Diastole Scholars' Center

01/27/2026

Winter has arrived!
Fern frost spotted on our 3rd floor library window!
How's the weather outside your window?
Share a photo and let us know!

Stay cozy, stay warm!

Why Diastole? Solely because it may serve as a gathering place for people. Its purpose has no defined program, no end point, no agenda. It has no politics and no bias. Except the bias of believing in people coming together, thinking, talking, reasoning, planning. It was built to be a happy, provocative, stimulating meeting place, a place of goodwill and shared endeavor. Hopefully, it will never be a neutral building but one that encourages people to say “Why not?”

That is what we set out to do.

E. Grey Dimond
Remarks at the dedication,
1994

04/15/2025

Diastole is looking for a detailed gardener who would appreciate working in a serene, unique garden. Tasks would include weeding, tidying beds, light pruning, mowing a small lawn, and other grounds maintenance tasks. Qualified gardener is needed for a minimum of 10 hours a week, and schedule can be flexible. We are a local non-profit in a large, beautiful contemporary space, which was formerly a residence. Candidate must be reliable and able to perform assigned tasks efficiently and without supervision. References with written work experience is required. Contact 816-235-8857 or email [email protected].

03/20/2025

Dwarf star magnolia in full bloom!

02/14/2025

I spy. A close-up of Wu Zuoren (Chinese, 1908-1986). Goldfish in Pond, 1982, ink and colors on paper, 48" x 24".
Next time you visit Diastole, see if you can find this beautiful painting!

06/28/2023

Diastole is moving!.....just kidding. Guess what is happening! And no, it's not a dance party.

10/17/2022

New art installation at Diastole's west entrance. Artist: Eric Storey. If you like "Forty Years in the Desk Drawer", 1988, you will love this! It is a perfect, organized, shadowbox of whimsy; a "window", so to speak, as to what awaits for you inside Diastole.

10/07/2022

Artist-in-residence, Eric Storey. He is not only a dear friend of mine, but also someone who cares deeply about Diastole. He's been doing so many needed repairs with creativity and a commitment to honor the legacy of E. Grey Dimond. This is just one!- Repurposing an old, janky mail drop that hasn't been used in years, to a fun outdoor "fence shelf"! I already see me putting knick knacks and books in here! Thank you Eric! Check back for more surprises at Diastole and look for them on your next visit.