Robert Bingaman, "Float" (detail), 2021. Pigment ink print, 48 x 80 in. Image courtesy of Haw Contemporary.

Erica Iman, "Large Yuba Stine," 2026. Stoneware, glaze; 17 x 17 in. Image courtesy of Artist.

Ethan Stern, "Aurora Axis," 2023. Blown and wheel-cut glass, 50 x 19 x 8 cm. Courtesy of Artist

Element Ten in collaboration with Frank Norton, "Cheers," 2023. Neon, 24 x 17.5 x 4.5 in. Image courtesy of Artist.

Chandra DeBuse, "Swimming Pool Salt and Pepper Shaker," 2019. Ceramic, Image by Belger Arts. Courtesy of Belger Collection.

Ekin Aytac and Josh Davids, "Light as a Feather," 2026. Blown glass, diamond cut edges, sand engraved; 12 x 4.5 x 5 in. Image by Belger Arts

Georgia Janowiecki, "Pink Intertube," 2017. Oil on Canvas, 24 x 24 in.

Beat the heat

June 5 - September 5, 2026

First Friday, June 5: Opening Reception 6pm to 8pm

at Belger Crane Yard Studios
2011 Tracy Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64108

Belger Arts is pleased to present Beat the Heat, an exhibition that explores the freedoms and limitations that emerge during the intense summer heat.

Through diverse techniques and materials, the artists capture the distinctive spirit of summer, evoking both the warmth of the season and relief from its oppressive heat. Georgia Janowieki’s paintings feature realistic rippling waves, while Ethan Stern’s carved glass conjures images of coastlines. Ekin Atyac and Josh Davids contribute wave-inspired glass etchings, highlighting the human tendency to seek refuge in water when temperatures soar. Robert Bingaman’s print portrays a swimming pool amid the Los Angeles Fires, encouraging viewers to look beyond summer nostalgia and recognize the dangers of extreme heat. Erica Iman’s geological sculptures reflect untouched natural materials, offering a contrast to human-altered environments. Element Ten’s neon scapes evoke the hum of summer nightlife during reprieves from the sun. Works from the Belger Collection recall memories of warm air rushing past as one cruises down the road.

Each artist addresses a key aspect of the summer experience—whether it’s vibrant nightlife, exploring the outdoors and urban environments, or finding moments of calm amid the season’s frenzy. Together, they consider the central question: “What Beats the Heat?”

Participating Artists:

Beat the Heat includes work by Ekin Atyac and Josh Davids, Robert Bingaman, Chandra DeBuse, Element Ten, Susan Glaser, Erica Iman, Georgia Janowieki, Alex Siburney, and Ethan Stern, along with works from the Belger Collection by artists such as Chandra DeBuse, Susan Glaser, and Alex Siburney, and others.

Exhibition works Available for purchase

Please email gallery@belgerartscenter.org to inquire about prices.

Element 10, "Cheers"

Erica Iman, "Large Yuba Stine"

Ethan Stern, "Coast Light Azure"

Ethan Stern, "Aurora Axis"

Ethan Stern, "Round Ripple"

Ethan Stern, "Ripple"

Aytac-Davids, "Polar Axis"

Georgia Janowiecki, "Pink Intertube"

Georgia Janowiecki, "Spilling the Tea"

Georgia Janowiecki, "Swimming in the Dark"

Georgia Janowiecki, "The Plunge"

Robert Bingaman, "Float"

Element 10, "Vibrations"

*Belger Arts is proud to participate in Handwork 2026, a year-long initiative that includes over 250 museums, art centers, organizations, educators, and makers to celebrate the diversity of the crafts that define America, bringing compelling stories and underrepresented art and artists into the spotlight. As a member of the initiative, Belger Arts is celebrating handwork through a variety of programs that provide visitors a chance to discover and experience craft.

These programs include the following exhibitions:

February 6 - May 2, 2026 - Second Skin: Exploring Adornment as an Extension of Self
February 6 - May 2, 2026 - Mathew McConnell: These Things Take Time
October 2, 2026 - January 2, 2027 - Victor and Friends: Victor Babu exhibition

Beat the heat

June 5 - September 5, 2026

First Friday, June 5: Opening Reception 6pm to 8pm

Participating Artists:

Exhibition works Available for purchase

Belger Arts Center

Belger Crane Yard

Belger Glass Annex

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