Mark Lundeen Sculptures
Mark Lundeen Sculptures is an artist-focused company specializing in creating detailed, evocative bronze sculptures that celebrate cultural history and artistic expression. Founded by renowned sculptor Mark Lundeen, the firm draws inspiration from his extensive travels and masterful techniques dating back over 5,000 years. Notable works include ‘Monkey Business,’ a whimsical bronze statue in Kansas City celebrating street performance art, which has become a beloved local landmark for over 40 years. Lundeen’s sculptures are featured in various public spaces, including university campuses and national landmarks. His aim is to forge connections through art that inspire joy, reflection, and community engagement.
News Summary
Kansas City is commemorating the 40th anniversary of its iconic bronze sculpture, ‘Monkey Business.’ Created by artist Mark Lundeen, this whimsical statue has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike, symbolizing joy and artistic expression. The piece, depicting an organ grinder and his capuchin monkey, is a testament to the city’s rich appreciation for public art. As part of the celebration, the community reflects on the legacy of the sculpture, originally crafted in the late 1980s, and its impact on the cultural landscape of Kansas City.
Kansas City is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its beloved sculpture, “Monkey Business,” a whimsical bronze statue that has become a charming fixture at the Country Club Plaza. Created by Colorado-based artist Mark Lundeen in the late 1980s, the piece depicts an organ grinder and his capuchin monkey, capturing the essence of street performances once common in Europe, particularly Italy.
The statue, located near the corner of Nichols Road and Central Street, represents one of only 15 casts made of “Monkey Business,” all of which sold quickly upon their release. The prominence of the sculpture at the Plaza is often attributed to the efforts of Miller Nichols, an heir of J.C. Nichols, who was instrumental in overseeing the Plaza’s art collection during that period. Notably, one cast of “Monkey Business” was once part of Michael Jackson’s statue collection at Neverland Ranch, highlighting its broad appeal and significance.
Lundeen’s inspiration for “Monkey Business” stemmed from his travels where he encountered organ grinders. This artistic endeavor was meticulously planned, drawing from the artist’s observation of capuchin monkeys at the Denver Zoo. To ensure authenticity, Lundeen modeled the organ grinder after a friend, Joe Tarantino, whom he describes as “a short, stocky Italian guy.” This careful attention to detail is a signature aspect of Lundeen’s artistic process, which incorporates techniques that date back over 5,000 years to ancient China, utilizing oil-based clay to mold his sculptures before they are cast in bronze.
Over the decades, Lundeen has created a variety of sculptures that have adorned several locations, including a pronghorn antelope at the University of Nebraska–Kearney and a buck located on the John Deere campus in Illinois. His upcoming plans include the unveiling of a statue honoring former President Jimmy Carter at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland and a tribute to a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War for installation at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.
Having dedicated over four decades to the art of sculpture, Lundeen states that he has never been busier. His ambitions go beyond mere creation; he aims for his works to resonate with viewers, inviting engagement and connection through his art. The significance of “Monkey Business” not only lies in its whimsical representation but also in its ability to captivate and spark joy among residents and visitors of Kansas City.
The legacy of “Monkey Business” is entwined with the cultural fabric of Kansas City, providing a lasting testament to the city’s appreciation for public art and the creativity of its artists. As the community reflects on the past 40 years, the sculpture continues to stand as a symbol of joy and artistic expression, inviting all who pass by to pause and appreciate its charm.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Magazine: Michael Jackson’s Sculpture
- MSN: Journey to Wonder Sculpture
- Fox4 KC: Journey to Wonder Sculpture
- Art News: Nick Cave’s Art Concerns
- Kansas City Magazine: History of a Kansas City Sculpture
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
