Morton and Estelle Sosland: Collecting with Taste

Hindman is pleased to present Wayne Thiebaud's Avocado Salad in our September 28th Post War & Contemporary Art auction. This work comes to Hindman from the Estate of Morton and Estelle Sosland, Kansas City, Missouri. Join us in exploring the couple's legacy as collectors and patrons of the art world. 

Morton and Estelle Sosland

Morton and Estelle Sosland were two well-known patrons of the arts in Kansas City, donating and serving on the boards of several art organizations including the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Art Institute, and the American Crafts Council. But perhaps no institution drew their attention and passion as much as the famed Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Both were heavily involved with the museum serving on the board, organizing donation drives, and helping guide the museum’s expansion. In 1994, the Soslands donated the massive 17-foot shuttlecock sculptures that adorn the sculpture park at the museum. Although somewhat controversial at the time, the sculptures have become iconic and are among the most photographed art installations in the city.

While both were involved with the Nelson-Atkins, it was Estelle who formed the closest bond with it, starting as a volunteer in the Sales and Rental department before eventually rising to the position of chairman, the first woman ever to hold that position. She served on numerous boards including Menorah Medical Center, the Oppenstein Brothers Foundation Disbursement Committee, and the board of Sunset Hill School.
Morton Sosland made his living in the publishing business where he served as publisher and editor for many publications but most notably Milling & Baking News. He also served on many high-profile boards of companies with significant Kansas City ties including H&R Block, Commerce Bancshares, ERC Corporation, Hallmark Cards, Kansas City Southern Industries, Stilwell Financial, and Trans World Airlines. Much like his wife, Morton also had a deep passion for the art community and the Nelson-Atkins in particular, serving several key positions at the museum.

Over the course of 73 wonderful years of marriage, Morton and Estelle built a remarkable life for themselves in their hometown of Kansas City that saw three children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. From a very young age, the Soslands learned that giving back was important, starting the charitable Sosland Foundation in 1950 while both were just 25 years old. Their impact on the Kansas City community was so profound that in 2014, Mayor Sly James proclaimed September 19 Morton and Estelle Sosland Day. Not surprisingly for a couple so passionately involved in the art world, they also assembled an enviable collection of painting, sculptures, and other pieces of fine art. No doubt inspired by Morton’s publishing business, the Soslands favored food-related subjects in their collection. This is especially apparent in the delicious pieces offered in this auction, including William H. Bailey’s Eggs and Oranges, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen’s B B Pie a la mode - Flying Scale B 3/3, and, of course, Wayne Thiebaud’s incredible Avocado Salad.