THE ART OF THE BRICK to Feature LEGO Works of Art at Union Station

THE ART OF THE BRICK, a captivating exhibition, featuring intriguing works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the LEGO® brick, is set to make its debut at Union Station on January 25, 2018, in the Bank of America Gallery. Tickets are now on sale. The critically acclaimed collection of creative and inspiring pieces constructed using only LEGO bricks is created by world-renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya.

Designed to inspire ingenuity and creativity, THE ART OF THE BRICK is the world's largest and most elaborate display of LEGO art. The massive collection features original pieces as well as re-imagined versions of some of the world's most famous art masterpieces made exclusively from LEGO bricks like Van Gogh's Starry Night and Da Vinci's Mona Lisa as well as a gallery showcasing an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.

"The Art of the Brick is one of those rare experiences that's nearly impossible to describe," George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. "It's unexpected and inspiring. Massive and intimate. Brilliantly simple and complex all at once. It's unlike anything you've ever seen. It's a totally unique blend of art, science, engineering and pure imagination - filling 10 complete galleries - and ending with a hands-on creation area in which guests of all ages will be invited to create their own masterpieces. Additionally, the genius behind this work - Nathan Sawaya - will be on-site for the exhibition opening and unveiling of a creation built exclusively for and themed around Kansas City. Watch our Facebook page for an invitation to suggest themes for consideration. Art of the Brick will be with us only for a short time, so I highly encourage guests to visit early, starting January 25th."

Visitors will have the opportunity to get up-close and in-person with the fan favorite, Yellow, a life-size sculpture of a man ripping his chest open with thousands of yellow LEGO bricks cascading from the cavity. In addition, visitors will be able to walk under a 20-foot-long T-Rex dinosaur skeleton made out of bricks and come face-to-face with a giant LEGO skull.

"THE ART OF THE BRICK takes LEGO somewhere you wouldn't expect and shows you things you have never seen before," said artist Sawaya. "The goal with this collection of art is to demonstrate the potential of imagination and the power of creativity."

THE ART OF THE BRICK is the first major museum exhibition to use LEGO bricks as the sole art medium. Sawaya transforms LEGO bricks into tremendous and thought-provoking sculptures, elevating the toy to the realm of art. Sawaya's ability to transform this common toy into something meaningful, his devotion to spatial perfection and the way he conceptualizes action, enables him to elevate what almost every child has played with into the status of contemporary art.

"What a fantastic way to kick off 2018," Bob Regnier, Union Station Board Chairman, said. "One of the many things we do so well is engage the mind as well as the hands. We know by bringing this powerful combination together, we create lasting, meaningful and high-value opportunities for all of Kansas City. With Art of the Brick, guests are going to be taken aback, then drawn into an absolutely fascinating world of contemporary art and astounding engineering. This really taps into the potential of imagination and power of creativity. I'm planning to bring my kids and grandkids and participate fully in every aspect of the exhibition."

Conde Naste Traveler proclaims, "The Art of the Brick Is Pretty Much Blowing Our Minds." And CNN calls it "One of the World's Must See Exhibitions." The New York Times writes, "The Playfulness is contagious." And the Wall Street Journal describes it as, "Anything but child's play."

As an early bonus to The Art of the Brick at Union Station, Sawaya will make a rare artist appearance as the exhibition opens and unveil a creation just for Kansas City, reflecting a unique aspect of our hometown. The public will be invited to submit ideas and even witness the creative process as it happens. Watch the Union Station Facebook page for upcoming details.

THE ART OF THE BRICK at Union Station will be on display from January 25th through May 28th, 2018.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Union Station website here: unionstation.org/artofthebrick.

Former NYC corporate lawyer turned contemporary artist, Nathan Sawaya is the first artist ever to take the LEGO brick into the art world as a medium. Sawaya has earned a top position in the world of contemporary art and has created a new dimension by merging Pop Art and Surrealism in awe-inspiring and groundbreaking ways. Sawaya's touring exhibition - THE ART OF THE BRICK - has entertained and inspired millions of art lovers and enthusiasts around the world. CNN heralded, THE ART OF THE BRICK is one of the top ten "must-see exhibits in the world!" Sawaya is an author, speaker and one of the most popular, award-winning contemporary artists of our time. For more information visit www.brickartist.com.

Union Station Kansas City -- a 501(c)3 non-profit organization -- is a 103-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization -- dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history -- is home to Kansas City's internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; H&R Block City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded "Top Banquet Facilities in KC" by KC Business Journal, the facility regularly hosts community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit www.unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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