History

Kansas City Art Statuary, Inc. is a manufacturer of stone cast fountains, birdbaths, statues, planters, accents, tables and benches created for independent lawn/garden centers and statuary companies throughout the United States. The company’s history began in 1904.

Over a century ago, decades before commercial air travel and interstate highways, a man with admirable entrepreneurial spirit named Angelo Rossi made the long ocean voyage and overland trek from Bogni di Lucca, Italy, to the United States to sell decorative plaster figures and ornaments at the St. Louis World’s Fair. Little did he know, his entrepreneurial spirit would lead to today’s Kansas City Art Statuary, Inc. Although, Angelo later returned to his beloved Italy, his sons — Pietro, Leo and Agricola — carried on the family tradition when they moved to America in 1919, eventually arriving in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1925, business picked up as the brothers began delivering their statues and figurines to regional fairs, where the tiny works of art were given as prizes for games of chance. The brothers’ good luck continued until the Great Depression hit. In 1929 Agricola returned to Italy. But on February 5, 1949, Agricola’s oldest son, Loriano, set sail for America to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps.

In 1951, Loriano brought his father back to Missouri and soon they bought the small plaster factory that was to become Kansas City Art Statuary. In time, Loriano’s mother, brother Angelo and sister joined the family business. As their skills evolved they crafted detailed molds and began working with cast stone. In the 1960s, Loriano and Angelo continued to expand and introduced garden statuary, followed by fountains, vases and urns. In 1995, Mike Patterson purchased Kansas City Art Statuary and worked with Angelo Rossi to expand the company’s product line, its independent lawn/garden center, and its statuary customer base. Under Mike’s leadership, the company enjoyed success by focusing on customers, quality and classic designs. In 2005, Richard Jacobson and Gregg Herman purchased the company with the goal of maintaining the high-quality, old-world craftsmanship that customers have come to expect from Kansas City Art Statuary.

Currently, our team is working hard to continue the traditional values maintained by this company since the Rossis began: hard work, quality, integrity and fairness. Kansas City Art Statuary is committed to protecting the time-honored standards of personalized and honest business practices. We’re looking forward to adding a fresh, new enthusiasm as we continue to grow the Kansas City Art Statuary quality line of products. Our dream includes being able to fulfill even more of our customers’ needs. Please know that our experienced, professional team truly appreciates your loyalty and is looking forward to serving you now and in the exciting future.