About the Exhibition

The Elevate at 21c program presents exhibitions for local artists, living and working in the communities surrounding our 21c Museum Hotel. Elevate provides hotel guests with unique access to the work of notable regional artists, while featuring their work in the context of 21c’s world-class contemporary art collection.

On view from November 2021 through May 2022, Elevate – Kansas City presents:

Michael Brantley
Michael Brantley’s work is collection of paintings that celebrate the lifestyle and culture of Black America to inspire, inform, and provoke dialogue. He works mainly with the figure, utilizing both contemporary and traditional methods of painting. Michael Brantley lives and works in Kansas City. His work can be found throughout the Midwest, as well as in private collections. His work is currently included in Testimony at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in collaboration with the African American Artist Collective.

Judith G. Levy
Judith G. Levy is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the complexity, commonality and contradiction in personal stories, historical narratives, queer identity, and socio-cultural issues. Levy received a BA in Drawing and Painting from Hunter College and a Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. She has presented solo exhibitions of her work at venues throughout the Midwest and her films have been screened nationwide. Levy currently lives and works in Kansas City, MO.

Isaac Tapia
Isaac Tapia’s work is a visual tribute to the many stories of struggle and triumph within his community. Using a blend of classical art techniques and bright, fluid imagery, he elevates the narratives of individuals that have been erased throughout history. Isaac’s diverse body of work is united by themes of representation and dialogue, reminding his audience that “a voice is a voice; even when it isn’t speaking in English.”  Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Isaac Tapia is now a muralist, painter and teacher based in Kansas City, MO.