The Needle

Artist/Designer: Dave Stevens
Installed: 2002
Medium: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Park: Garment District Place
Description: This sculpture depicts a tall  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. Only the lower 2.5 ft. of the needle are 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.