Nelson-Atkins receives grant from Bank of America to conserve ‘Three Bowls’ sculpture

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A popular nine-foot-tall sculpture at the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City will undergo needed conservation work in September thanks to a generous grant from Bank of America.

Three Bowls, a cedar and graphite sculpture on the east side of the Sculpture Park, consists of three interlocking, hollow bowl forms made by Ursula von Rydingsvard.

According to a news release from the museum, an assessment of Three Bowls showed several issues that require immediate attention.

“Three Bowls has developed a weathered and sun-bleached appearance, along with a few deep cracks, due to prolonged exposure to the elements,” Mary Schafer, Head Conservation and Senior Conservator, said.

“Conservation staff, in collaboration with the artist’s studio, will treat the sculpture and install a new landscape barrier to ensure its long-term protection.”

The museum purchased Three Bowls from Galerie Lelong in New York City in 1999.

Bank of America awarded conservation grants to 24 nonprofit cultural institutions around the world this year.

“The funding will enable needed conservation of the sculpture Three Bowls, created by Ursula von Rydingsvard, and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining and elevating diverse works of art for future generations to treasure,” Matt Linski, president of Bank of America Kansas City, said.

For the onsite treatment days, the artist’s assistant will fill cracks in the cedar timber with hand-carved wood shims and reapply graphite powder to restore the surface’s original appearance. Once the treatment is complete, protective coatings will be applied to help prolong the sculpture’s renewed condition.

The restoration will be complete in early September.

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