The Bourbon County Arts Council’s 24th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit began Wednesday evening with a reception and continued Thursday morning during the weekly Chamber Coffee at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at the Fort Scott Community College.
“Overall, we think this is one of the finest exhibits that we’ve had with the number of artists participating, and we just hope that it continues to grow,” Danny Magee of the arts council said.
Those attending the Chamber Coffee got an early glimpse of more than 100 pieces of art on display from 47 artists—including 14 local artists and participants from other state such as Missouri, Vermont and Rhode Island. The exhibit will be open to the remainder of the community to view or purchase Thursday and Friday from noon to 7 p.m.
“There’s a tremendous variety of art,” Magee said, listing different mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, watercolor, ceramics and mixed media.
Prizes for the first place pieces in each category were provided by individuals and corporate sponsors including Landmark Bank, McDonald’s Restaurant, H & R Block, Ward Kraft, City State Bank, Union State Bank, H & H Realty and Fort Scott Broadcasting.
Coinciding with the event, pianist Sonny Leyland of England will also be at the venue Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m., for a free concert featuring his specialties of ragtime, boogie woogie and blues music.
Magee also mentioned the council is accepting applications and renewal forms for those interested in being members, saying the council remains active in the community.
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to support Bourbon County,” Magee said.
Deb Anderson of the arts council pointed out that there are only six such arts organizations in the state of Kansas.
“We are so fortunate to have such community support,” Anderson said, saying the artists have been very appreciative.
Other announcements during the Chamber Coffee event included:
- Fort Scott Community College will host the opening night of their play “The Odd Couple” Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., with showings at the same time Friday and Saturday.
- A ribbon-cutting event will be held at the Country Place Living Memory Care facility Thursday evening at 5:45 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be available.
- Bids & Dibs will hold a drawing March 17, for a Coach purse and Chicago Cutlery set. Tickets for $1 each will be available for the next week with the money raised going towards the new trolley.
- Fort Scott Kiwanis will host an Easter egg hunt at shelter #2 of Gunn Park on March 19, at 11 a.m.
- Tickets remain for the Branford Marsalis concert hosted at the Fort Scott Community College April 7.
