Category Archives: Art

Art, Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Clay: New Woman-Owned Business

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Kate Freeman. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County Clay, a new woman-owned business started by Kate Freeman officially became an LLC in  June of 2024.

“We have been working to build the business since we discovered the clay vein in 2017 on our family property in northwest Bourbon County,” she said. “We have worked diligently since then to reclaim and test the clay, dreaming of the day we could launch Bourbon County Clay.”

This business is separate from T.E. Freeman Studio LLC and The Artificers, which she and her husband, Trent, own, but will do business housed in the same building at  8 N. National Ave, Fort Scott.
Trent and Kate Freeman. Submitted photo
 Andrea Latham, Kansas City, KS is the studio apprentice and production supervisor.
Andrea Latham. Submitted photo.
“Andrea started apprenticing with us in Kansas City in 2020, and now travels to Fort Scott several times a month to work production for Bourbon County Clay LLC. The Artificers gallery also features Andrea’s work out of her own studio.”
The artists have created a handcrafted artisan coffee set as their first product from the clay in Bourbon County and also used locally sourced walnut wood in the design.
Submitted photos.
“Our first product is this handcrafted Bourbon County Artisan Coffee Set collection featuring a clay coffee pot, a matching pour-over, and two coffee cups, each with warm, smooth walnut handles,” she said.  “Every piece in this set is made from locally sourced clay and walnut, harvested from the heart of Bourbon County, ensuring that each item carries the spirit of the land. The natural tones of the clay are complemented by the rich, earthy hues of the walnut, creating a harmonious blend that is both functional and timeless. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of slow brewing, this set transforms your coffee ritual into a celebration of craftsmanship and local heritage.”
Submitted photos.
The business is currently offering a pre-sale of thirty sets.
“There will only be 100 sets of each glaze color offered,” she said. “All sets are categorized and numbered.”
Submitted photo.
“Bourbon County Clay is deeply rooted in the land we call home,” she said. “This is a tribute to the place we love, crafted by the hands of artisans connected to this soil. From the hands of our artisans to yours, each piece is a limited-edition work of art, created in small batches.”
Hours of operation for the business are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside The Artificers in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, 8 N. National.
To contact her, call 913-574-7741
Art, Youth

Artificers: Supplemental Kids Art Classes Deadline is Sept. 30

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Supplemental Art Classes

For Private & Homeschooled Kids!

Sign Your Kids Up Today!

Registration closes September 30th!

We Offer Afterpay!

Choose “Afterpay” at checkout

and you can break up the cost into

4 easy interest free payments!

(interest free for 1 year)

Sign up on our website, call the studio or drop by!
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Art

Art Walk This Friday in Downtown Fort Scott

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A past art walk.
The Bourbon County Arts Council 10th  Annual Art Walk is this Friday, Sept. 6 at Crooner’s Restaurant from 5-8 p.m.
The purpose of the event is for local artists to showcase their work to the public and sell their art.
“The Art Walk is an event the BCAC loves to hold. It is a free relaxing evening the community can share with family and friends while viewing the outstanding Artwork in our area. You don’t have to travel a hundred miles to get quality pieces,” said Deb Anderson, spokeswoman for the group.
“They work so hard to develop this art,”  Anderson said. “We also want to expose the public to the outstanding artists we have in our area. This is also the public’s opportunity to perhaps purchase items for themselves or to give as gifts for family and friends, connect art with a story. Christmas is just around the corner!”
All the displayed art will be for sale, and the art walk is free to the public.
The artists this year are:
Lucy Gladbach & Marcy Haskell, Deerfield, Mo – Acrylic Paintings, Tie-Dye Clothing, Jewelry
Bobbi Kemna, Fort Scott – Pottery
Myrna Minnia, Leawood, Ks – Whimsical Witches
Carlee Shatto, Stilwell, Ks – Glass, Soaps
Daria Claiborne, Joplin, Mo – Pottery, Watercolor Cards, Totes with vintage accents
Kadra Nevitt, Fort Scott – Pastel
Brenda Hayes, Joplin, Mo – Mixed Media (Paintings, Fiber, Journals)
Dianne Miller, Joplin, Mo – Stained Glass and Fused Glass
Jim Miller, Joplin, Mo – Woodturning
The board of the organization:
Deb Halsey, Deb Anderson, Sheryl Bloomfield, Elaine Buerge, Terri Floyd, Steve Floyd, Trent Freeman, Lucy Gladbach, Kelly Nelson, Robin Whitlock
Art, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Visual Arts Online Fellowship 2024-2025 Application

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ARTEFFECT Ambassadors
Visual Arts Online Fellowship 2024-2025
ARTEFFECT Ambassadors is an online fellowship for educators working directly with students in grades 6-12 to foster the visual arts. Ambassadors explore teaching and learning around the inspiring and diverse stories of Unsung Heroes from history.
PROGRAM TIMELINE:
The fellowship runs online from October 30, 2024–June 2, 2025. During the school year, Ambassadors attend at least four online modules taught by seasoned art educators and practitioners, accompanied by lesson plans. Sessions are on Wednesdays – Pacific Time. Module 1 and Module 6 are mandatory.

Module 1 – Program Overview: Meet the Unsung Heroes 
OCT 30, 2024, 4:00-6:00 PM PT

Module 2 – Character and Values
NOV 20, 2024, 4:00-5:15 PM PT

Module 3 – Storytelling through Art
DEC 11, 2024, 4:00-5:15 PM PT

Module 4 – Unsung Heroes and STEAM
JAN  22, 2025, 4:00-5:15 PM PT

Module 5 – Artmaking and Social Impact
FEB  26, 2025, 4:00-5:15 PM PT

Module 6 – Impacting Communities: Capstone Project
APR 9, 2025, 4:00-6:00 PM PT

Ambassadors connect with the cohort and colleagues nationwide through online events and networks, meet 1:1 with the Program Director by April 1, 2025, and complete a Capstone Project and Report by June 2, 2025. Capstone Projects are learner-centered, uniquely designed, and developed by each Ambassador. Capstone Projects can take shape as lesson plans, student art exhibitions, publications, community events, and more.

The fellowship provides a Certificate of Completion, a $1,250 stipend upon completion of program requirements, and $250 credit for materials. For more details, review the two-page Program Information Sheet. Applications are due September 16, 2024.
Learn More and Apply
Capstone Projects
As part of the fellowship, Ambassadors develop capstone projects throughout the school year. These learner-centered projects provide unique opportunities to explore the stories of the Unsung Heroes, expand the impact of lessons, and enrich teaching and learning. Capstone projects can engage students and communities through lesson plans, student art exhibitions, the annual ARTEFFECT student art competition, school-partnerships, publications, community events, and more. 
Kyle Denman Capstone Project
Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our featured Ambassador in Action Kevin Dailey, a U.S. History Teacher at Ballyshannon Middle School in Union, Kentucky.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here’s an excerpt from Kevin about his capstone project:

“My capstone was a condensed, week-long unit to incorporate ARTEFFECT into a classroom. This unit was designed as an introduction to ‘project-based learning’ and Unsung Heroes. The targeted audience of the initial program was a middle school social studies class, but my lesson plan can be adapted for all grade levels and classrooms.

After the work was completed, students showcased their work in a gallery walk for the middle school. Learning objectives included students being able to describe what it means to be a hero and to identify heroes from history, and understanding the significance of art on communicating feeling, ideals, and history.

The major lesson learned from this abbreviated project is confirmation that all students can do the ARTEFFECT project. On top of that, they can produce some incredible work discovering Unsung Heroes! The students were incredibly engaged in the process. I do believe at this scale (100+ students) and speed (one week), the written component needs to be shortened substantially. Some students struggled to complete both the artwork and the writing. For those that wish to pursue the competition, they can add to that writing as they move through the process.”

Thank you to Kevin for your dedication and exploratory arts-integration unit. Congratulations on the artworks created by the students at Ballyshannon Middle School. Looking forward to the next implementation of your lesson plan!
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Join a growing network of art educators at the
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
ARTEFFECT Facebook
ARTEFFECT Instagram
LMC ARTEFFECT
ARTEFFECT YouTube
Copyright © 2024 Lowell Milken Center, All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

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Art, Bourbon County

Supplemental Art Classes Offered at The Artificers

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Supplimental Art Classes

For Private & Homeschooled Kids!

Sign Your Kids Up Today!

Last Week of the Early Bird Special!

Regular prices will be applied, starting September 1st!!

We Offer Afterpay!

Choose “Afterpay” at checkout

and you can break up the cost into

4 easy interest free payments!

(interest free for 1 year)

Sign up on our website, call the studio or drop by!
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Copyright (C) 2024 T.E.Freeman Studio. All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
T.E.Freeman Studio 8 North National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 USA
Art, Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

2024 Artwalk on Sept. 6 at Crooner’s Restaurant

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Join us

Friday, September 6th

BOURBON COUNTY

ARTS COUNCIL

2024 ART WALK

Please take this opportunity to SUPPORT local and regional artists!

Hope to see you there!

Crooner’s Patio

113 S. Main Street

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

If you have any questions, please contact

Deb Anderson 620.224.8650

Terri Floyd 620.224.7221
ClickHERE to visit our Facebook Page
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Art, Business

The Artificers in September

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The Artificers in September!

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

September Classes

*Note* No Glaze Day This Month!

Don’t Forget us For your Parties!

Be on the lookout for different Party Options,

COMING SOON!!

Sign Up For Beginners or Intermediate Supplementary Art Classes!

If your kids are a part of private schools or are homeschooled,

the Gallery is providing classes for kids to add

an art curriculum to their education!!
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Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Due to Popular Demand, Bourbon County Community Theatre Adds Additional Performance

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The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre is adding an additional performance to its production of “Holy Mother of Bingo!” by Patrick Walsh., according to director Angie Bin in a press release.
Due to popular demand and nearly sold-out performances for Aug. 2 and 3, BCCT is adding a third performance for 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College.

 

A scene from the Bourbon County Community Theatre “Holy Mother of Bingo” from its Facebook page.
The interactive murder mystery comedy involves five real rounds of Bingo with prizes donated from many businesses in the area.
In a scene from Holy Mother of Bingo,
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and senior citizens. The purchase of a table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a $2 discount per ticket. Tickets are available at bcct.ludus.com, from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door if tickets remain. Seating is limited.
The show is directed by Bin with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast Kansas through theatre.

Bourbon County Community Theatre President Matthew Wells said he has been involved in the performing arts his whole life and it brought “joy…to the community and… brotherhood and bonds… amongst those who participated in the community theater.”

A scene from the Holy Mother of Bingo Theatre production rehearsal from its Facebook page.
Art, Gordon Parks Museum, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Kansas Arts Commission Funds Creative Projects Across State: Two Fort Scott Recipients

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Editor’s note: the following from Fort Scott have been awarded:

TOPEKA — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $1,295,450 has been awarded to 108 recipients in the latest round of Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant funding. The funds will support museums, arts education, music, dance, visual arts, professional and community theater, creative writing, murals, poetry and other creative projects.

Grants were awarded in 42 counties, with funding going to counties in rural locations such as Graham, Sheridan and Chase, as well as urban areas including Johnson, Sedgwick and Shawnee counties.

“It is important for the state to engage, connect and support the abundant creativity that can be found throughout Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kelly-Toland Administration knows strategic investments in the arts enrich our communities, strengthen our economy, and enhance our quality of life — all which make our state the best in the nation to live, work and play.”

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported in 2022 that arts and cultural production accounted for 2.2% of the Kansas economy (as a share of state GDP), contributing more than 41,000 jobs.

KAC awarded four types of grants:

  • The Arts Everywhere grant provides funding for programs, exhibition, series or other arts and culture projects
  • The General Operating Support grant funds the general operations of an arts organization
  • The Visiting Artists grant brings professional artists to audiences for performances and community interaction
  • The Public Art and Murals grant supports art that highlights community pride and local history

“We are grateful for the 57 volunteer panelists who help this process run effectively and efficiently,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “Because of their time and dedication, we are able to fund a wide array of community projects across Kansas.”

Funding for Kansas Arts Commission grants comes from the Kansas Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

To view the full list of recipients, click here. To learn more about the Kansas Arts Commission or funding opportunities, click here or contact Ben Stanton at [email protected] or (785) 213-5959.

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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

First Production of Community Theatre Group: An Immersive Murder Mystery

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A group of like-minded Fort Scottians have banded together to do theatre in Bourbon County.
It all started with a social media suggestion.
“Bourbon Co Community Theatre came about based on a suggestion on Facebook for a community theatre in Fort Scott,'” said Angie Bin, who is the public relations person for the group. “Melissa Guns took that suggestion and ran with it, creating a list of interested individuals who met for the first time last summer.”
The group set about organizing.
They created a list of bylaws and a board and established its non-profit status. The current officers are President: Matthew Wells, Secretary: Sandy Abati, Treasurer: Danette Popp, Public Relations: Angie Bin, Production Coordinator: Katie Wells, and At-Large Board Members: Barbara Woodward, Eric Popp, and Regen Wells.

The first production is called  Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh and will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3 in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. 2108 S. Horton.

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

“The immersive murder mystery allows audience members to play five full rounds of Bingo with prizes donated by local businesses,” according to a press release from Bin.

“Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “’An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead!” according to the press release.  “‘The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame?  Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects.  Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one.  Who could be behind the elaborate spree?  The disgruntled choir director?  The magician turned youth minister?  The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer?  It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies!  Everyone’s a suspect…  even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!'”

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. A purchase of an entire table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a discount of $2 on each adult ticket. Tickets are at bcct.ludus.com, at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door, but seating is limited and advance purchase is suggested.

More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast Kansas through theatre.

The production is directed by Angie Bin along with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann. Bin is the drama teacher at Fort Scott High School.

“We wanted our first actual production to be a fun family-friendly show that would generate a lot of interest in the community, but also be a show that our very limited budget could afford,” Bin said.
They formed a committee to select their first production.
“We had a script-reading committee that read many murder mystery-themed plays and decided on Holy Mother of Bingo! as the best choice. It is a brand new play that just recently won the 2024 Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest. We have cast members ranging from elementary school to senior citizens.”
Bin praises the cast.
“Even though we have several adults who are in their very first production ever, this has been a stellar cast to work with,” she said. “Everyone has been so energetic and willing to help out the production of the show in so many ways.”
A live Bingo game will weave through the play.
“Cast members have been very proactive about meeting with local businesses to request donations for prizes for the live Bingo games that take place during the show and we have so many tremendous prizes from a very large number of local businesses,” Bin said.

Notable roles include the character of Father Ron Culpepper played by Ben Self, Sister Helen played by Katie Wells, Marabelle Manson portrayed by Regen Wells, and Detective Quinn played by Bradley Whitehead, she said.

One of the prizes for bingo during the murder mystery: cookies by Bree Spurgeon, owner of B-Licious Cookies LLC. from the theatre groups Facebook page.
The gift basket with a pink gnome is from Flowers by Leanna, another Bingo prize. Submitted photo.
A gift basket from After Effect Salo as a Bingo prize. Submitted photo.

 

Art, Business

The Artificers Newsletter for August

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The Artificers in August!

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

We are accepting New Artists

for the 2025 year!

August Classes

Come into the studio from 10am-3pm August 24th,

and Glaze all of your pre-made pieces!

Don’t Forget us For your Parties!
Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Bourbon County Community Theatre Performs Holy Mother of Bingo!

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The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre performs its first production – Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh.

 

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3 in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. The immersive murder mystery allows audience members to play five full rounds of Bingo with prizes donated by local businesses.

 

Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead!  The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame?  Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects.  Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one.  Who could be behind the elaborate spree?  The disgruntled choir director?  The magician turned youth minister?  The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer?  It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies!  Everyone’s a suspect…  even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!”

 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. A purchase of an entire table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a discount of $2 on each adult ticket. Tickets are at bcct.ludus.com, at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door, but seating is limited and advance purchase is suggested.

 

More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast KS through threatre.

 

The production is directed by Angie Bin along with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann.