In 2014, Antiques Roadshow filmed an episode in Kansas City, featuring a lineup of remarkable heirlooms, artworks, and hidden treasures brought in by local residents. One standout item from that episode: a rare light sculpture by famed Bauhaus artist Josef Albers. The sculpture recently crossed the auction block at Circle Auction, where it sold for $28,560 including buyers premium.

If you’ve ever watched Antiques Roadshow and wondered, “What is my item worth?”, you’re not alone. For Kansas City-area residents with art, antiques, or family heirlooms tucked away, this story is a great reminder: sometimes, those pieces are worth far more than you think,  and we can help you find out.

The Sculpture Featured on Antiques Roadshow in Kansas City

This modernist piece wasn’t just rare, it was exceptional.

Created around 1970, Josef Albers’ “Structural Constellation” light sculpture combined etched glass, a custom aluminum encasement, and a backlit light element. Albers, best known for his influential work at the Bauhaus and Yale, rarely worked in sculpture — making this piece especially scarce and desirable.

The sculpture was appraised by Betty Krulik (Betty Krulik Fine Art Ltd., New York) during the Antiques Roadshow episode filmed in Kansas City, and it was originally gifted to the owner’s family by the Carborundum Company in the 1970s, with direct provenance from the artist himself. In 2023, the piece was offered at Circle Auction, where it realized $28,560 after a heated multi-state bidding battle between collectors on the phone and online. 

From TV Appraisal to Real-World Sale

Many people bring items to Antiques Roadshow and walk away with a surprise appraisal, but then wonder, what now?

That’s where Circle Auction comes in.
We help people in the Kansas City area take the next step: from curiosity to action.

Just like the Albers sculpture, many of the items we sell come from private collections, family heirlooms, or estates where the owners weren’t quite sure of the value. Whether it’s a painting inherited from a grandparent or a sculpture gifted decades ago, we provide free auction evaluations and if you choose, handle the full process of bringing the item to market.

What Types of Items Do We Evaluate?

Every week, we work with Kansas City-area families to evaluate and auction items like:

• Fine art (paintings, prints, sculpture)

• Antiques and decorative arts

• Jewelry and watches

• Mid-century and modern design

• Rare collectibles and estate pieces

Our team includes specialists, and all evaluations are handled with respect, confidentiality, and a focus on helping you make the most informed decision.

Featured on Antiques Roadshow: But You Don’t Need a TV Crew

You don’t need to wait for Antiques Roadshow to come back to Kansas City to find out what your item is worth.
At Circle Auction, we offer the same type of expert evaluation, and we can actually help you sell the item, too.

Whether you’re just curious or actively considering a sale, we’re happy to take a look.

Curious What Your Item Might Be Worth?

We offer free, no-obligation auction evaluations for art, antiques, and valuables.