale August 05, 2009

The district's streets and sidewalks have been transformed over the years into a true outdoor art gallery, with priceless pieces shipped in from around the world.
A delightful way to experience the Plaza is on foot, strolling its shaded sidewalks past countless works of art that one expects to find only in the world's great museums. A map detailing this walking art tour is available through the Plaza Merchants Association #1163982

Dominick M. Dimacale August 05, 2009

Must see stops on the walking art tour include three outstanding works by Bernhard Zuckerman: the 130 foot tall reproduction of the famous Giralda Tower of Seville, the majestic Seville Light and Diana, one of the largest man-made waterfalls in the United States. Next on the tour are acquisitions from the Bromsgrove Guild in Worcestershire, England: the playful Boy and Hound, the impressive Fountain of Neptune , and the Fountain of Bacchus. Several don't miss pieces from the Romanelli Studios in Florence include the Sleeping Child, a favorite of Plaza shoppers who cast a watchful eye at the statue poised in the median of the street, Michelangelo as Apprentice, the whimsical Boy and Frog Fountain , the Madonna and Child and the beautiful white Carrara marble statue of Ruth.

#7817575

Dominick M. Dimacale August 05, 2009

Only Rome has more fountains than Kansas City, and several of the more spectacular ones are found on the Country Club Plaza. The city-landmark J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain by Henri Gerbert is dedicated to Plaza founder J.C. Nichols; the Allen Memorial Fountain by Gemignani is a gentle reminder of the deceased daughter and son-in-law of Nichols; the Pool of the Four Fauns delights passers-by with the sight of children frolicking in the water; Pomona is a graceful bronze original, a twin to the marble original on display in the King's palace in Bangkok; and Diane by Norman Brunelli, is a life-size bronze which seems to take on life as it reflects upon the Plaza pool and fountain which surround her.

New on the walking art tour are the Path of Gold Lights along 47th Street. These reproductions of the original ornamental street lights found in San Francisco are a favorite of Miller Nichols, son of Plaza founder J.C., who first saw them while stationed in the city by the bay during World War II.

#7817577

Dominick M. Dimacale August 05, 2009

A glance skyward leads the eye to the Plaza's signature structures. Dotting the rooftops stand 14 towers, each echoing the colorful moods of Spain, Italy, Portugal and Morocco.

All through the Plaza are statues and murals depicting many of the world's great leaders and historical figures. Sir Winston and Lady Churchill are preserved in Married Love by Oscar Nemon; a life-sized Benjamin Franklin poised on a park bench invites visitors to sit down next to him; Massasoit, the friendly chief who greeted the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, now stands at the Plaza's entrance greeting travelers of today; the allure of the matador is seen in three bullfight murals set in ceramic tile and handcrafted in Seville, Spain specifically for the Plaza; and, Out To Lunch is a life-size bronze of a young boy sitting on a rock eating an all-American hamburger in front of, where else, the Plaza's McDonald's Restaurant.

#7817578

Dominick M. Dimacale August 05, 2009

The history of the acquisition of these unmatched works of art began back before the 1920's when, as a young man, Plaza developer Jesse Clyde (J.C.) Nichols took a summer off to work his way through Europe. What resulted was a lasting impression of the colorful marketplaces of Spain, the warmth and Old World charm of Europe and the timeless character and ambience of the Mediterranean that eventually lead to the construction of Kansas City's premiere attraction -- The Country Club Plaza. Much of the Plaza's beauty is found in these Spanish and European art objects personally selected and placed by Nichols. And today, the Plaza's management continues the tradition by placing new works of art throughout the 14-block district, ensuring Plaza founder J.C. Nichols' dream of making the Plaza a place of beauty and culture for all to enjoy.

#7817580

Brett Dolsen August 05, 2009

Wonderfull composition with great colour,details,light and shadows Dominick!!Brett #7817582

Dominick M. Dimacale August 05, 2009

Rita Jane Smith

Contact Rita Jane
Rita Jane's Gallery
ritajane-photography.com

member since: 9/22/2004 Awesome capture, great colors!

#7817596

Laura E. Swan August 05, 2009

WOW! Our man of a few words sure had plenty to say about this one! HA!

I will bookmark this Dominick and come back in the morning with some nice hot coffee and take all of this in. I promise!

In the mean time this surely is a beautiful image!!! :)

-Laura (1:53 a.m. where I live)...!!! #7817597

Tommy E. Burgess August 05, 2009

Beautiful capture Dominick!! I'll have to head that way sometime soon. Wonderful work! #7817606

Natasa Mikuz August 05, 2009

Wonderful, extraordinary picture, Dominick! #7817607

Renee Doyle August 05, 2009

Beautifully seen and captured!!! #7817643

Ray Clarke August 05, 2009

Beautiful image, great light and shadow capture Dominick,!!!(R) #7817653

Paul E. Earl August 05, 2009

Fabulous capture! I too will come back to this page when I have a bit more time. #7817664

Brenda Sides August 05, 2009

Wonderful capture, Dominick! #7817748

Michelle Alton August 05, 2009

A wonderful composition and presentation, Dominick. #7817799

Douglas Pignet August 05, 2009

Very nice image with a great story line. #7817808

Tammy Scott August 05, 2009

Beautiful shadow and color shot! #7817867

Ann Coates August 05, 2009

Fantastic find and capture and beautifully presented Dominick. #7817881

Beverley Scott August 05, 2009

Fabulous capture, Dominick, and as a fellow traveller I found your notes very informative! Bev #7817898

Henry Miller August 05, 2009

A beautiful find and great details and nice shadows!! #7817930

Jojie F. Alcantara August 05, 2009

Beautiful, Dom. Thank you for the information. :-) #7817966

Deb Koskovich August 05, 2009

Dominick, your eye for composition is unsurpassed. #7817979

Gord MacEachern August 05, 2009

Beautiful image here Dominick,enjoyed the info also! #7817981

Erin Appelbaum August 05, 2009

Outstanding composition, lighting, colors, clarity and contrast Dominick. Peter #7818042

Michael Khoury August 05, 2009

Wow Dominick, you certainly got me reading this morning...very powerful picture!
mk #7818044

Randy D. Dinkins August 05, 2009

Beautiful light and comp. Wonderful shot and follow up. #7818079

Joseph N. DiGilio August 05, 2009

Nice work Dominick. Love the color, light and shadows. So well composed too. #7818089

Jeff Robinson August 05, 2009

Fantastic capture and info Dominick! Jeff #7818107

Linda M. Walker August 05, 2009

I feel like I am in history class....what a wonderful lesson and a beautifully presented image...well done!! Thanks for sharing. #7818117

Ken Smith August 05, 2009

Nice shadow play, Dominick..and excellent work on the contrasts! #7818119

JO ANN CLEVELAND August 05, 2009

How cool...I love those shadows Dominick, and the color

jo ann c. #7818152

Carol Sawyer August 05, 2009

Beautiful capture, lighting and colors, Dominick!! #7818153

Colette M. Metcalf August 05, 2009

Very nice image!!! #7818266

Chua Wee Boo August 05, 2009

Great lighting & lovely capture,Dominick! #7818319

Mike Clime August 05, 2009

Wonderful comp, light and shadows! #7818355

Gina Cormier August 05, 2009

WOW...again with the info! That would take me hours to type!! LOL
Gorgeous composition with lovely color! #7818368

Patti Coblentz August 05, 2009

Love the shadow play in this...nice image, Dominick.
Patti #7818459

Linda D. Lester August 05, 2009

Wonderful shot....love the shadows! #7818507

Boyd L. Alexander August 05, 2009

Wow!! Outstanding composition, lighting, colors, clarity and contrast Dominick! #7818514

Debra K. Johnson August 05, 2009

Ditto to all, Dominick! Fabulous capture. #7818539

Robert R. Goodman August 05, 2009

Hi Dominick,very beautiful color.Great capture!!!! #7818546

Lorraine A. Cook August 05, 2009

Beautiful window and lamp shadows against the salmon color wall, Dominick!!!<:))

I LOVE the accompanying text...there is so much to see and photograph at this historic Country Club Plaza!!<:)) #7818566

Mary Beth Aiello August 05, 2009

Just gorgeous, Dominick. #7818581

Shelly A. Van Camp August 05, 2009

Beautiful...love the black frame around this too! #7818604

Girish Vaghela August 05, 2009

Well seen, very lovely, Dominick! #7818616

Joy Rector August 05, 2009

love this shot, great comp #7818635

Shawn Jennings August 05, 2009

Great composition to include the shadows on this, Dominick! #7818652

Cathy Barrows August 05, 2009

the shadows make this one #7818694

Amy M. Wilson August 05, 2009

Beautiful capture, love the colors and shadows, Dominick! #7818712

Lisa J. Boulden August 05, 2009

Great shadows, color, and comp here, Dominick!
~♥~lisa #7818812

Ruth Grimm August 05, 2009

Your gorgeous shadowed image drew me in, Dominick, your history lesson kept me!! Thank you very much!
I know a family who is from Kansas City, you can bet I'll be talking with them about this plaza, perhaps even planning a trip there.
#7818825

Jack R. Perry August 05, 2009

WOW, thanks for the education, impressive. #7818922

Patti Coblentz August 05, 2009

Great commentary, also!
Patti #7818927

Karen Bacon August 05, 2009

wonderful shot and history lesson! #7818946

Manuel Barrera August 05, 2009

Wonderful play of light image, Dominick #7818957

Ron McEwan August 05, 2009

Good eye and a grand image you have captured here Dominick, very well composed for sure. #7818980

Margaret R. Barry August 05, 2009

Beautiful colors, light composition and clarity, Dominick! #7819007

Patricia Seidler August 05, 2009

Beautiful Dominick. The light, color and shadows are fantastic. #7819089

Patricia A. Stalter August 05, 2009

As you would say: Great work and words here. Pat #7819127

Betsy Labuschagne August 05, 2009

Beautiful capture Dominick, great light and color!! #7819136

Rebecca K. Lefferts August 05, 2009

I absolutely love the shadows!!! Great shot! #7819217

ROLAN NARMAN August 05, 2009

Fantastic capture, details, lighting and colors Dominick! #7819305

Marcel J. Fernandez August 05, 2009

Very outstanding work here, Dominick.

Marcel #7819313

Mitch Spence August 05, 2009

I know the Plaza is a great place to shoot, Dominick, and you saw this piece of it beautifully. #7819356

Julianne Bradford August 05, 2009

Beautifully seen and captured Dominick! Terrific story also! #7819410

Kay E. Mahoney August 05, 2009

Nice find, Dominick. Thanks for all the information. It's nice to read on things that are taken in different areas other than were we take our pictures. #7819474

Renata Gusciora August 05, 2009

I love that!Incredible colors,light and shadow play and composition,Dominick!Great framing too! #7819482

Zsuzsanna M. Szugyi August 05, 2009

Beautifully seen and captured, Dominick. It's good to read about the place. Thank you for the info! #7819499

Stephen Zacker August 05, 2009

Well seen. Excellent photography #7819521

Tiia Vissak August 05, 2009

a fantastic image! #7819571

Yulianto Soeroso August 05, 2009

wow #7819616

Peggy J. Maguire August 05, 2009

Beautifully Done Dominick!! #7819732

Elena F. Wyatt August 05, 2009

i so love this photo. I love taking pictures of european windows. will add to my favorite. good luck Dominick #7819902

Ray Thoms August 05, 2009

Very well done Dominick..... #7819965

Lynn M. Whitt August 05, 2009

Great capture Dominick... #7820182

Ivan Chacon August 05, 2009

Nice work Dominick! :) #7820187

Nancy (Peaches) Harker August 05, 2009

FANTASTIC capture, I love it! #7820563

Nadya Johnson August 05, 2009

Really striking, Dominick! I like the shadow-play. That turquoise against the pink really pops! Great find, well captured! #7820799

Sam Britt August 05, 2009

Great composition, color, clarity & shadow, Dominick. #7820835

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna August 05, 2009

Amazing and beautiful, Dominick!!! :-) Ma #7821035

Donna L. Stansbury August 05, 2009

Beautiful play with light and shadows Dominick, your entire gallery just wows me every time I browse through it :) #7821168

Nancy L. Green August 05, 2009

VERY cool dom, wonderful lines and comp here, WTG!! <>< #7821188

frank w. degenhardt August 05, 2009

Dominick- This makes me want to have the ability of Dorothy and be able to click my heels and be in Kansas to see all this beauty and be awed as you were. Just reading all about it was such a thrill and to imagine what it all looks like a dream. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put in on giving us a tour of the plaza. It was fasinating reading and deeply enjoyed.
Backing that up is this beautiful picture. Again I am loving the framing you are doing to some of your pictures.
Ilove the lighting and the artful look you captured here. That textured peach wall is such a beauiful background. The colors are gorgeous. Just love studying the work of masters and the intricate details put into the work.
Its so clasical, elegant and priceless. Your work does it much honor and I hope you have more in store to share with us.
Phemominal work my friend.
Have a great day, you take care. #7821305

Laura E. Swan August 05, 2009

:) !!! #7821380

Robyn A. Terrell August 05, 2009

Fabulous image, Dominick! #7821391

Karen Engelbreth August 05, 2009

Wonderful capture, Dominick.... #7821408

Maria Coulson August 05, 2009

What an interesting shot. And thanks for the description. #7821476

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer August 05, 2009

Fantastic 'design' and use of light, Dominick. #7821542

Robert K. Bemus August 05, 2009

Great find and capture, Dominick!! I never would've guessed KC!! #7821567

Stan J. Bendkowski August 06, 2009

Beautifully composed and captured, Dominick! #7821780

Izabela Zagaja-Florek August 06, 2009

Beautiful picture, Dominick, love the shadows here! :) #7822309

Dick W. Wyatt August 06, 2009

Great composition .

I love this one. #7824354

Reynaldo D. Reyes August 06, 2009

Very beautifully presented here and the historical and informational perspective allows one to appreciate the place much better. #7825142

Alex T. Mizuno August 07, 2009

What a great capture Dominick! It's a perfect EOD! Combination of the flat color of the wall and the strong shadows make it look like a silk screen. It's definitely a work of art! #7825449

Georgeina M. Mckinney August 08, 2009

This is now added to my list of many places I desire to visit. Stunning picture!! Before I read any of your comments I wanted to go and now I don't think I could stay away after viewing the plaza through your eyes. Thanks for your time. #7829262

Stefania Barbier September 20, 2009

another beautiful finalist Dominick, congrats! #7957770

Alex T. Mizuno September 20, 2009

Congratulations on your Finalist Dominick!!! #7957803

Beverley Scott September 20, 2009

Congratulations on this great finalist, Dominick! #7957914

Michelle Alton September 20, 2009

Congratulations on all of your great August Finalists! One day you'll have to share your secret for being able to travel so much. I think we are all envious! #7958493

Linda D. Lester September 20, 2009

Wonderful shot....Congratulations and good luck in the next round!!!!!!! #7959294

Ruth Grimm September 20, 2009

Congratulations Dominick!! Best of luck in the next round! #7959399

Lauren P. Krajenta September 20, 2009

Fantastic shot! Great lines, shadows, colors, pov, tones, clarity, lighting! Congrats!!! :) #7959687

Amy M. Wilson September 20, 2009

Outstanding Finalist... congrats, Dominick!!! #7959823

Maria Coulson September 20, 2009

Congratulations!! #7960122

Courtenay Vanderbilt September 20, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS again, Dominick!! #7960132

Nancyj E. Hovey September 20, 2009

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
on your very deserving FINALIST! 8o) #7960190

Katarina Mansson September 20, 2009

Congratulations on another well seen and captured finalist Dominick! #7960670

Judy V. Kennamer September 20, 2009

Gorgeous Finalist Dominick!!! Congrats!!! #7960845

Debra R. Harder September 20, 2009

Love the shadow-play, colors, comp and details...BRILLIANT, Dominick! Congratulations on another SUPERB finalist!! Deb #7960877

Carla Metzler September 20, 2009

Gorgeous! Congratulations, Dominick! #7961077

Jeana Clark September 20, 2009

Excellent Capture!!
Congratulations on this
fantastic finalist!!
Best of luck in the next round!!!
~J~ #7961626

Teresa Burnett September 20, 2009
AWESOME!!!!! Another huge congratulations Dominick!! #7963602

Fran J. Jagger September 20, 2009
Congrats on this lovely finalist, Dominick!! :) #7963623

Denny E. Barnes September 20, 2009
Outstanding!! Big congratulations again Dominick, on this beautiful and well deserved finalist!! #7964335

Laurence Saliba September 21, 2009
Oh I love this!!! Congrats my friend!!!! #7964906

Kathy Cline September 21, 2009

NEATO DOMINICK
CONGRATS #7965738

Linda Blair September 21, 2009
Congratulations!!!!!!!!! #7965990

Tiia Vissak September 21, 2009
Congratulations! #7967817

frank w. degenhardt September 21, 2009
Another fantastic Finalist my friend. Congratulatons once more. #7968048

Jeff Robinson September 21, 2009
Congrats Dominick on your Fantastic Finalist! Jeff #7968076

JO ANN CLEVELAND September 21, 2009
This was awesome, congratulations Dominick!
jo ann c. #7968347

Ken Smith September 21, 2009
Another super month for you. Congrats again, Dominick!! #7968528

Guy D. Biechele September 22, 2009
Awesome design!! Congratulations on this finalist, Dominick. #7971403

Erica Murphy September 22, 2009
Very intersting and graphic shot Dominick!!! Congratulations!! #7972132

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