The Needle
Owner: KCMO Parks & Rec
Artist: Dave Stevens
Installed: 2002
Dedicated: October 4, 2002
Medium: Stainless steel, aluminum
Description:
Sculpture depicts a tall stainless steel threaded needle stitching into a large red button. The button is red with four holes and is placed at an angle sloping downward toward the north side of the sculpture. The button is bolted to two black angled metal forms. The needle enters the south button hole at 60 degree angle to the ground. The lower 2.5 ft. of the needle is hidden by the button and black supports. The metal white thread is looped through the eye of the needle. A bronze dedicatory plaque is attached to the north side of the concrete base. The needle symbolizes the buildings nearby which were the heart of Kansas City's Garment District and once made over 25% of the clothing in the United States.
The Needle is 16' tall and the button is 5' in diameter. The sculpture is located on the northwest side of the intersection of 8th and Bank Streets. Broadway and the double-sided 8th Street Fountain is about a half block away to the east.
