A group of art enthusiasts breathed new life into the art exhibit this year as part of the Kansas Wheat Festival, renaming it the Downtown Art Exhibit and finding it a home. The group included Jim and Sunni Bales, Skeet and Mordon Sirmons, Tom & Gala McAlister and Carol Long with Futures Unlimited, Inc. as the event sponsor.

In year's past the art exhibit was conducted by placing pieces of art in area businesses. Individuals wishing to vote for their favorite piece of art were instructed to drop their money into a coffee can located on the sidewalk outside each business.

This year, thanks to Carol Long who donated the use of her building at 109 S Washington - the Downtown Art Exhibit had a very attractive and inviting home.

After numerous art submissions were received, the group--along with Futures--hosted a chamber member and artist reception on Tuesday before Wheat Festival. It was a well-attended event and attendees enjoyed a beautiful spread of Hors d'oeuvres, wine and drinks. Three Kansas Wheat Festival prizes were also awarded.

The winners included:

Winners in Children’s Art:

1st Place – “Tweet”, artist Avery Barker
2nd Place – “Zebra”, artist Logan Jones
3rd Place – “Scooby Doo”, artist Logan Jones

Winners in Adult Art:

1st Place – “Floral Whimsey”, artist Marcine Goodrum
2nd Place – “The Howling Wolf”, artist Denny Leak
3rd Place – “Madame Kravec (in her French kitchen)”, artist Sandra Clayton

Best of Show:
“Downtown Blues”, artist Susan Treft 
 

People’s Choice
O.P.I. Fingernail Polish Bottle & Lid , artist Sadie Hutchinson

Painting give away winner - Harley Freeman
“Barber County Wheat”, painting by Skeet Sirmons

Congratulations to all the winners. We look forward to next year's art exhibit and hope many Kansas artists will plan to enter.

To view photos of the event and winners, click here.