Inspired by Kansas City’s role as a host site for FIFA World Cup 26, Personal Best celebrates six local artist-athletes at the top of their game. Through a variety of styles and media, their work reveals the shared attributes of this dual identity that are key to their accomplishments.

The exhibition features glass installation artist and distance runner Kate Clements, painter and climber Samantha Haan, painter and football player Kwanza Humphrey, post-digital printmaker and Shotokan karate practitioner Mike Lyon, interdisciplinary artist and distance cyclist Tj Templeton, multidisciplinary artist and mixed martial arts fighter Thea Wolfe.

Success in the seemingly distinct worlds of art and sports is rarely the result of a single moment of brilliance. Instead, as the six artist-athletes in Personal Best prove, it derives from the cumulative impact of embracing the grind of incremental process, conquering doubt, and learning from failure. Their achievements stem from the mental, physical, and creative stamina required to push beyond their comfort zones. Fueled by discipline, determination, and drive, these artists share an unwavering commitment to challenge yesterday’s limits and strive for continual growth both in the studio and in their athletic pursuits.

Personal Best, the fifth exhibition in the museum’s KC Art Now series, is organized by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with generous support provided by Paul DeBruce and Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce and the Kosloff Fund (as of August 13, 2025).