Centennial Celebration Series
100 YEARS OF CIVICS AND THE ARTS IN ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI
1927-2027
Images: St. Joseph, MO City Hall and Missouri Theater
Presented by City Hall & Missouri Theatre
In 2027, the City of St. Joseph will celebrate the 100th anniversary of two of its most iconic buildings: City Hall and the Missouri Theater. A key contributor to both projects was a young artist named Waylande Gregory, who sculpted the intricate plaster decorations that still adorn the theater’s walls and ceiling today. His designs drew inspiration from Persian and Assyrian architecture and sculpture, including the impressive lamassu figures that flank the stage.
In honor of this centennial celebration, the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art is pleased to present a preview installation of Gregory’s work, now on view. This display offers a glimpse into the larger exhibition that will open November 15, 2026, and run through January 11, 2027. In addition to his early architectural contributions, the exhibition will highlight Gregory’s later career, when he became known for producing striking Art Deco ceramics—figures, plates, and decorative objects created to support his family during the late 1930s.
We invite you to visit the museum and explore the legacy of an artist whose vision helped shape two of St. Joseph’s most treasured landmarks!
Shop Waylande Gregory Centennnial Celebration Store Fundraiser!
Celebrate!
Purchase Your Waylande Gregory Commemorative Items Today!
Online Store Deadline: Friday December 31st, 2027 (11:59pm CST) - Proceeds Benefit the Friends of the MO Theatre
Commemmorative Book - Share Your Stories!
Please share your personal story of the Missouri Theater. You know you have told it before. Now, we want to curate these recollections!
Stories big and small come together to preserve individual histories while forming our collective narrative. Please include any anecdotes, prose, poetry, photos*, and/or other artifacts to help future generations understand the rich heritage this grand old dame has afforded us.
All recollections require a Release Form below filled out in full to be eligible for use in the publication, Recollections of the Missouri Theater, curated by Valeri Jones. All proceeds from the sale of any publications above the publishing costs will go directly to: The Friends of the Missouri Theater.
To Return: Mark your documents as Missouri Theater Stories. Deliver or mail the completed Release Form and any additional pages to:
Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph 118 S 8th St, St Joseph, MO 64501 Hours of operation are M-F, 9am-5pm. Please see note on *Photos below.
ELECTRONIC COPIES: NOTE - The Release Form must be in physical (printed) form. Email electronic copies of your story to recollectionsofimport@gmail.com and/or use the QR Code provided on the form. You can also click here to digitally fill out your story.
*Photos: Photos cannot be returned. Please attach an electronic photo of your prized snapshot and email it to recollectionsofimport@gmail.com, or include a non-returnable physical print to the Allied Arts Council office.
Last Event in 2025 on Nov. 13th - “Autumn Talks on St Joseph’s Landmark Year – 1927.” Click through to November on the Calendar to learn more. More events in 2026 coming soon!
Centennial Celebration Events!
These programs are presented in cooperation with the Centennial Celebration Series (CCS) in anticipation of the 100th Anniversary of City Hall and the Missouri Theater in 2027 and organized by the CCS Committee of The Friends of the Missouri Theater. For more information, email CelebrationSeries2027@gmail.com or phone Committee Chair, Lori McAlister at 402-802-2099.
