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5/3/05 images celebrate kansas flint hills Glenna Wilson
The Kansas Flint Hills, home to some of the last remaining grassland prairies, are the inspiration for a contemporary exhibit of art and a book, both titled “Homage to the Flint Hills.” The Flint Hills are named for the rock that lies close to their surface—rock that makes the land unsuitable for tilling. But the rock is covered with native grasses such as bluestem that are excellent for cattle grazing. Although the prairie once extended from Canada to Texas, most of it has vanished. That’s why the Kansas Flint Hills are such a treasure. The exhibit, which honors this treasure, has appeared already this spring in Junction City and is scheduled to appear in Manhattan, Lawrence, Emporia, Great Bend, Wichita, El Dorado, and North Newton during 2005 and 2006. The book, subtitled “A Gathering of Art Inspired by the Tallgrass Prairie of Kansas, 2004–2006,” is a 9- by 12-inch paperback containing images of the paintings and other art in the exhibit. Don Lambert, of Topeka, explains that the seeds for the exhibit were planted nearly 20 years ago with a book and exhibit titled “The Kansas Landscape.” As Lambert came to know the artists who participated in that project, he heard many of them say that they often visited the Flint Hills for artistic and personal inspiration. Later he was inspired to develop this book and exhibit. The exhibit was first shown at the Kansas Capitol in March 2004, featuring works from 21 photographers and painters. Since then, the number of artists represented has grown to 37. The book pictures each colorful painting and photo, as well as other art media, including a fabric tapestry. Each artist is quoted and a brief biography is included. The Flint Hills are shown in all seasons of the year, many images including massive clouds and vast skies. Some of the art pieces depict fires, which are a significant factor in keeping the grassland free of brush and trees. Following the pictures are five pages of comments about the prairie, beginning with Zebulon Pike’s 1806 description and ending with a quotation from the New York Times in June 2004. The book is sponsored by the Kansas Land Trust, Central National Bank, and Andrea P. Glenn Fund for Education and Community Service. It can be purchased for $25 at some Central National banks and ordered from the Arts Council of Topeka, PO Box 4758, Topeka, KS 66604-0758. The remaining scheduled appearances for the exhibit:
Glenna Wilson is a retired journalist who lives near Manhattan, Kan. © University of Kansas Medical Center, Center on Aging, May, 2005.
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