Art comes naturally to the “Sunflower State” so no matter where you travel in Kansas you’re certifying talented artist and one-of-a-kind treasures. Start your artistic journey in Kansas City at the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center where you’ll view the berry in crystal and other creations that emigrants brought from Eastern Europe. Then walk through the purple door at Savant a simple gallery to browse the many galleries exhibits and collections of local artists.
In Overland Park, you will find the Norman Museum of Contemporary Art, the largest museum of its kind in the region. The museum hosts 16 temporary exhibitions each year. So you’re always sure to see something different. From there, it’s just 38 miles to Lawrence and the Spencer Museum of Art. The museum’s eleven galleries house more than 25,000 objects spinning centuries of world art history.
If you get hungry after your visit, head to tellers and award winning Italian restaurant located in an old style bank building. This local favorite showcases milk glass lighting and elegant art work.
The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art in Manhattan houses the Kansas State University permanent art collection. Its nearly 6000 works of art emphasized Kansas and Midwestern artists. In Abeline, stop by the Bow Studio and Gallery for a fresh perspective of Kansas and then visit the states only totally Native American produced art gallery and gift shop, The American Indian Art Center.
The center showcases more than 100 Native American artisans from 30 tribes in the region. When you visit Lindsborg, you’ll feel like a bit like you’re visiting Sweden. This towns European roots run deep and signs about heritage are everywhere especially at Hemsley, a handicraft shop specializing in Swedish craft. Be sure to watch the artists who craft the beloved Swedish Dala horse.
Just down the street is Small World Gallery and Studio Lindsborg, two local galleries featuring the work of local artists. You will find another great Kansas artist in Great Bend. Sculptor Chet Cale works in stone, bronze, clay and wood. Just call ahead and you can have a first hand look at the artist at work.
Artist Chuck Bonner in Scott City has a different specialty—fossils. The Keystone Gallery is a combination of an art gallery, fossil museum and gift shop. You don’t want to mess the 24 foot by 6 foot mural of prehistoric life in the Kansas Cetaceous Sea that Chuck painted to enhance the museum’s fossil collection.
Many of the fossils were discovered in this very region. The Keystone’s unique collection is just one example of the many artistic treasures that can only be found right here in Kansas. So what are you waiting for, get started on your Kansas ready made adventure.
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