The following, submitted February 2005 by Scott Wilder, is from a published article, November 20, 2002: 'Arthur Kraft's diverse art outshines his flawed life', by Brian McTavish, The Kansas City Star:

Arthur Kraft gave everything -- maybe too much -- to his art. Yet he wouldn't have had it any other way.

The Kansas City artist, who died destitute at age 55 in 1977, was an idealist devoted to telling truth and sharing beauty in his paintings, drawings, sculpture and writing. He acquired a national reputation, but according to those who knew him he also was a droll charmer who drank too much and never knew how to handle money.

He may not be a familiar name today, but his standing has never been stronger among thos...