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An Artist's Perspective: Wichita Artists In Their Studios

Larry Schwarm

 

I moved back to Wichita and started making my art here in 1991. I was very lucky to find and surround myself with many artists who were searching and fighting to make a mark with their work like I was. We pushed ourselves and fought to get our names out there in every possible way. The energy was rock and roll, the art scene became electric and new collectors began to buy. This energy phoneme became the '90's art explosion which helped propel Wichita in to the art city it is today.

Credit Larry Schwarm
Chris Bruner in his studio, featured in "Wichita Artists In Their Studios" by Sondra Langel

Yes, I said it. Wichita is an art city and remains, maybe thankfully, one of the best kept secrets in America today. Go anywhere in America where art galleries are prevalent, view that art, and then come back to Wichita and view locally made work. It's no secret that the quality of work made here is astounding.

Credit Larry Schwarm
Connie Ernatt and Gracie, featured in "Wichita Artists In Their Studios" by Sondra Langel

  To document this ongoing movement, Sondra Langel has published a book entitled Wichita Artists In Their Studios. The book showcases 50 of this area's hitters in their studios. Each artist was given two corresponding pages which feature a photo of the artist, his or her work, and an essay describing their studios. Packed with high resolution photos by Larry Schwarm, the book is gorgeous and thoughtfully put together. It also features a masterfully written foreword by James Johnson.

This book will serve the need to document our growing movement and is a must-have for those seeking to grow with and learn about Wichita's pulsing art movement.

Keep your dollars local and purchase Wichita Artists In Their Studios at Watermark Books in Wichita.

 

Kate Van Steenhuyse, featured in "Wichita Artists In Their Studios" by Sondra Langel