The Hutchinson Art Fair, a long-standing tradition in the Kansas arts community, celebrated another successful year with strong turnout, enthusiastic community support, and a wide array of artistic talent on display.
Once held in venues like Avenue A Park, Memorial Hall, and even the parking lot of The Hutchinson News, the fair has evolved into a staple event backed by the Hutchinson Art Center's Board of Directors, staff, and a dedicated team of volunteers.
This year’s top honors went to Michael Schlyer, who received the first place award and a $500 prize. Dennis Flores, known for his Bison Bead Jewelry, took second place and $400, while Heike Kirk of Three Doors North earned third place and $300.
In addition to the main awards, several special honors were presented:
- The Julie Chalfant Memorial Award ($500): Becka Jahelka
- Marvel Senti Award ($400): Cathy Wilkins, Studio CW
- Peggy Livingston Memorial Award ($250): Donovan Claassen, Unique Wood Pieces
- Winston & Shirley Schmidt Award ($250): Melissa Oberle, Oberle’s Wood
- Bob Ging Memorial Award ($250): Bryce McCoy, Bryce McCoy Landscapes
- Charlotte Summers Memorial Award ($250): Virgil Penner
Awards of Merit, each accompanied by a $100 prize, were given to Elizabeth Yutzy (Little Arrows Pottery), Phyllis Provost-Saas, Jocelyn Woodson, and Kathie Moore (Dragonfly Studio).
Organizers have already set the date for next year’s fair: Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The art festivities continue through the summer at the Hutchinson Art Center. Programming includes the annual Kids Summer Art Camp and “Saturday Morning Artists,” open sessions for teens and adults interested in drawing and painting.
In the Main Gallery, visitors can experience People - Places - Photography, an exhibit featuring work by Chicago-based photographer Michael Bracey. The collection highlights scenes from Colombia, Ghana, and Liberia, accompanied by documentary film work from David and Bobby Obermite.
The Front Gallery hosts Flora & Fauna: Selections from the Permanent Collection, the first permanent collection exhibition curated by the center’s new Executive Director. It showcases artworks reflecting the natural world.
Coming later this summer are two additional exhibitions: Figuratively Speaking, drawn from the center’s Permanent Collection and set to open in late June, followed by new works by artists Melinda McDaniel and Susan Meyer on display in July.
For more information, visit hutchinsonartcenter.net.