Category Archives: Art

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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Newly Formed Bourbon County Community Theatre Plans An Adult Prom on March 16

A group of residents organized last summer to form a non-profit corporation that will be bringing education, community, and culture to Southeast Kansas through theatre productions, called Bourbon County Community Theatre.

“BCCT was formed in late June and has been working since then to get up and running so that the people of Bourbon County can soon have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy community theatre again,” said Delynn Abati, public relations person for the group.

The group’s first event is March 16 and is a prom for adults to fund future events and performances.

“We are hoping this prom for adults will become an annual night of fun, dancing, and community support,” she said.

This formal dance is for anyone age 21 and up and will be held in The Legacy Center on the lower level of the old Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

“We will have a promenade beginning at 7:45 pm and the dance will run from 8-11 pm,” she said in a press release. “In addition to dancing, we will have non-alcoholic drinks, a charcuterie board, and a chocolate fondue bar included in the ticket price, as well as alcoholic beverages available for purchase from the bar, provided by Sharky’s.”

“We’re hoping to add to the fun (and success) of the night with some lighthearted music dueling,” she said. “Attendees can pay $1 to request and/or dedicate a song, $5 to request a song NOT be played for an hour, or $10 for a song to be banned for the night.”

Tickets can be purchased at BCCT.ticketspice.com (QR code provided below) or at the door on March 16.

Online tickets are $50 per couple or $30 for a single ticket. Tickets purchased at the door will go up in price to $75 per couple or $40 for a single ticket.

“Our BCCT board is so excited to be offering this event to the people of Fort Scott and surrounding areas and hopes that it will be a success for years to come,” she said.

The BCCT is accepting members.

“If you’d like to be a part of bringing community theatre back to Bourbon County, visit our Facebook page;  and fill out the Community Theatre Interest Form,” https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552088270799he said.

Additionally, on the horizon is a Night of Living History performance.

“The Bourbon County Community Theatre is looking for people who would like to be involved in a committee for a Night of Living History performance,” said Abati.  “This will be a play (or similar event) telling some of the history of Fort Scott and its surrounding areas.”

The BCCT Board is comprised of:

Matthew Wells, President

Melissa Guns, Vice President

Recording Secretary, Sandra Abati

Correspondence Secretary, Katie Wells

Treasurer, Whitley Chesney

Production Coordinator, Tyler Parker

Public Relations, Delynn Abati

Rene Ludeman

Angie Bin

Alex Chesney

Danette Popp

 

Artificers Offers Conversation Heart Dish Class Tonight

Conversation Heart Dish POP-UP Class Tonight!!

Starting at 5 tonight you can come into the studio and make your own conversation heart dish! Use it just for you or give it to someone special!! Walk-ins welcome!!

Thanks for LOVING Local!

The Artificers Celebrate One Year in Business

Trent and Kate Freeman. Submitted photos.
Trent and Kate Freeman purchased the building at 8 N. National Ave from Phil Hammons in October of 2020, after a full remodel of the building they hosted the grand opening of their art business on January 28th, 2023.

“In the first year, The Artificers (the name of their art gallery) hosted artists from Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, and Georgia,” Kate said.  “These Master artists have also taught classes in their medium and brought their talents to share in Fort Scott.”

“The Artificers provide a wide range of fine arts and fine crafts for purchase in our gallery,” she said. “The teaching studio provides a space to learn everything from ceramics, watercolor, weaving, printmaking, fluid art, pen & ink, and more. We also run our studios out of the space and are available for commissioned work.”
“The first year was a year of learning,” she said. “We tried to watch what people loved about our business, doing more of that. We took away things that didn’t seem to be a good fit for the community and listened to our clientele to provide classes and items that they wanted. One of our goals was to fill a gap in art education, as well as give confidence to people who want to experience making art but haven’t had the opportunity to be encouraged in their creativity.”
“We are very excited to expand our offerings in our Bourbon County Clay LLC line,” she said. ” This is a line of limited edition items made from clay that we pull from the ground in Northwest Bourbon County.  All items are stamped with our logo and numbered.”
“We are also developing a line of online classes that will be available to purchase through subscription,” she said.
Trent Freeman. Submitted photo.
About The Artists

Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, and metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.

“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said in a prior interview. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”

Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.

Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”

Eventually, the Freeman’s purchased the building at 8 North National Avenue, on October 2, 2020.

Continue reading The Artificers Celebrate One Year in Business

The Artificers February Newsletter

The Artificers In February!

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

Artist Opening and Reception!!

Sallys’ Master Artist Classes

February Classes

Valentines Day “Ghost” Class

What’s the first thing you think of when someone says wheel throwing?

That steamy movie scene with Patrick & Demi, Right?!?  Now’s your chance!

Grab your favorite Patrick or Demi and have a Valentine’s event that will go down in the books as if it were a memorable scene out of a movie!

Sign up Here!
Click Here to Join in the Fun!

GLAZE DAY is February 17th!

Come in and “paint” your heart away with all the variety of glazes and pieces we have available!

Sneak Peak of Next Month!

(subject to change)

All-Inclusive Valentines Day Evening! at the Artificers

All-Inclusive Valentines Day Evening!

Here at the studio we are offering everything you need this Valentines Day! Come in for our all inclusive night with our  “GHOST” class, and give your partner a silver screen experience!

WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF

WHEN SOMEONE SAYS WHEEL THROWING?

THAT STEAMY MOVIE SCENE WITH PATRICK & DEMI, RIGHT?!?

NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!  GRAB YOUR FAVORITE PATRICK OR DEMI

AND HAVE A VALENTINE’S EVENT THAT WILL GO DOWN IN THE BOOKS!

Bring your group of friends and enjoy a fun and romantic evening just for you guys! Your night will include heavy appetizers and desserts catered in by our local favorite crooners! Then enjoy a two hour wheel throwing class sitting across from your special someone! Do something extra special this year and take the worry out of planning this Valentine’s Day!

Call us at 913-574-7741 to reserve your evening!

Thanks for LOVING Local!

Call for Entries – Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit – 2024

The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 32nd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, February 29th, through Saturday, March 9th.

The mixed media competition is open to artists aged 16 and older.  Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

A new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “ART OF EVERYDAY LIFE”.  An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.

Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.

Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category.  Entry deadline and payment are due by February 23rd, 2024.

Cash awards totaling over $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.

Entry requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650, Deb Halsey at (620)224-0684, or e-mailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.

The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows:  Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 23rd

. No late entries will be accepted.  Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday February 25th, between 1 and 4 pm.

 Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday February 28th; this is closed to artists and the public.

The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday February 29th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.

A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror that evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, February 29th through Friday March 8th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 9th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.