The Abstract National Exhibition at Mark Arts in Wichita concluded in mid-March and I drove there after spending a day at home. I needed to pick up a painting and wanted to spend a couple of days visiting family. We had dinner at the always-tasty Tuptim Thai. My sister and I caught up with each other and on some college basketball games at the new location of Johnny’s Tavern near downtown Wichita. I have very fond memories of spending time in the original Johnny’s as a college student in Lawrence, Kansas, and on many return visits there. The new location had nice vibe with exposed brick walls, vintage signs, lots of TVs, friendly staff, good food and a tasty brew specially made for Johnny’s.
Dinsmore’s Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kansas
Driving northwest toward Kearney, Nebraska, I saw a sign for Lucas, Kansas, a place I’ve known about most of my life. It’s known for the “Garden of Eden,” a yard filled with sculptures made by a Civil War veteran during the early 1900s. I couldn’t resist turning into the town and exploring a bit. In addition to the Garden exhibit, Lucas is a center for outsider artists and collections of their work. I spent time walking through the Grassroots Art Center and learning about many artists from the area who sculpted, painted and created artworks of all kinds.
Several things in Kearney prompted this visit. It has been years since I’ve seen gatherings of migrating sandhill cranes, and it’s one of the world’s important migrations. You don’t have to take my word for it. Dr. Jane Goodall has said so. I saw gorgeous sunrises and listened to and watched cranes lift off as the sun rose. I saw many groups in surrounding corn fields as I drove around the county.
sunrise from the Ft. Kearny State Recreation area viewing pier
cranes lifting off from their overnight roosts on the sandbars to forage in nearby corn fields
Another draw to Kearney was to see the newly remodeled Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) and the current “spirit of Nebraska” exhibit. The new space is incredible, with gorgeous gathering spaces and galleries. It was wonderful seeing so many of my friends’ works included in the exhibit. I also stopped by the University of Nebraska - Kearney library to see Leslie Iwai’s “Cumulate.” Part of the state’s 1% for art program, Iwai’s artwork was installed in 2024 in conjunction with the library’s remodeling.
Renee Ledesma’s “The Gift Crow” with works by Broghammer and Linder behind at MONA
a section of “Cumulate” at UNK’s library that shows how light illuminates the colorful layers and shines through the Morse code cutouts quoting works by Nebraska poets.
I’m grateful to have spent the time exploring, spending time with loved ones and filling my spirit with art and nature. Cheers!