Category Archives: Art

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers Celebrate One Year in Business

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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 →

Art, Fort Scott

The Artificers February Newsletter

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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)
Art, Business

All-Inclusive Valentines Day Evening! at the Artificers

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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!
Art, Bourbon County

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

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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.

 

 

 

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

The Artificers Schedule for January

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member The Artificers…

The Artificers Schedule for January!

Click here to sign up for events and classes at The Artificers in January!

See below the schedule at The Artificers!
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Going out of the Gallery!

The Artificers are packing up art from Amy Smith, Lorrie Fowler, Liberty Worth, and Brandy Evens this week, so HURRY IN and check them out before they are gone!

Think of The Artificers for your party’s!
Contact The Artificers with questions or for more information:

913.574.7741

[email protected]
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers January Schedule

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The Artificers In January!

Happy New Year!!

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

Upcoming Classes

We are packing up art from Amy Smith, Lorrie Fowler, Isaac Fowler, Liberty Worth, and Brandy Evens this week… SO hurry in and check them out before they’re gone!! Check Socials for Specifics!

Think of us for your party’s!

Call us at 913-574-7741 for reservations!

We have catering connections for stress free party planning!

First Friday’s Is TONIGHT…

Join us tonight for a fun late night looking at art and socializing!

GLAZE DAY is January 27th!

Come in and “paint” your heart away with all the variety of glazes and pieces we have available!
Click Here to Join in the Fun!
Art, Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is Saturday December 9 at the Fairgrounds

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The Bourbon County Fair Association’s 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Mart is this Saturday, December 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Emelia Whiteacker is the organizer of the event for the fair board that raises funds for maintaining the fairgrounds year-round, said Addie Foster, one of the vendors.

Foster is a sister to Whiteacker and they have spice products to sell in their M M Flavor booth.

Leanna Leatherman, who had organized the event in the past, died earlier this year and the fair board asked Whiteacker to take over the duties, Foster said.

The event is in two buildings: the Cloverleaf Event Center and the Yaeger Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. The Yaeger Building is adjacent to the poultry building and the Cloverleaf is where meals are served during the fair.

There will be food,  clothing, crafts, and other possible Christmas present items to purchase.

Foster and her sister Emelia Whiteaker are the owners of MMM Flavor Shop which sells spices.

In addition,  Care to Share, a local helping organization for cancer survivors,  will have pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a baked potato bar available for purchase in the Cloverleaf Event Center.

Housed in the Yaeger Building will be Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen featuring:  Mrs. Claus’s Coffee Shop, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, Donna Jo’s Homemade Fudge, Peace Acres Freeze Dried Candy, and Mmm Flavor Shop.

The Cloverleaf Event Center will have vendors:  Locust Hill Lamancha Goat Milk Products, Sally Kraft, Tessie’s Trendy Nails-Color Street, Flying P Ranch, Write On, Bear’s Nectar LLC, Mary Kay-Lauren Wagner, Scentsy-Laken Brittain, Happy Little Candle Company, All Things Cute and Cuddle, On the Farm, Kitty’s Kitchen, Turkey Forge, Gyp and Jo, Cattywampus Creations, and Art by SueP.

Blue Dog Wine Co. will also be in the Cloverleaf Event Center with their locally made wines.

“There are more vendors this year with many hand-crafted items under $10 for the tight budgets,” Whiteacker said.

Art, Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum Receives Portrait of Gordon Parks

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Fort Scott, Kan. Dec.7, 2023 – A portrait of Gordon Parks painted by Elliott Coke O’Neal of Lawrenceville, Ga., was donated recently to the Gordon Parks Museum.

O’Neal rendered the image in 2009 during an art class at Georgia State College in Atlanta, where he
was a sophomore. He had given the portrait to his great-grandmother, Laverne Person, in Fort Scott the year it was finished.

O’Neal’s grandparents, Arthur Greene and Janice Person-Greene, originally from Fort Scott, who now reside in Olathe, visited the museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College to formally donate the painting on O’Neal’s behalf.

For information on the Gordon Parks Museum, contact Kirk Sharp, executive director, 620) 223-2700,
ext. 5850, or at [email protected].
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Janice Person-Greene (left) donating the painting on behalf of their grandson, Elliott Coke O’ Neal.
Photo take by Arthur Greene.
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Art, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Christmas on the Bricks Festival: Nov. 30-Dec.3

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Join us for the Inaugural

Christmas on the Bricks Festival

in Downtown Fort Scott!

First weekend of December

November 30th to December 3rd

See below for details!

Some activities require

pre-registration, so visit the

landing page on fortscott.com for info. so you don’t miss out!

Also, Like & Follow the Festival

Facebook page to stay informed.

EVENT SWEATSHIRTS FOR ORDERING

A limited quantity of event sweatshirts are still being offered for ordering, to be picked up on December 1st, click here for info.

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the

“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights

on Thursday, November 30th at 6pm,

followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir,

Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa inside

Be the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9pm, Sat. 5-9pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9pm, Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun., 12-5pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat.10am-2pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat. 12-2pm & 5-8pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11am-2pm, Sat. 10am-2pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9pm-1am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10am-4pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10am-2pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout

Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers,

and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler

Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison

Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at

(620) 223-3566 or [email protected]

for questions or more information.

See full event flyer below,

or click HERE for a PDF printable copy.

We would appreciate you sharing with

your family & friends!

Special recognition & appreciation to the Festival sponsors displayed below.

This event simply would not be possible without all of the support!

If you would like to be added to the final sponsor promo, signage, and printed handouts for the event, you may still make a charitable contribution to the Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation by

1pm Monday, November 27th. Click here for more info. on sponsorship levels & payment info.
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Click on the individual flyers below for more details on each event!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below for their premium support of the Chamber year-round!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, Bourbon County

BCAC Presents Bad Art by Good People 2023 on November 16

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Marty Read conducting the 2016 Bad Art by Good People Art Auction.

Several local people are donating their artwork, and supporting the local arts council in fundraising.

The Bourbon County Arts Council invites the public to join them in celebrating creativity in our community at this year’s “Bad Art by Good People” Fundraising Event and Auction.

The event is Thursday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton Street on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.

People look over the artwork at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee before the Bad Art by  Good People auction in 2018.

The first “Bad Art by Good People” Event was in 2013. This is where local people try their hand at art and then offer that art to be sold to benefit the Bourbon County Arts Council.

This year’s auction will be the 6th year, with 23 artists participating.

“Since that first auction, 120 community members have donated their time and creative energy (with a bit of humility) to this project, where individuals are given a canvas and asked to create an original piece of art,” Deb Halsey, BCAC President said.

The BCAC Mentoring Workshops provide inspiration and technical advice to those who are creating the art,  with the help of local artists.

This year’s artists include Caroline Barnes, Kelly Barr, Nedra Barr, Donna Bowman, Dave Brezik, Rilie Creollo, Kathy Dancer, Kate Freeman, Trent Freeman, Rachel French, Stewart Gulager, Rob Harrington, Ronda Hassig, Krysta Hulbert, Bobbi Kemna, Megan Malone, David Martin, Madelyn Martin, Matt Park, Carrie Southwell, Joy Self, Diane Striler, and Billy Webster.

Artificers Gallery owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, have also donated a series of “Pendulum Paintings” that were created during their 2023 Kids Camp. Proceeds from the auction of these paintings will be donated to Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

At 7 p.m., the event will begin with art viewing and voting for this year’s “Best Bad Artist”.

The winner of this award will receive a certificate for $50 in Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Bucks, which can be spent at any of over 60 local retailers.

Local auctioneer Marty Reed will conduct the art sale at 7:30 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“Bad Art by Good People is one way that the BCAC attempts to fulfill its mission to ‘foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the arts’ in our community,” said Halsey. “The BCAC also supports local students, by donating annually to Project Art at Fort Scott Middle School and providing scholarships to high school seniors in Bourbon County who will be pursuing art-related majors in college.”

Deb Halsey and Elaine Buerge man the reception booth at the event in 2018.

“This year, the BCAC has also made contributions to the Gordon Parks Celebration, as well as the First Kansas Colored Infantry Mural,” she said. “They have also hosted two Patio Concerts at Crooner’s Restuarant and are scheduled to host a Membership Drive Concert and Dinner in February 2024, headlining the musical group “Wednesdays at Herman’s” which features singer Summer Buerge Timperley, daughter of local artist Elaine Buerge, and Steve Buerge.”

The Bourbon County Arts Council is comprised of the following members: Deb Halsey, President; Breann Eden, Vice-President; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; and Steve Floyd, Secretary; as well as Elaine Buerge, Trent Freeman, Justin Meeks, Kelly Nelson, Robin Whitlock, Chris Woods, and Vicki Wright. Deb Anderson graciously served as board president for 23 years, Halsey said.

“Come out and enjoy an evening of original art, and cast your vote for this year’s ‘Best Bad Artist’,” she said.

Linda Jackson’s painting from the event in 2018. Submitted photo.
Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers Holiday Open House Shopping Event!

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The Artificers Holiday Open House Shopping Event!

We are offering 10% off all Gallery, and 20% off select artists as well!

Come in and see us for our open house! We will have holiday snacks and savings!

Drawings!

Enter to win one of two free Walk-in Ornament Class tonight!!

(One adult class, and one kids class vouchers)

Come in and personalize ornaments in one of our Walk-in Classes!

Adult walk-in Class is November 16th and ends at 8pm! The kids walk-in Class is the 18th and goes from 11am-5pm!

Mark on your Calendar…
Annual Christmas Show Event
Art, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

World Famous Vienna Boys Choir Coming to Fort Scott on Nov. 10

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Photo credit: Lukas Beck.

The Vienna Boys Choir is coming to Fort Scott Community College on Friday, Nov. 10. The performance will be at 7 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

Fort Scott Community College

“FSCC was excited to partner with the Vienna Boys Choir to highlight our wonderful facility and offer the community of Fort Scott a performance from this famous choir,” Tom Havron, FSCC Vice President of Student Affairs said. “All excess revenue generated from the performance will go to student scholarships from the FSCC Foundation.”

 

“The Vienna Boys Choir is one of the most famous choirs in the world, and one of its oldest,” according to a press release. “In 1498, Emperor Maximilian I moved his court to Vienna to establish the Chapel Imperial there, along with the Vienna Boys Choir. Over the centuries, the court attracted musicians like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Anton Bruckner. Joseph Haydn, Michael Haydn, and Franz Schubert were themselves choirboys.

“The 100 boy choristers between the ages of nine and fourteen are divided into four choirs. Between them, the choirs give around 300 concerts each year, attended by almost half a million spectators around the world. Since 1924, the boys have sung over 1000 tours in 100 different countries, which has resulted in a staggering 29,000 performances. At the Sunday services in Vienna’s Imperial Chapel, they perform with members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the State Opera Chorus. The Choir frequently appears with major orchestras, conducted by Joana Mallwitz, Zubin Mehta, Riccardo Muti, Christian Thielemann, and Simone Young. Recent highlights include appearances at the Salzburg Festival and the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert.

“The Vienna Boys Choir’s singing tradition is listed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as an intangible cultural heritage in Austria. Professor Gerald Wirth, himself a former choirboy, is the Artistic Director of the entire Campus.”

 

“Today the Vienna Boys Choir is a private, non-profit organization, which relies on sponsorship and donations. The Choir maintains a primary school, a junior, and a senior high school. 300 boys and girls between the ages of six and 19 attend the Choir’s Schools in Vienna’s Augarten Park. All receive individual voice lessons and sing in one of the choirs. The Choir’s education is open to all, regardless of their origin, nationality, or religion. About a third of the students go on to become music professionals.