Show Preview | Vernon Filley Invitational

Pratt, KS
Vernon Filley Art Museum, April 22-July 21

Brian Slawson, Chicken ‘n Waffles, oil, 24 x 36.

This story was featured in the April 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art April 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

The Vernon Filley Art Museum, which opened its doors in 2014, hosts its first national invitational exhibition with a host of well-known painters and sculptors. The show opens on Saturday, April 22, with an artists’ reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees can view and purchase paintings and sculpture of western and southwestern subject matter in a range of styles including hyperreal, contemporary, and abstract.

Brittany Novotny, director of the museum, says the board of directors worked with well-known artists to cultivate a list of painters and sculptors, who were invited to participate. Each artist sent in up to three pieces, from which the show was curated. She says the goal was to create an event with a wide range of art that could appeal to every type of collector. “A lot of invitational events are very specific and have a narrow focus,” she says. “We have such a wide variety of collectors in our area, so we wanted to appeal to them. Everyone will be able to find something.”

: Robin Laws, Swat Team, bronze, lifesize.

: Roger Williams, Young Boy With Friends, oil, 11 x 14.

: Brian Slawson, Tropic, oil, 20 x 30.

More than 30 artists are participating in the invitational, and they hail mainly from the Midwest and Southwest. Novotny says virtually all mediums are represented in the show, including bronze, ceramic, oil, pastel, and watercolor. Participating artists include Roger Williams, Albert Handell, Brian Hinkle, Gregory Packard, Elizabeth Corbett, Jill Soukup, and Lorenzo Chavez. Many artists are bringing work from their repertoire, while others created pieces specifically for the event.

Hinkle, an oil painter, created scenes depicting main streets in towns surrounding Pratt, KS, especially for the event. Sculptor Robin Laws brings her piece THE SWAT TEAM. The bronze sculpture shows three of her burros huddled together the way she saw them one summer when their fly repellent had washed off—they were working together to fend off the flies.

Novotny is excited about the recognition that this event will bring to Pratt and the museum. “It is neat to see such a small area have such a high-end museum,” she says. “Many of these artists have helped to put us on the map, and we are honored to represent them here in such a small town.” She says the museum’s goal is to offer the community a wide variety of art and artists from across the country. —Mackenzie McCreary

contact information
620.933.2787
www.vernonfilleyartmuseum.org