Life & Work with STRETCH XXXX of Crossroads

Today we’d like to introduce you to STRETCH XXXX. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Meet “STRETCH,” he is an Artist, Entrepreneur, Restaurateur, TV Personality, BBQ Aficionado, Recording Artist, Urban Hero & the visionary creator of Grinders by STRETCH restaurants, & Grinders KC Concert Venue. STRETCH has appeared on dozens of hit television programs like Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives; Guys Big Bite, Cutthroat Kitchen; Guy’s Grocery Games; Travel Channel’s “Pizza Paradise,” Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue”, Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters, PBS’ BBQ with Franklin, BIG BAD BBQ Brawl, (Shannon Ambrosio,) Man VS Food (Casey Webb), and multiple appearances on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. In 2020, the National Barbeque & Grilling Association honored him with the coveted Legends Award – The Spirit of BBQ. STRETCH is a founding member of the Messlords, a globetrotting troop of fellow celebrity chefs in collaboration with Navy MWR. In 2021, STRETCH collaborated with the rock band BLACK OXYGEN on a multi-festival nominated short film, “Life Is Beautiful.” Then, after its debut single, “First Bite,” became the summer’s BBQ Anthem, his record company, Curtain Call Records, commanded an album. Despite being nominated in 1991 for a Grammy Award with GWAR in the “Long Form Video” category, his debut Album, “Carnivore of Chaos,” didn’t drop for 33 years. In 2023, “Carnivore” yielded 3 more chart-topping songs – spurring the 2023 & 2024 tours & appearances. Follow STRETCH on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, TikTok, or X using the handle @STRETCHartist.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Dealing with the cities has been challenging to navigate from a business standpoint.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
Utilizing the same materials as the surrounding architecture, I focus on facilitating the natural flow between the art and its environment, manipulating these same natural materials into a different form. The result is an integral piece designed to fit the project, complimenting the space in a balanced equilibrium.

The choice of materials I use in my pieces – glass & steel – work against each other, causing tension while maintaining a high level of dialogue. The juxtaposition of the two creates a conversation, drawing the viewer in, inviting them to participate, and engaging them mentally and physically regardless of race, creed, or color. This allows the viewer’s own past experiences to play a significant role in the present moment. The resulting dialogue can be used to inform and educate, serving as a gathering ground for communication and easing cross-cultural boundaries. Amidst this interaction derives thought-provoking insight and, one hopes, a better understanding of the concepts and ideals the work embodies.

Crude yet detailed structures transcend time, boldly manifesting enduring concepts, exceptionally when executed in exaggerated or large-scale format. My sculptures float in and out of many moments. They are always in motion, as much as glass is constantly in flux. Within this context, the pieces continue to breathe life as the concepts they represent.

As an artist, my obligation/duty is to build ideas that inspire thought. I have chosen to live my life working to help instill these principles – communication through visuals into others. I have made Kansas City my home, coming from the East Coast, starting galleries and studios for artists and promoting the arts wherever possible. I believe this is a vital part of a city’s fabric. The combination of the love of people and the challenge of projects like this lends inspiration, facilitating the creation of my ideas and supplying the energy to bring them to fruition. I am proud of how I collaborate with others.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
The warmth & hospitality of Kansas City is unmatched on earth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grinderspizza.com/; STRETCHArtist.com ; STRETCHScuplture.com ; GrindersKC.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchartist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STRETCHartist
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stretchsculpture/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/STRETCHArtist
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@STRETCHArtist