Art Program is in the eye of the beholder

(for H&R Block Corporate Communications)

Oct. 2006 – With the new H&R Block Center completed, a program focused on art has been launched: The H&R Block Art Program. “Art Inspiring Innovation” is at the heart of the recently incorporated program.

More than 200 sculptures, painting, and glass pieces reside in the lobby and work spaces throughout the 18-story building. Much thought went into the program and no one knows that more than the Long Term Space Planning committee, who oversaw the entire project.

“We wanted to create an environment that sparks creativity and innovation, and would support our strategy to attract and retain great talent,” says Belinda Lower, project manager on the Long-Term Space Planning committee. “Art fits right into that.”

Lower describes the conversations started by "Gifting", a three-dimensional piece by local artist Brent Sommerhauser that depicts a wheel with arms as spokes. “Some associates think it’s fun. It makes others uncomfortable. Others wonder how it was made. But what’s important is that it evokes an individual response and gets associates talking.”

Sparking creativity

Artwork was selected not for style, but for evoking reaction in the viewer, even if the responses are conflicting.

That’s just fine with members of the Associate Art Committee including Sara Wasson, director - Human Resources. “Art is a stimulus for thought and connection,” says Sara, “and those thoughts don’t always have to be in concert.”

Bill Rose, project manager – DTS, also a member of the committee, agrees. “We looked for art that would energize people; that would spark a lot of conversation and get them engaged.”

Community

Another key consideration when selecting the collection was H&R Block’s commitment to the local community. All the new artwork is from the four-state region – Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. Metro-area artists contributed many of the key pieces, including “Floating Sphere” created by Overland Park Sculptor, Dave Regier. This striking stainless steel sculpture in the lobby was fabricated from more than 3,000 pieces and symbolizes global community.

Some of the artistic discoveries are even closer to home. Associate Bill Rose is also a talented artist. His charcoal piece, “Bricks in the Wall,” was purchased for the collection and is on display on the 17th floor. Photographs from associate artists such as Paul Douglas, Chris Olvera, Diane Charity, Michelle Taylor, Daniel Button, and Kavin Litton are displayed in most of the conference rooms in the building.

Diversity

Paul Dorrell, art consultant and owner of the Leopold Gallery, worked closely with the Associate Art Committee to select new pieces that would balance out the existing collection. After whittling down the more than 600 submissions, Dorrell and the committee made final selections, often visiting local galleries to view the artwork in person.

The Associate Art Committee reflected another of H&R Block’s values – diversity.

Selected at random from interested associates, the committee includes:

“We didn’t just represent different departments but differing tastes in art – some love abstracts, some representational art,” says Rose. “But we were all able to appreciate good art in all its forms.”

Paul Dorrell guided the committee and helped them learn more about the art they were looking at. “Thanks to Paul, we were able to learn about art,” says Lower. “We evolved so much.”

Art in the Future

At the new H&R Block Center, art will imitate life – it will not be static. Associates will see the art in different ways and different places and will have opportunities to broaden their exploration of the art collection through art tours, labels on all artwork with additional information on key pieces, and even lunch and learns with some of the artists.

Now showing

A program in partnership with the Kansas City Business Committee for the Arts, of which Henry Bloch is honorary chairman, will present rotating art exhibits in the lobby, such as Kansas City figure artist, Lacey Lewis. Another KCBA program, art@work®, will invite associate artists to share their creations with their co-workers.

“Art speaks loudly to people in so many ways,” says Wasson.

And the H&R Block Art Program speaks volumes of our commitment to diversity, community, innovation, and collaboration.

Copyright © 2006 by Terry Matz. Please do not reprint without permission.

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