Category Archives: Art

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers April Calendar

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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!
Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum

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

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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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Art, Bourbon County

Bourbon County Arts Council 2024 Fine Arts Exhibit Awards Announced

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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”

2nd – Daria 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

 

 

 

 

 

Art, History, Kansas

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

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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.

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers in March

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

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

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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.

 

 

Art, Government, Kansas

Commerce Grants Available for Rural Mural and Public Art Projects

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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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Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum

Portrait of Gordon Parks: An Evening of Interpretive Jazz Event

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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].
.

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

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

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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

 

Art, Fort Scott

Artificers Offers Conversation Heart Dish Class Tonight

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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!