Champagne Room

"The Big Lick" by Philo Northrup. Ceramic, copper, glass & bone  assemblage w/lighting FX

“a psychedelic tavern along the River Styx.”

The last years of my Mother’s life were spent in a lovely retirement home in Philadelphia.  I visited often, sharing good food and wine with her and her nonagenarian friends.  While the accommodations were very nice, you witnessed people you cared for visibly falling apart.   The residents darkly & affectionately referred to their residence as a “luxury hotel on the banks of the River Styx.”

Instead of a hotel, I’ve created a tavern with psychedelic lighting to ease our path.  Just because time is after us, like a persistent, giant fish, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy another round here at the “Bad Habits Bar.”

“The Champagne Room” is also a love letter to Kansas City.  This installation will combine several styles I’ve been developing since I arrived four years ago, most of which involve lighting FX.

How many summers do you have left?  Discuss with some friendly taxidermy at the barstool, reserved just for you.

Opening Reception: Friday, Oct 3: 6-9pm

Closing Reception / Halloween Party : Friday, Oct 24: 6-9pm

Please join us.  When chaos comes to call, it’s best to offer it a drink.

“The Champagne Room” is an 1800 sq ft installation of 70+ sculptures at the Vulpes Bastille Galley in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District this October.  1737 Locust Street.

The layout will resemble a welcoming tavern, complete with chairs, tables, lamps & rugs.  The artwork brings together artworks from my Bad Habits Bar, Memento Mori and Psychedelic series, and you can see these pieces on those pages. I’ve included some imagery here and will add more as the installation is realized.

Gallery address: 1737 Locust Street. Open 1-4pm Sundays & by appointment. Contact Philo or the gallery to make an appointment.

"Memento Mori La Petite Mort 2025"

"Champagne Room Calliphora table 2024-25"

"Memento Mori I Saw My Life Flash Before My Eyes 2025"

"Bad Habits Bar An Altar 4 A I 2025"