History of the Vanderslice Committee

The youngest auxiliary of the Kansas City Art Institute was organized in June 1963 under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Leon T. Swan. The name "Vanderslice Committee" was chosen after Kansas City Art Institute President Morgan suggested restoration of designated areas of historic Vanderslice Hall as a worthy purpose for the new committee. 

Vanderslice Hall was constructed from 1895 to 1897 and originally name "Marburg". It was the residence of August R. Meyer and his family.  Mr. Meyer was the first President of the Kansas City Park Board and prominent businessman. More than 20 years after the death of Mr. Meyer in 1904 his widow, Emma J Meyer, sold their home and 8 1/2 acres of land to wealthy arts patron, Howard Vanderslice.  Mr. Vanderslice donated the home to the Kansas City Art Institute in 1928 and contributed $200,000 toward an endowment for maintenance.  The home was renamed in his honor.  On September 9, 1982 Vanderslice Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

Members of the former Dormitory Committee of the College formed the nucleus of Vanderslice Committee.  These founding members were:

Mrs. John G. Barnes
Mrs. William B. Barry
Mrs. W.E. Bixby, Jr.
Mrs. M.M. Bowman
Mrs. Mary Margaret Brett
Mrs. Harvey Burrus
Mrs. Forrest D. Byars
Mrs. Joseph A. Cameron
Mrs. Lucy Drage
Mrs. A.J. Esrey
Mrs. Robert E. Gayle
Mrs. John A. Growdon
Mrs. Shelby E. Holmes
Mrs. Charles M. Howell
Mrs. Lucille McPherson Jenkins 

Others invited to become charter members were:

Mrs. Hilary A. Bush
Mrs. J. Robertson Clagett
Mrs. J.T. Conlon
Mrs. Hal E. Curry
Mrs. Ken Dubach

The first renovation project was to return Harzfeld Galleries to their former elegance. When the dropped ceilings and wall were removed, the ornate plaster cornice was found to be badlydamaged and part of the wainscoting and original mantels were gone. It proved to be a major construction project. George A. Dovel, Jr., Kansas City interior designer, former student, and Institute instructor, served as advisor.

Upon the suggestion of Mrs. Swan a complete history of the Kansas City Art Institute and Schoold of Design was compiled and published. Proceeds from the publication sales were designated toward the restoration project. To further fund restoration, several additional fundraising projects were undertaken by the 40 active members, including soliciting cash donations.

Impressive pieces of furniture and two antique crystal chandeliers were donated. A Gift Book, or Memory Book, was established to honor contributors and identify gifts. The book was to be displayed in the new reception room.

The restored elegance created a beautiful area to accommodate special Institute functions and Auxiliary Committee events. These reception rooms are now know as the Vanderslice Rooms.

In 1965 the Kitchen Tour was initiated as The Committee’s major fundraising project. During 1971 funds provided a small modern kitchen-serving area to accommodate small groups. It was intalled adjacent to the Vanderslice Room.

In 1970 and 1971 a second annual fund-raising project was added with very successful School of Creative Cooking co-sponsored by Halls, a prestigious department store. The Committee concentrated efforts on only the Creative Cooking School in 1972 and 1973, then returned to just the Kitchen Tour in 1974 as the single, major project.

The Kitchen Tour expanded to a Kitchen and Homes Tour through the following years. In 1989 the tour format included a European High Tea and an elegant Benefactors Party to complement and support the Tour. The Tour tradition continued until 2010 as the major fundraising project.

During 2009-2010 new fundraising formats were investigated to replace the extremely labor-intensive Kitchen and Homes Tour. A decision was made to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of KCAI resulting in a beautiful, hugely party held in a lovely home. In 2010, the event was designated “Palate and Palette” and included an extensive silent auction.

The Palate and Palette event was continued until the decision to form a joint-effort fundraiser with The Fireside Committee and SketchBox auxiliaries in October 2016, featuring area celebrated chefs and artwork. The event was named ArtFare.

In 2018, Vanderslice chose to continue ArtFare as a single venture for The Committee’s major fundraiser. The Vanderslice Committee continues raising funds to maintain, beautify, and refurnish the Vanderslice Room and designated areas of Vanderslice Hall of the Kansas City Art Institute.

Vanderslice Committee Past Presidents