Category Archives: Art

The Artificers Newsletter for May 2024

The Artificers in May!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!

Encore from

Jill Williams: Watercolorist!

Thursday, May 9th, 2024 Two exciting Classes!

Watercolor Landscape

Watercolor Landscape Clinic

For experienced beginners and intermediate watercolorists, Jill will lead you step by step into the anatomy of a landscape, establishing a strong composition, and using value & visual textures to create depth, space, and emotive impact. You’ll also learn to capitalize on the characteristics of your pigments and to serve your painting by maintaining loose, fresh brushwork. Join Jill for this half day workshop to develop new techniques and skills while creating 2 beautiful landscapes. Supplies are included!

Learn More

May Classes

Come into the studio from 12pm-4pm May 25th,

and Glaze all of your pre-made pieces!

Click Here to Join in the Fun!

Don’t Forget us For your Parties!

Call Here to Set Up a Time!

The 2024 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Poetry Contest

 

Fort Scott, Kan. April.17, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a poetry contest sponsored by poet and Fort Scott native, Helen Townsend and Trabar & Associates. The theme of the contest is “What Fills Your Hungry Heart?” This contest is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks, “I’ve lived a lot, worked a lot, and smiled a lot. And I will cling to all of those blessings until my hungry heart is hopelessly exhausted.”

 

This is open to any emerging poets who have not yet been published in a book. Poets are invited to capture the essence of the theme.

 

Emerging poets of any ages and skill level are invited to write a poem for this contest and may enter up to one poem. There will be a first place ($200), second place ($150) and third place ($100) prize and up to five honorable mentions. Winners will be announced at the Gordon Parks Celebration. All poems submitted will be on exhibit during the 21st annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 3 – 5, 2024. All Poems will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Website and Facebook page.

 

Judges for the poetry contest will be Traci Brimhall, Kansas Poet Laureate and Kansas State University Professor and Annette Hope Billings, Poet from Topeka, Kansas.

 

Poems must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. Poems are limited to one page. All entries should be typed and submitted as a word document only. Attachments (including pdf’s, pictures, google docs., etc.) are not accepted. Type or ‘copy and paste’ your poem into the body of your email. Poets should submit poem in with the title, their name, address, email, and phone number. If under 14 years old please include parent’s information. Poems should be received via email by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the latest.

 

For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.

“An Ode to White Rice, Ketchup, and Heuvo Frito.”, by Zian Butler Perez, Manassas, VA – 1st place winner in the 2023 Poetry Contest. The theme was: “Family, Home and Roots”.

 

 

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The 2024 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest

 

Contact Name: Kirk Sharp

Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850                                                       

Email: [email protected]

Website: gordonparkscenter.org

Fort Scott, Kan. April. 8, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography. The theme of the contest is “What Fills Your Hungry Heart?”. This event is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks, “I’ve lived a lot, worked a lot, and smiled a lot. And I will cling to all of those blessings until my hungry heart is hopelessly exhausted.”

 

This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.

 

Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions.  All of the photos submitted that are accepted, will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 3 – 5, 2024.  All accepted photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.

 

Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB.  All entries will be confirmed to be accepted via email.  Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo.  If under 14 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the latest.

 

For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.

“Family Legacy”  by Karen Cayce, Wichita, KS  was the 1st place winner in the 2023 Photo Contest. The theme was: ““Family, Home and Roots””.

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The Artificers April Calendar

The Artificers In April!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!

Art Opening and Reception!

April 5th, 2024 @ 6pm, Artist Talk @ 7pm

Mary Martin

Mary is best known for her mixed media collages with organic deckled edges that incorporate painted tissue papers, sheet music and hand written scriptures. Her work is influence by her love of nature and nearly 40 years of being a church choir singer and cantor, which has imprinted the words of the Psalms on her heart and mind. The words of scripture and sacred music are so deeply rooted in her being that they naturally express themselves in her art. Working with themes of peace and joy expressed through scenes in nature, Martin begins each work of art by choosing a scripture that matches the theme of the collage. She incorporates the scripture into the artwork by writing it on the base layer of paper, and by mixing scripture blessed water into her paints. She layers sheet music with lyrics about peace or joy under painted tissue papers, creating tranquil landscapes, seascapes and floral images. Her intent is to create a space with the art where viewers can experience a moment of peace and joy within themselves.

Learn More

Marys Master Artist Classes!

The Joy of Gel Printing with Botanicals

Gel Printing is a printmaking process that uses a gel plate to transfer paint or ink to

paper instead of a printing press. Learn how to create stunningly beautiful botanical prints using a gel. Master Artist Mary Martin will guide students through this amazing and playful process!!

Adult age 14+ • April 6th •10am-12pm &1-3pm

Find Out More Here!

April Classes

Come into the studio from 12pm-4pm April 27th, and Glaze all of your pre-made pieces!

Click Here to Join in the Fun!

Don’t Forget us For your Parties!

Call Here to Set Up a Time!

Gordon Parks Self Portrait  “Live Jazz Event” Is March 21: Free and Open To The Public

Gordon Parks: Self Potrait  “Live Jazz Event”

 

Fort Scott, Kan. Friday. March 14, 2024 – Beach Museum of Art Specialist and Musician Nate McClendon will be at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Theater on Thursday, March 21, 2024, to present his Gordon Parks: Self Portrait in music and narration with a live jazz band. The performance starts at 7:30p.m. and doors open at 7:00p.m. This is a free community event.

 

This performance was inspired by the exhibition Homeward to the Prairie I Come: Photographs by Gordon Parks from the Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University organized by the Beach Museum with support from Art Bridges, a philanthropic organization dedicated to expanding access to American art. This music and narration event is free and open to the public of all ages courtesy of Art Bridges. It is part of the Gordon Parks Convening at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, March 20 – 22, a collaboration with the Beach Museum of Art and the Gordon Parks Museum funded by Art Bridges. The convening will have over twelve museum professionals from across the nation at Fort Scott learning more about Gordon Parks and his works.

 

For information on the Gordon Parks: Self Portrait Live Jazz event, contact Kirk Sharp, executive director, (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850, or at [email protected].

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Bourbon County Arts Council 2024 Fine Arts Exhibit Awards Announced

 

The Bourbon County Arts Council congratulates the winners of its 32nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

Local corporate sponsors contribute award monies for the First-Place prize winners in each category.  The Arts Council provides prizes for the Second-Place awards, the Peoples’ Choice award, and also Best in Show,  in 2-D and 3-D categories, in memory of E.C. Gordon, who provided an Endowment to the organization in 2011.

Award winners for each category, and its sponsor, are as follows:

CERAMICS

1st (Ward Kraft) – Al Letner – “Lidded Jar”

2ndDaria Claiborne – “Metamorphosis”

DRAWING AND GRAPHIC

1st (Landmark Bank) – Whitney Powell – “Dirty Nails & Fairy Tales”

2nd – Ripp Harrison – “Winter Bug”

FIBER ART/TEXTILE

1ST (State Farm Insurance) – Nancy Kreibach – “Let Your Light Shine”

2nd – Millie Karleskint – “Shabby Chic”

GLASS

1st (Edward Jones/ Armstrong) – Carleen Shatto – “Thin Vessels”

2nd – Cynthia Allen – “Tribute”

JEWELRY

1st (Citizens Bank) – Nicole Meyer Foresman – “Organic Brooch & Stand”

2nd – None

 

 

MIXED MEDIA

1st (Lyons Realty) – Eric Doucette – “Grasshopper”

2nd – Anita Wilson – “On Fire”

PAINTING

1st (Union State Bank) – Henry Kreibach – “Gold Rush”

2nd – Tom Altenburg – “Barnyard Royalty”

PASTEL

1st (Mid-Continental Restoration) – Rick Bushnell – “Autumn Statis”

2nd – Emerson Grisier – “An Autumn Drive”

PHOTOGRAPHY

1st (The Artificers) – Linda Teeter – “Reflections – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”

2nd – Maggie Brenner – “Building Blocks”

PRINTMAKING

1st (Osage Timber) – Rick Bushnell – “Cottonwood Autumn”

2nd – Rylee Coulter – “Eyeball Kid”

SCULPTURE

1st (H & H Realty) – Mayumi M Kiefer – “Shoulder to Shoulder”

2nd – Mark Denton – “Anagama Hare”

THEME

1st (City State Bank) – Tom Altenburg – “Traveling a Dusty Road”

2nd – Eric Doucette – “A Day at the Office”

WATERCOLOR

1st (Buerge Studio) – Henry Kreibach – “Flower Tower”

2nd – Kaitlynn Sampson – “Peaceful View”

BEST OF SHOW 2D – Henry Kreibach – “Gold Rush”

BEST OF SHOW 3D – Al Letner – “Lidded Jar”

PEOPLES’S CHOICE – Addison Smith – “Orchid

 

 

 

 

 

North American Travel Journalists Award Kansas a Bronze Award for “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy”

Kansas Tourism Triumphs with Four Marketing Awards, Highlighting Excellence in Destination Promotion

TOPEKA – North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) recently announced that Kansas Tourism received four awards in the 32nd Annual NATJA Awards Competition. The competition honors the best of the best in travel journalism, photography and destination marketing organizations. This recognition underscores Kansas Tourism’s dedication to innovative destination marketing and its commitment to showcasing the state as a premier travel destination.

“Kansas Tourism’s award-winning efforts in inspiring travelers to explore our state are pivotal to our image and growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Every visitor represents a potential resident or business connection, and elevating Kansas as an attractive destination ensures lasting benefits for all communities.”

The four awards presented to Kansas Tourism include:

  • Destination of the Year Award: This special recognition honors Kansas Tourism for its unwavering dedication to innovative tourism marketing strategies and captivating the attention of travelers worldwide. Kansas Tourism was chosen for their overall 2023 marketing campaigns, which all used the brand messaging of To The Stars, and included the Kansas Day release of the “Home on the Range” project and the “To The Stories” video series.
  • Creative Marketing Campaign, Gold Award: “Home on the Range.” This campaign celebrates the uniqueness of Kansas through a series of videos set to the state’s iconic song and featured images of the state’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Featuring five well-known Kansas artists, this campaign, which was launched on Kansas Day 2023, showcases how the lyrics written more than 150 years ago still ring true today. You can see the full campaign here.
  • Destination Video, Bronze Award: “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy.” This video is part of Kansas Tourism’s “To The Stories” series, which explores the faces and places that make Kansas an incredible place to visit and live. It explores Gordon Parks, who dedicated his life to combating racism and poverty through art, and how the lessons he learned on his family farm in Fort Scott helped him to become the first Black photojournalist on staff at LIFE magazine and the first African American to direct a major motion picture. Academy Award winning screenwriter and fellow Kansas native Kevin Willmott narrates the remarkably true story of how Parks opened doors for Black filmmakers everywhere. You can watch the video here.
  • Travel Guide, Honorable Mention Award: “Kansas Official Travel Guide 2023.” The annual Kansas Travel Guide invites readers to explore the Sunflower State’s diverse things to do, including attractions, museums, dining, accommodations, historic sites and outdoor adventures. Filled with captivating imagery and insightful narratives, this guide beckons travelers to discover the treasures within Kansas’ vibrant cities, historic towns, rolling plains and expansive prairies. The 2023 guide’s front cover featured a wakeboarder at Lake Perry ripping the waves, depicting one of the many unexpected activities you can find in Kansas. You can order the latest travel guide here.

“We are honored to be recognized for the work we do to inspire travel to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Winning these prestigious tourism marketing awards reaffirms our commitment to creativity, innovation, and excellence in promoting unforgettable experiences in the state.”

“Submissions for this year’s awards competition included a diverse group of journalists, publications and destination marketing organizations from North America,” NATJA CEO Helen Hernandez said. “Selection of the winners by our independent panel of judges was particularly difficult this year because of the outstanding quality and broad range of articles, images and marketing campaigns submitted for consideration.”

Judges for the competition included award-winning newspaper and magazine editors as well as educators from across journalism disciplines. To qualify for an award or honor, work had to be published from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support. 

About the North American Travel Journalist Association:

Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public. NATJA also publishes TravelWorld International Magazine (www.travelworldmagazine.com).

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

The Artificers in March

The Artificers In March!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!

Returning Master Artist!

March Classes

Click Here to Join in the Fun!

Don’t forget our First Fridays event! Come, socialize, explore and enjoy March 1st!

Think of us for your Parties!!

Give us a call and schedule yours today!!

Bourbon County Arts Council 32nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit is Feburary 29-March 9

 

 

The Bourbon County Arts Council will present its 32nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibit from February 29th through March 9th, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

The Arts Council will host the Chamber Coffee at 8:00 am on Thursday, February 29th, at the Ellis Center.

The Exhibit will be open to the public beginning Thursday, February 29th through Saturday, March 9th, on weekdays from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and on Saturdays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  A reception to honor this year’s Juror and artists will be held on Thursday the 29th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm; the public is invited to attend and enjoy the opportunity to meet and visit with them about the art.

Artists will have their work on display and for sale in this multi-media exhibit, in categories including Ceramics, Drawing & Graphics, Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

A “themed” category was added to the Exhibit, with this year’s theme being “Art of Everyday Life”.

An artist may create a piece in any of the above categories, in relation to the theme.

This year, artists from Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma will participate in the Fine Art Exhibit.

Local artists entered include Kathryn Allen, Maggie Brenner, Rylee Coulter, Jewel Endicott, Steve Floyd, Kate Freeman, Lucy Gladbach, Bobbi Kemna, Millie Karleskint, Julie Kibble, Steve Kibble, Terry Koester, Connie Neil, Kadra Nevitt, Eri Popp, Susan Porter, Elisabeth Ross, Kaitlynn Sampson, and Addison Smith.

Cash prizes awarded for category winners are given by the Bourbon County Arts Council in memory of E.C. Gordon, and by the generous sponsorship from these local businesses:  the Artificers, Buerge Art Studio, Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Edward Jones-Jamie Armstrong ,  H&H Realty, Landmark Bank, Lyons Realty, Mid-Continental Restoration, Osage Timber LLC, State Farm Insurance, Union State Bank, and Ward Kraft.

Bill Wilson will serve as this year’s Juror. He is a retired art educator with more than forty years of experience encompassing early elementary through college-level instruction. Most recently having taught visual art for Marmaton Valley, he also spent some time teaching at Allen County Community College. Mr. Wilson states “as an artist, I choose to work in a wide range of media that will allow me to best express my thoughts and ideas”.  He is currently exploring metal forging techniques and creating primitive-fired ceramic jewelry.

There is no admission charge for this event, and all are encouraged to come and enjoy an exciting collection of original artwork.

 

 

Commerce Grants Available for Rural Mural and Public Art Projects

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced a total of $75,000 is available for a new round of Rural Mural and Public Art program funding. The program helps rural communities design engaging new art that improves the local aesthetic – making the community more appealing not only for those who live there but for potential new businesses and residents as well.

Grants up to $7,500 are available for eligible communities, which also is the total amount any one county can receive. The Office of Rural Prosperity program requires a 1:1 match, with 25% being a cash match unless the community has fewer than 1,000 residents. For those communities, matching support can be 100% in-kind services, including volunteer labor, materials and supplies, equipment, etc.

“Murals and creative projects invite new businesses and residents to celebrate Kansas as their home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our holistic approach to economic development includes dedicating resources that enhance the physical attractiveness of communities, which helps encourage new investment.”

Awards will be given to communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. Murals can beautify community gathering spaces, elevate tourist attractions, and offer a welcoming message for visitors. Communities are encouraged to utilize the 11-week application period to complete community engagement conversations about what the art should reflect.

“Over the past three years, we have supported the creation of more than 75 murals and public art pieces in rural communities across Kansas,” Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said. “These art pieces support economic growth, instill pride and create community excitement for residents and visitors who have viewed the murals throughout the state.”

Applicant communities should identify their muralist, art location and design concept by May 10, 2024, the application due date. Murals and public art must be completed by December 31, 2024. Click here for more details. There also will be a webinar at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 28. To register, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Portrait of Gordon Parks: An Evening of Interpretive Jazz Event

Beach Museum of Art Specialist and Musician Nate McClendon will be at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Theater on Thursday, March 21, 2024, to present his portrait of Gordon Parks in music and narration with a jazz band.

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m.

This performance was inspired by the exhibition Homeward to the Prairie I Come: Photographs by Gordon Parks from the Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University organized by the Beach Museum with support from Art Bridges, a philanthropic organization dedicated to expanding access to American art.\

This music and narration event is free and open to the public of all ages courtesy of Art Bridges. It is part of the Gordon Parks
Convening at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, March 20 – 22, a collaboration with the Beach Museum of Art and the
Gordon Parks Museum funded by Art Bridges. The convening will have over twelve museum professionals from across the nation at Fort Scott learning more about Gordon Parks and his works.

For information on the Portrait of Gordon Parks: Interpretive Jazz event, contact Kirk Sharp, executive director,
620) 223-2700, ext. 5850, or at [email protected].
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