Category Archives: Art

Art, Gordon Parks Museum

2023 Gordon Parks Celebration Poetry Contest Winners Named

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Winners of the Gordon Parks Celebration “Family, Home
and Roots” poetry contest, sponsored by Helen Townsend and Trabar Associates, have been chosen.

Fifteen entries were received and the winner of First Place was Zian Butler Perez, Manassas, VA with the poem titled “An Ode to White Rice, Ketchup, and Heuvo Frito.” Second Place was Delvyn Thomas,
Wichita, KS with the poem “Tea Time.” by Kelly Hams Pearson, Parkville, MO. Third Place was Andrew Hall, Shawnee, KS with the poem, “I am You, Kansas.”

There were three Honorable Mentions named: “Circle.” by Kristin Chambers, Waverly, KS, “We are Family Playground.” by Daliludeen Ahmedou, (Nevada, MO) “Breaking” by Lynne Schmidt, Norway, ME and Hanamo, Flo Au, (Hong Kong)

First, Second, and Third place winners received cash prizes of $200, $75, and $50 respectively.
The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing.

Photographers were invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Judges for the photo contest was Kansas Poet Laureate, Traci Brimhall, Poet and Author, Annette Hope-Billings and Poet, Cash Hollistah.

The poetry exhibit will be on display on the Gordon Parks Museum’s Facebook page
facebook.com/fsccgpmuseum/ and the museum’s website
gordonparkscenter.org.

 

Art, Gordon Parks Museum

2023 Gordon Parks Celebration Photo Contest Winners Named

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Winners of the Gordon Parks Celebration “Family, Home and Roots” photo contest, sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography, have been chosen.

Seventy-Five entries were received and the winner of First Place was Karen Cayce, Wichita, KS with the photo titled “Family
Legacy.” Second Place was Delvyn Thomas, Wichita, KS with the photo “Class Family.” Third Place was McKinely Sutton, Uniontown, KS with the photo, “Children.”

There were five Honorable Mentions named: “House.” by (Yasser Alaa Mobarak,( Alexandria, Egypt.); “We are Family Playground.” by Daliludeen Ahmedou, (Nevada, MO) “Follow the Leader” by McKinley Sutton, (Uniontown, KS) “Me and Pa.” by Makiah Woods, (Bronson, KS), “Girl and Sheep”, by Johanna Walker, (Franklin, KS)

First, Second, and Third place winners received cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 respectively.

The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing.

Photographers were invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Judges for the photo contest were professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.

The photo exhibit will be on display on the Gordon Parks Museum
Facebook page facebook.com/fsccgpmuseum/ and the museum’s website
gordonparkscenter.org.

 

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Bourbon County Community Theatre: Voices From the Grave, Oct. 28

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The Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park, the site of the Bourbon County Community Theatre event on Oct. 28.

The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre is looking for volunteers for its inaugural event, “Voices from the Grave,” on the evening of  Saturday, October 28th, in the Riverfront Park.

Actors will memorize and present a short script describing a scene or “vignette” based on a story of murder or mayhem in Fort Scott’s history. Guests will be escorted through the park to visit each vignette and hear the story.

Leaders will be costumed “characters” who guide visitors from vignette to vignette.

To be a part of this event, please fill out the survey below!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LN6YYGR?fbclid=IwAR3ki4mAAbAPBnD98Unou0LEtD5aQpfPWBCnqvkxhHfMBth-S0aexDaogkA

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers In October

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October is almost here! Check out the calendar below for all the

classes and events happening this next Month!
October Classes Here!

Master Artist

Brandy Evans

Mixed Media Sculpture

Brandy is a self-taught artist specializing in tiny taxidermy.

Her creations capture her love of antiques and her whimsy sense of humor. Her one of a kind creations have been sold worldwide and she has inspired others to explore their own artistic ability and desire to create. She enjoys a loyal following on Etsy, FB and IG and her Pocket Full of Heirlooms brand is known around the world.

Master Artist Classes!

We have one class Brandy Evans will be teaching October 7th!

Join us for a tiny taxidermy class at The Artificers!

Learn mouse taxidermy from our friend, Brandy Evans, of Pocket Full of Heirlooms. Participants will take a home their own taxidermy mouse creation.

Cost $165; includes feeder, mouse, taxidermy blocks props, scalpel, gloves, and step-by-step instruction.

This class is nonrefundable and non-transferable. Class is ages fourteen and up! We can’t wait to see you there!
Sign up Here!

Fall is Here!

so take some of our fun fall themed classes in October!
October Classes Here!
Check out all of our awesome classes here!
Art, Fort Scott

Scarecrow Contest Submissions Needed by Sept. 20

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Scarecrow Contest

This contest is open to any individual or family:

Scarecrows are to be actual 3D scarecrows using found/recycled materials and a T-frame.

Scarecrows will be attached to outdoor poles down Main St, so please use sturdy materials.

Scarecrows can be frightening or fun, but please keep your creations tasteful & family appropriate.

For Businesses in Bourbon County wanting to participate:

Have your scarecrow represent your business. For example a restaurant might feature a scarecrow wearing an apron.

Feel free to make a big, bold, and bright full display!

A photograph of your outdoor business creation must be emailed to the Chamber by 5:00 PM on September 20th to be entered into the contest. Email: [email protected]​

​

Individual:

1st: $50 Gift Certificate

2nd: $30 Gift Certificate

3rd: $20 Gift Certificate

Business:

Winner receives one dozen logoed shirts and bragging rights for the entire year!

Blind judging will be done by a panel of local artists and crafters. All winners will be announced live on Facebook during the Chamber Coffee September 21st at 8:00 AM.

Deadline to enter is September 20th (submissions can be made at the gazebo at First & Main on that day between 4:00-5:00 PM).

Early submissions may be left at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce office, 321 E Wall St. If you would like your scarecrow returned, please remove it on November 1st by 3:00 PM or it will be discarded.

The Chamber is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen items.

Click here for a printable flyer!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Sept. Newsletter

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September 11, 2023                                    Volume 10

We know you all are filled with anticipation for the upcoming announcement of the Discovery Award winners, and we appreciate your enthusiasm!

Please mark your calendars for the updated announcement date: Wednesday, September 20th. We promise it will be a day filled with celebration, inspiration, and the recognition of outstanding students and their Unsung Hero Projects.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ARTEFFECT UPDATES

ARTEFFECT Ambassadors is a new online fellowship with a stipend of $1250! Tailored for educators working directly with K-12 students, the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program aims to foster the visual arts. During the 2023-2024 school year, Ambassadors participate in online modules exploring the diverse stories of Unsung Heroes from history. They will complete a capstone project to make an impact on their classrooms and communities.

Applications due: September 18, 2023.

Learn more: bit.ly/ARTEFFECT-Ambassadors

FELLOWS NEWS & UPDATES

Recently, the Milken Educator Awards newsletter featured a wonderful article titled “A ‘Life-Changing Experience’: 2023 Fellows Explore LMC’s Unsung Heroes.” We encourage you to click the linked article to gain insight into what an LMC Fellowship entails and to discover some of the highlights from the Fellows’ week in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Art, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Gordon Parks Museum, Government, History

Skubitz Plaza Mural Completed

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Ist Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment mural. August,2023.

The local historic depiction of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment is completed.

The mural faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site, the place of the mustering of the regiment during the American Civil War.

St. Louis artist Cbabi Bayoc worked on the mural for a week in August with temperatures over 100 degrees.

The new mural was created by Cbabi Bayoc, pictured here in a submitted photo.

“The project took six days to complete,” Bayoc said in an interview. “I started spray painting the sketch on Monday and made final touches on it Saturday afternoon. The only long day was Wednesday which was crucial in getting it done on schedule.”

He worked from afternoon to evening because of the location of the mural on the north side of the building. That week of August 2023 the community experienced over 100 degrees daily.

“The heat was a definite factor,” Bayoc said. “It cut my days shorter than I am used to spending on murals of this scale. Also the rail and the steps made for some interesting body maneuvering to get the soldier on the left and the banner bottom middle done.”

Bayoc describes his work and its meaning.

“I chose the soldier with the flag because black folks always hoped going to battle for the country would gain their rights and respect as citizens,” he said. “The ad (To Arms! To Arms!) was crucial because putting guns in the hands of black soldiers was crucial to the (Civil War/slavery) times and foreshadowed their being the first regiment to see battle. I like the line created by the rifle and what it adds to the design. Their name and regiment number flank the left side and of course, elements from the battalion flag provide the backdrop.”

 Fort Scott left a good impression on the artist from St. Louis.

“The folks we interacted with were warm and inviting,” he said. “My wife and I thought the downtown was gorgeous. We look forward to returning in October.”
The revealing and acknowledging of the mural will be during the annual Gordon Parks Museum Celebration the first weekend in October.
To learn more about that event:
 

The public is invited to join the “Free To Serve” mural unveiling on Friday, October 6 from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

This is in honor and tribute to the regiment’s sacrifice and willingness to serve during the Civil War.
The mural is located at the north downtown building at 9 South Main St, near Skubitz Plaza, facing the Fort.

“We will veil the mural before out-of-town guests arrive for the Gordon Parks celebration for a more grand reveal, but until then the mural is available to be photographed,” Rachel French, coordinator of the project for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division said.

 

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity awarded funding for the project, along with several local benefactors.

Art, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Maker Space: A Place to Enhance Artistic Talents

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The Bowman family of eight live in the Museum of Creativity at 102 S. National.

Jonathon and Lorina Bowman moved to Fort Scott with their six kids and started a venture called the Museum of Creativity which offers games, crafts, Barbie exhibits, legos, model trains, and more for youth and all ages. They live on the top floor of the multi-story building.

There is also a retail store on-site with ready-to-make craft kits and all kinds of “fun items,” Lorina said.

Today, August 31, there will be a  grand opening and ribbon cutting for a Maker Space in the museum at 5:30 p.m.

“One of our main goals has always been to provide more opportunities for all ages to get creative by learning new skills and enhancing each individual’s talents,” Lorinda said.

“We know how frustrating it can be to take over the dining room table to get crafty,” she said. “Using our space minimizes that need and allows the table to be used for its intended purpose.”

Cost for using the Maker Space will be included in the museum entrance fee which is $2/child and $1/adult.

Parents are asked to please stay in the space with their children.

“The main wall will have a large array of craft supplies and tools ready to be put to good use,” she said. “To assist in future purchases of materials so we can keep everything stocked up, we will have a donation jar for anyone who wants to contribute to that cause.”
“For your convenience, we will also have a wall with a variety of preassembled craft kits (in all different skill levels) for sale,” she said. “After purchasing a kit, you can choose to use our room to create it or if you have what you need to complete it at home, you can grab it to go.”
“Please join us in our ribbon cutting where we will finally open this space up for all to use,” she said. “All guests will get a tour of the possibilities this room can provide. This event will be free but please let us know if you are planning to attend!”
“We will have refreshments available,” she said. “The Chamber of Commerce will begin the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Our featured projects for the evening will be to make bracelets and sensory bottles.”
For more info:
[email protected]
Or text – 209-204-9743Ribon  Or follow them on their Facebook page.
View their Facebook page for a lemonade fundraiser for children with cancer and another event called September Service Stretch.

 

Maker Space Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Museum of Creativity

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the evening ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the grand opening of the new Maker Space, according to a press release from the chamber.

Remarks and the cutting of the ribbon will take place at 5:30 p.m. while guests are welcome to come and go from 5 to 8 p.m., according to the press release.

Refreshments will be available along with craft kits to purchase.  Featured projects for the evening will be bracelets and sensory bottles to assemble for those interested.

 

Art, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum Receives Arts and Culture Grant by the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas

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Fort Scott, Kan. Aug.24, 2023 – An Arts and Culture grant through the Community Foundation of
Southeast Kansas helped support the 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration. The annual celebration
will be held October 5 -7, 2023 in Fort Scott, Kansas.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. This is our 20th year of the Annual Gordon Parks
Celebration and we are excited to celebrate the upcoming three days full of wonderful events
with everyone. The celebration is a great way to honor Gordon Parks legacy.” said Kirk Sharp,
Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “
The celebration is in honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and
filmmaker. The celebration will feature several events to include presentations, special events, tours,
music performance, barbeque and a celebration tribute dinner for the presentation of The Choice of
Weapons Award established in Parks’ honor to be given annually at the celebration. The schedule of
events is available at the Gordon Parks Museum or online at gordonparkscenter.org and on our
facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fsccGPmuseum/. This event is for everyone and open to
the public.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors
who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people
throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. Call the Foundation at 620-231-8897 with questions about
the Community Foundation. www.southeastkansas.org.
###

Contact Name: Kirk Sharp FOR IMMEDIATE
Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 RELEASE
Email: [email protected]
Website: gordonparkscenter.org

Art, Bourbon County, Youth

Two Bourbon County Non-Profits Receive Grants from Area Foundation

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Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Awards $160,000 to SEK Nonprofits

 

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce General Grant Funds totaling $160,000 have been awarded to 48 nonprofit organizations in Southeast Kansas. In 2023 alone, these grants will impact 12 Southeast Kansas counties and 23 different communities.

 

The areas of Basic Human Needs, Youth Activities, and Arts & Culture are the focus of the CFSEK General Funds competitive grant process. Proposals for projects in these focus areas were accepted during the month of June. Submissions were reviewed, and selections for funding were completed early last month.

 

“We are amazed by the work of our nonprofit community in Southeast Kansas, and we are proud to support their hard work,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These organizations provide an incredible variety of programs, services, and resources that truly improve the quality of life in our communities.”

 

Since 2004, competitive granting from funds directly managed by CFSEK have provided over $1.5 million to organizations throughout Southeast Kansas. Competitive granting differs from other granting provided by CFSEK, such as donor-advised grants, designated grants, field of interest grants, and others. Since its inception in 2001, CFSEK has provided over $20 million in total grant funding throughout Southeast Kansas.

 

The following organizations and projects were awarded funds from the 2023 General Funds grant process:

 

Arts & Culture – $2,200

 

  • Gordon Parks Museum Foundation – Support for the 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration
  • Olive Street Presents, LTD – “Don’t Stop Believin'” Music Programming
  • Pittsburg ArtWalk Association – Audio Equipment

 

Basic Human Needs – $67,800

 

  • Caney Valley Agape Network, Inc. – Improvements for Sustainability and Service
  • Care Cupboard Hygiene Pantry – It’s All Essential
  • Catholic Charities Inc. – Youth Homelessness Diversion Project
  • Community Food Pantry Fund – Community Food Pantry Fund
  • Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Clothing Our Kids in Need
  • Crosstimbers Food Pantry Association – The Blessing Bee Lift Gate
  • DBLO Association – Continuing to Make Dreams Possible for Children in Need in SEK
  • Eden Early Learning Academy – Educational Development & Enrichment for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • The Erie United Methodist Church, Inc. – Erie Christmas Baskets/ Share the Love Valentines Bags
  • Families and Children Together Inc. – Working for Wellness
  • First Baptist Church Riverton – Share with Love Food pantry
  • First United Methodist Church Wesley House – Homeless Basic Supplies
  • Humanity House Foundation – Feeding Allen County II
  • KVC Kansas – Personal Care Items for Youth in Foster System
  • Labette County Emergency Assistance Center – Emergency Funds for Labette County Residents
  • The Lord’s Diner – The Lord’s Diner Project
  • Mosaic – Ensuring Housing Access, Safety and Security Through Emergency Funding for People with Disabilities
  • Sacred Heart Parish – Providing Fresh Produce for Our Families in Crawford County
  • Safe Haven Outreach Mission – A Good Night’s Sleep
  • Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc. – Welcome Home
  • The Salvation Army – Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program 2023-2024
  • SEK Women Helping Women – Stay Safe
  • SparkWheel – Essential Services for SEK Students
  • Wesley United Methodist Church – Grab & Go Food Ministry

 

Youth Activities – $75,000

 

  • Chanute Public Library – Literacy4Littles
  • Cherry Street Youth Center, Inc. – Reading Lab – Raz Kids
  • City of Galena – City Park Splash Pad
  • City of Mulberry – Basketball Court Upgrades
  • Columbus Area Community Foundation – Youth Activities Granting
  • Curious Minds Discovery Zone, Inc. – Outdoor Shelter & Safety
  • First Baptist Church Riverton – Together Strong
  • First United Methodist Church Wesley House – Cozy Kids, Coats for Kids Program
  • Fort Scott Area Community Foundation – Youth Activities Granting
  • The Foster Closet, Inc. – Family Enrichment Events
  • Fostering Connections – Back to School Free, Familly, Fun Event
  • Girard Area Community Foundation – Youth Activities Granting
  • Happy Kids Daycare & Preschool, Inc. – Frog Street Curriculum
  • Inspire Health Foundation, Inc. – Anatomy Models and Health Resources for Students
  • Integrated Behavioral Technologies – Teen Activity Room in SEK Autism Clinic
  • Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters – Mentors and Matches
  • Pittsburg Community Theatre – Jr. Starz
  • Mary’s Colgan Schools – Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Patrick Catholic School – Continuing Student Learning Through Technology
  • SoHome Kids Foundation – Safe Space
  • Southwind Extension Education Foundation – Food, Safety, and Personal Hygiene Enhancement
  • Special Olympics Kansas – Equipment for Special Olympics Kansas SEK
  • Spring River Mental Health and Wellness – Pathfinders Summer/Fall Activities
  • USD 250 – Holiday Vespers
  • Victory Life Church – Back2School Event
  • Wilco Interagency Corporation – Early Childhood Family Engagement Opportunities

 

The CFSEK Board of Trustees and staff congratulate all the 2023 grant recipients!

 

For additional information related to CFSEK’s competitive granting opportunities, visit www.SoutheastKansas.org or call 620-231-8897.

 

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Youth

Young Entrepreneur: Devlin Cole

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This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community.

Following the first set of stories on young entrepreneurs in our community, an anonymous donor  wrote fortscott.biz that he wanted to grant each one of the featured youth with $50.

To view the prior story: Young Entrepreneurs Series Spawns An Anonymous Benefactor

If you know of a child, under 18 years of age, that is creating products or providing services to sell to the public, please send their name and phone number to [email protected]

Fortscott.biz wants to  encourage the youth who are learning business by doing it.

Devlin Cole.

Devlin Cole, 15,  started a leather works business about a year ago,  called DRC Leatherworks.

He hand stamps and hand cuts leather to make bookmarks, rings, bracelets, key rings.

His grandmother, Vicki Waldron, owner of ViCon, a sewing business, and he both got interested at the same time, and he works out of her shop on Maple Road, rural Fort Scott. His sister, Mackenna, has encouraged him in his business, he said.

“I started sewing when young,” Cole said. “I like hands-on personalizing and being a craftsman on something that is personal.”

He is currently creating a stock pile of leather work articles for the Children’s Business Fair on September 30.

“I used (his leather) bookmarks at school, when reading and friends noticed and ordered a few,” he said.

At a recent band event, some of his friends helped Cole select a name for his business and he has been working on pricing, business logo and a business email.

Submitted graphic.

Belts are $10, keychains and pendants are $5, bookmarks are $7, rings are $3, and bracelets are $4.

“That is the prices I have thought of at the current moment not 100% sure on the belts due to leather costs but the rest is pretty set in stone,” he said.

At a recent Children’s Business Fair workshop, he developed a busniness plan and got all his ideas on paper, he said. Next was cash flow and payment options.

He will be selling, along with other young enrepreneurs, at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on September 30.

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Artificers Kids Still Life Painting in Sept. 16, Glaze Day is Sept. 23

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Logo

Calendar Correction!

Sorry for the inconvenience.

The kids still life painting is on 9/16 and glaze day is 9/23
Register For Classes Here!