Come celebrate a very special public place in downtown Kansas City with us!

Tonight: I-35 and Southwest Blvd.

S'mores Cart will be near the I-35 overpass at Southwest Blvd., 5-8p.m. this evening supporting the Eco Abet 2012 charette design team and BikeWalkKC.
http://www.ecoabet.org/
http://bikewalkkc.org/
http://www.eldo.us/

TROOST FESTIVAL

Troost Fest was great! I got to work out bugs in the s'mores delivery system and meet lots of interesting folks on the street. The highlight of my day was a succession of lively conversations with all types of people, most who live near the area, but many from outside the neighborhood who came to support and contribute to the Troost Village Community Organization.

I was amazed at the level of interest and support for a vending cart that does far more than just provide food; I am convinced I could never be a "regular " vendor without a thoughtful (albeit ambitious) goal to give back to community. I was reminded of this when I was given the opportunity to move the cart up by the stage, where the majority of people were congregated later in the evening. The live acts were great, but the sound was too loud to really talk with my customers, and I realized conversation is essential to a good s'mores cart vending experience.

The S'mores Cart is not just conversation: Talk is cheap, but having the ability to commit resources to literally make change in public, shared environments is the S'mores Cart goal. Proceeds after expenses will be donated to the Troost Village Organization.

SC 2 Progress: The top covering is sufficiently done; I plan to add folding side shade panels. I chose plastic because its easy to remove and clean-and I like the ambient light on the inside in the day and at night it will glow with LED lighting.

Bemis Regional Exhibition

I had a great weekend in Omaha participating in the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art Regional Exhibition. I got there a day early in order to scout for sites around town that warrant discussion on the topic of defining and using public space. Omaha has a nice downtown, I especially like the old market and how the river front is developed-very pedestrian friendly. Everyone at Bemis was exceptionally helpful with the S'mores Cart, Thanks to Joel Damon and all of the staff-and Shannon Stratton for including me in the show. I managed to operate both Thursday evening AND opening night.

I chose to include the original smaller cart because this enabled me to get the project in front of a new audience and community, while continuing work on the new cart. The smaller cart is also easier to travel with, but still does the job.

                                                
 I placed photos of interesting and mostly empty public spaces on my new signs hoping to spark a discussion and contemplation of these places, and our relationship to them.

Thanks again Joel for great assistance in setting me up to get the cart and new signs prepared for the exhibition.

S'mores Cart Travels to Omaha

 I am pleased to announce that the S'mores Cart has been selected to participate in the Bemis Regional Exhibition, opening Friday, March 2nd.  I'm looking forward to meeting new friends in Omaha and researching public spaces and hopefully promoting a conversation about public art and design practice.

I'm excited for 2012! In the works:

- The new cart, it's coming along.

-collaboration with local chef's and chocolatier.

-new and better signage/informational kiosk/type objects.

-travel, seeking opportunities to take the cart to other locales...

-merchandise items.

-fundraising activities.

This project is advancing and improving constantly-thanks for being patient!

Kurt