NPS Photo: C. Brenner. 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Winner for Kansas Group III.
Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 am, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting Jewel Endicott with the first-place award for her age group in the Kansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for the 2nd year in a row. Her winning entry is titled “Cinnamon Teal Swimming” and was done in colored pencil. The awards presentation will be in the foyer on the upper level of the park’s Infantry Barracks, outside the theater.
This year’s contest had 214 Kansas entries and judging was held at Baker Wetlands Education Center in Lawrence, Kansas last March. This is the 30th annual National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Participants created original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil.
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.
From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee Thursday, May 18th at 8am hosted by Bobbi Kemna. The event will take place at the Kemna home located at 1366 215th St., which is approximately ¼ mile north of town on old 69 highway. Coffee, juice, and biscuits and gravy will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Local resident and community volunteer Cory Bryars will speak on the 2nd Annual Fort Fest Blues Festival event to be held the last weekend of September Downtown in front of Sharky’s Pub & Grub on Friday evening the 29th and at Riverfront Park on Saturday the 30th from 12pm to 9pm featuring live music, a barbeque contest, vendor booths, and more. The event will benefit “Care to Share, The Sharing Bucket” cancer support organization.
The Chamber had a schedule change for the Chamber Coffee this week, and Bobbi stepped in and offered to open her doors to Chamber members and guests. Bobbi is a long-time entrepreneur in Bourbon County, having owned several businesses in partnership with her late husband, Harry, including the KOA Campground, mobile home sales, a flight school, and The Branding Iron restaurant.
Chamber Coffee guests are welcome to step into The Pot Pantry adjacent to her home, an 1800’s rock house studio and gallery space of her hand-built pottery. Bobbi hosted an Art in the Yard festival two years on her property, and continues to display her pottery at art events near and far including the Backroom Art Gallery at Hare & Crow Barber Shop on Main Street open weekly Wednesday through Saturday and the evenings of First Fridays in addition to The Artificers gallery.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
The mural will be on this wall that faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Jerry Witt, owner of the building, had Mid-Continental Restoration Co. do the work of preparing the wall for the mural.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division is working to bring about a downtown historical mural’s creation that will feature the Civil War’s 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment that were stationed in Fort Scott.
“Kansas was the first Northern state to recruit, train, and send Black soldiers into combat during the Civil War,” according to the Fort Scott National Historic Site website. “Fort Scott served as the home base for both the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry, with both regiments being mustered into federal service on Fort Scott’s former parade ground.”
Captain William Mathews –a free Black, a businessman and station master on the Underground Railroad –recruited former slaves into the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment at Fort Scott. From the FSNHS website.
Jerry Witt is the owner of the building at 19 N. Main whose north outside wall faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Country Girl Cuts Salon is housed in the building currently. It is this wall where the mural will be created.
The plaque on the building at 19 N. Main states that at one time the building was a clothing store and the second floor a bordello. Submitted photo.
Witt contracted with Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott, to “tighten up the building, tuck pointing, in preparation for the mural painting,” he said. “Any loose paint, etc. taken off so as not to deter the new mural going up.
Jerry and Judy Witt hand out Halloween candy in from on their home on Main Street in this photo from October 30, 2021, taken from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The Witts live in a historic downtown building, and own several storefront buildings in the downtown.
“We’ve had several people want to paint a mural there,” Witt said. “But this project, we are excited about because we wanted to enhance something about the history of the fort.”
The Mural Project: Looking For An Artist
“The mural public art project will offer one artist the unique opportunity to showcase their original art in the historic district of downtown Fort Scott,” according to fortscott.com
“The chosen mural will be painted on the exterior building wall facing the National Historic site, where the group was sworn in and was the first African-American regiment to fight against the Confederacy in the Civil War.
“The artwork will remain the property of the City of Fort Scott.
For request for proposal of a mural, artists are to submit the following:
Mural sketch including the following:
At least three soldiers from the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry
The selected mural will be painted on the Star Clothing building, 19 North Main Street, on the north wall facing the National Historic site. Mural size will be 25′ x 12′, covering the existing mural.
Schedule
“All proposals are due by 11:59 pm on Monday, May 29, 2023, and must be submitted via the Visit Fort Scott web page dedicated to the mural. Late or incomplete proposals will not be accepted. All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of African-American consultants to ensure the mural is culturally sensitive, and then proposals will be judged blind by a panel of local artists, historians, and stakeholders. The winning proposal will be announced on Juneteenth (June 19, 2023). The winning artists must be prepared to have their murals installed no later than September 30, 2023.
“Proposals not selected may be invited to participate in a special art show hosted by the Artificers Gallery in Fort Scott, KS, to be held in January of 2024. Additionally, any proposal submitted may be used for marketing purposes by the City of Fort Scott or the Fort Scott Chamber. The artist will be cited for their work.
Selection Process and Criteria
“One artist will be selected by a panel of local judges comprised of local artists, historians, and community stakeholders. Criteria will include artistic merit, historical appropriateness, and how well the subject will translate to a mural.
Eligibility
“The Fort Scott Chamber Foundation , a 501c3 organization, has opened the call for artists, and is open to any Kansas resident willing to submit a proposal that can complete the requirements as specified, including the design and installation of the mural. Any design that includes advertising, soliciting, campaigning, or any other promotional or commercially-driven entries is ineligible.
Artist Compensation
“The chosen artist will be compensated through a payment of at least $5,000, which is intended as a design fee and will be paid at the completion of the mural. The selected artist will also a given a daily per diem during the project period (up to seven days) for meals/lodging if travel accommodations are required for the project. Project material costs will be covered up to $5,000 by The Fort Scott Chamber Foundation in addition to the artist fee. The artist fee could be more than the amount listed if additional funds are raised through crowdsourcing.”
Lorrie Fowler is a Nashville based painter, specializing in large abstract statement pieces that captivate viewers with their unique movement, texture, and detail. She creates works of art by combining the fluid motion of paints with gravity, air pressure, and a bit of fire.
She often draws inspiration from both nature and her relationship with Jesus, combining these inspirations to create beautiful pieces that evoke a sense of peace in those who view them. Her work is featured in homes and businesses throughout the nation, bringing her unique style of art to a wide range of spaces. Lorrie loves to partner with her clients to create the perfect custom piece of their dreams!
Along with painting, teaching has always been a passion of Lorrie’s and her mission is to spark creativity in others. She wants everyone to know that they are designed to be creative and fluid art is a great way to tap into that creativity!
Nashville-based artist Isaac Fowler specializes in creating captivating and tranquil landscapes that showcase breathtaking clouds, serene waters, and remarkable sunrises. His passion is to capture the fleeting beauty of nature on canvas, and bring that inspiration into your home.
In addition to his main body of work, Isaac regularly does custom work, ranging from personalized landscapes, portraits, and illustrations. His paintings are cherished in homes across the country.
Married to his high school sweetheart Lorrie, who is also an artist, they both enjoy earning their livelihood through their shared passion for art.
MERL HUMPHREY PHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTS The 2023 Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest
(Open to any non-professional photographer)
THEME:“Family, Home and Roots” This photo contest is inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing. This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Who can participate? Amateur (nonprofessional) photographers of all ages and skill levelsare invited to take pictures for the project.
How many photos can I enter?No more than 2.
Are there prizes? Yes! There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. Winners will be announced at the Gordon Parks Celebration.
All photos submitted that are accepted, will be on exhibit during the 20th annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 5 – 7, 2023. All accepted photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Website andFacebook page.
How do I submit? Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to[email protected].All photos must be in JPEG format and limit file size toless than 2 MB.Photographers should submitattachedphoto in JPEG format, with the title, their name, address, email, and phone number.If under 14 years old please include parent’s information.
When do I have to submit my entries? Photos should be received via email byWednesday, September 20, 2023at the latest.
Anything else I need to know? The Gordon Parks Museum reserves the right to not accept or display any submitted photo(s) that would be considered to be obscene, violent or in any other way objectionable or inappropriate and/or that do not hold to the standards of FSCC policy or the mission of the Gordon Parks Museum.
It is the photographer’s responsibility to make sure they have permission to take and use the photograph subject’s image.
By entering the contest, you retain the rights to your works while granting The Gordon Parks Museum the unrestricted, royalty-free, perpetual right to use, reproduce, communicate modify and display the works (in whole or in part) for any purpose without any fee or other form of compensation, and without further notification or permission.
By participating in this contest, you release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Gordon Parks Museum and its employees, directors, officers, affiliates, agents, judges and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind resulting from your participation in this contest or receipt or use of any prize.
Sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography 5 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS Questions? Email[email protected] Or call 223-2700, ext. 5850
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced multiple opportunities to support the creation of murals and public art in the state though coordinated funding programs from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) and the Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP). The programs will provide funding for communities to use public spaces for the purposes of artistic use and creative endeavors.
“Public art is one of many factors that drives decisions about where people will stop for a meal, open a business or move their family,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Commerce looks forward to partnering with communities across Kansas on this important quality-of-life opportunity that supports economic growth and community pride.”
The programs are designed to utilize artists, creative interventions, and arts organizations to increase community vibrancy and provide space for artistic expression and public engagement.
KCAIC’s Mural and Public Art Program applications are open through March 13 to all 501c3 organizations, units of local government, and federally recognized tribes across Kansas. The maximum request is $10,000. A 100% match is required for the award which must be at least 25% cash match and up to 75% in-kind match. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2024. Applications may be found here.
“Public art projects provide an opportunity for communities to reflect on and celebrate their unique story,” KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van Steenhuyse said. “Whether large or small in scale, public art becomes part of community identity, and can have far-reaching benefits well beyond the installation itself.”
ORP’s Rural Mural Program will also be accepting new applications from March 13 to May 1. The maximum grant award will be $7,500. Only applicants from communities with a population fewer than 15,000 are eligible. A 100% match is required for the award which must be at least 25% cash match and up to 75% in-kind match. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2023. ORP will have a Rural Mural Planning Webinar at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 3 (register here). Once the application window is open, applications will be available here.
“Last year, a total of 37 Rural Mural projects were completed in 14 different communities,” ORP Director Trisha Purdon said. “Our office looks forward to working with a whole new group of partners in 2023.”
The Kansas Department of Commerce is committed to helping communities through financial support, technical assistance and process guidance as they imagine new projects through the Mural Making initiative. As part of this effort, an online resource guide designed to put communities on a path for growth and prosperity through arts and culture and place-based community development is available 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 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.
An annual art exhibit will include several local artists this weekend.
The Bourbon County Arts Council will present its 31st Annual Fine Arts Exhibit, March 2 through 11, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College at 2108 S. Horton.
Local artists entered include Kathryn Allen, Haley Beaton, Trista Brigg, Rylee Coulter, Stephanie Erie, Bareigh Farrell, Steve Floyd, Grace French, Alie Fuhrman, Chance Fuhrman, Barbara Gibson, Lucy Gladbach, Alexis Herring, Bobbi Kemna, Terry Koester, Connie Neil, Kadra Nevitt, Gayle Sackett, Jim Sackett, Caitlynn Tate, Cadence Tuck, amd Cayden Woods.
Other artists who are participating in the exhibit are from Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
The mission of the council is to foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, according to its Facebook page.
The council will host the Fort Scott Chamber Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday March 2, at the Ellis Center, which kicks off the event.
A reception will be held on March 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor this year’s juror and artists. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the opportunity to meet and visit with them about the art.
The exhibit will be open to the public beginning March 2 through Saturday March 11, weekdays from noon to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There is no admission charge for this event, and the community is encouraged to come and enjoy a collection of original artwork.
Artists will have their work on display and for sale in this multi-media exhibit, with categories including ceramics, drawing and graphics, fiber arts, glasswork, jewelry, mixed media, painting, pastels, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and watercolor.
This year’s theme is “Doorways and Windows.”
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: Buerge Art Studio, Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Edward D. Jones, Fort Scott Broadcasting, H&H Realty, Landmark Bank, Lyons Realty, MidContinental Restoration, Osage Timber Mills, State Farm Insurance, Union State Bank, and Ward Kraft.
About the Juror
Trent Freeman is the juror for the exhibit. Freeman received his Bachelors in Fine Arts from Emporia State University, and also studied at Kansas University and abroad in Australia.
Freeman is a sculptor whose works have been featured in private collections, local galleries, and at fine-art festivals.
He has instructed privately from his studio for the past 25 years, and continues teaching workshops and private classes currently in Fort Scott where he and his wife, Kate Riddle Freeman, have recently opened a privately owned art gallery, The Artificers, at 8 North National Avenue. From here, they are resident artists in their teaching and working studio.
As an artist, he draws inspiration from Old World and Asian techniques, using native wood, and recycled glass and metals to create his eclectic designs.
He has spent much of his career in education and instruction, facilitating college workshops, providing continuing education for teachers, and instructing at the Carnegie Art Center in Leavenworth.
He was a member of the Board of the Bonner Springs Art Alliance from 2017 -2020.
The Arts Council Board
The Bourbon County Arts Council Board is made up of Deb Anderson, President; Bre Eden, Vice President; Steve Floyd, Secretary; Terri Floyd, Treasurer; Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Deb Halsey, Justin Meeks, Kelly Nelson, Linda Noll, Robin Whitlock, and Chris Woods.
Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Chamber Coffee in 2020, from left, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson, Terry Floyd, Steve Floyd and Linda Noll.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 2nd at 8 a.m. hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council. The event will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
The 31st Annual Bourbon County Arts Council exhibit will be open to the public Thursday, March 2nd through Saturday March 11th, weekdays 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the two included Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. An artist reception will also be held March 2nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. where participating artists will have the opportunity to listen to the juror critique and visit with him about their pieces. The public is welcome to the artist reception where light refreshments will be served. Categories included in the exhibit will be Ceramics, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Jewelry, Pastel, Watercolor, Fiber Art, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Drawing & Graphic (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Photography, Glasswork, Printmaking, and a Themed Category of “Doorways & Windows”.
Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2023 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].
The mixed media competition is open to artists of age 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 “DOORWAYS & WINDOWS”. 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 24th, 2023.
Entry forms may be requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620.224.8650, Deb Halsey at 620.224.0684 or emailing [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott Kan. – Monday, February 20, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting the 30th annual national Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Art programs will run from 11am to 12:30 and 2 pm to 3:30 pm, and all students in kindergarten through grade twelve are encouraged to participate in the art and conservation message contest. Participants need to check in at the park’s Visitor Center at before 11 am or 2 pm for directions.
During the program participants will learn more about types of waterfowl and also what the judges look for in the artwork. Participants will create original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil. Because students express themselves best in different formats, the conservation message contest gives them an opportunity to use the written word to express their knowledge. Submissions of your Junior Duck Stamp entry may be made on this day at the park or to the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge in Pleasanton for Kansas entries. Entry forms will be available, and all entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2023.
In 2021, Margaret McMullen, an 18-year-old from Kansas, took top honors in the Service’s National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with her acrylic rendition of a pair of Hooded Mergansers. Madison Grimm, a 15-year-old from South Dakota, wins the 2022 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with a Green-winged Teal
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles.
