Alice Nast Statland

Alice Nast Statland Alice Cycleman Nast Statland passed away peacefully at her home on November 18, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. A remarkable artist, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife and friend, Alice had an amazing ability to listen and pass on wisdom and will continue to impact the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know and love her. Born and raised in Cedarhurst, New York, the daughter of Belle and Alexander Cycleman, Alice grew up on Long Island with her brother, Monroe and cousin, Serene. She spent her childhood riding horses in Central Park and her summers at the family cottage on Lake George in upstate NY. Alice’s amazing artistic talent emerged at an early age and by 14 she became one of the youngest students to study painting at the renowned Art Students League in New York City. She could often be found with her easel at the Metropolitan Museum of Art refining her craft through studying the Masters. Alice met and married Nat Nast in New York in1946 and as a new bride moved to Kansas City, knowing no one. They were quickly embraced by a welcoming community and forged what were to become lifelong friendships and a new life together. As Nat built the Nat Nast Bowling Shirt Company, Alice raised her family of 4 and pursued her love of art. She found beauty in nature's magnificent treatment of light and would often describe herself as “drunk with beauty”. Many friends will attest, there was no stopping her when she decided to pull over for a picnic complete with blanket. Although several of her portraits can be found in the Missouri Governor’s mansion, judge’s chambers, and hospitals, many of the hundreds of portraits, spanning 70 years of her remarkable career, hold cherished locations in the homes of Kansas City families and according to those families, continue to be passed down from generation to generation. Widowed in 1986, Alice began her second career with lifelong friends, Harold and Ruthie Tivol, at their store on the Plaza, and quickly became a valued and successful member of their team. Alice later married Dr. Harry Statland and for the next 13 years lived a wonderful life with him until his passing in 2003. Alice lost her last loving relationship with the passing of Eugene (Gene) Strauss in 2022. All three brought her and her family joy and love. The community will continue to be enriched by Alice’s numerous contributions, as a founding member of the New Reform Temple, board member of Jewish Family Services, Curator of the gardens at the Walnuts and many more. Alice leaves a legacy that touches our lives every day through her remarkable paintings and through her beloved cottage on Lake George, now cherished by the 5th generation. Alice is survived by four children Barbara Saletan Knapp (Chuck d-2019 and Paul), Patty Canton, Nelson Nast (Hoddy) and Bill Nast (Beth). She is also survived by eight grandchildren Kelly Saletan Skiar (Jeff), Lauren Saletan, Olivia Nast Scheuerman (Francis), Phillip Canton (Krista), Chloe Canton, Adam Nast (Hannah), Nathan Nast, Jared Nast, nine great grandchildren, beloved family members Serene Freier, Diane Ross (Mark) of Bethesda Maryland and their children and grandson. Our family extends its deepest gratitude to Alice’s devoted and unwavering companions and caregivers who filled her days with laughter and respect. Words are not enough to thank Meg Tucker, Araceli Felder, Cecilia Bell, Janice Trigg, Lileana Gomez, and Lisa Arthlee. The family requests no flowers. Donations may be sent to the Lake George Association (www.lakegeorgeassociation.org) or the charity of your choice in her memory. A reception with family and friends will held on December 9th, 3-5 PM. If you would like to attend, please contact nelson.nast@gmail.com for details.