By 
This morning in the House of Representatives Chamber in the Kansas Capitol, Gary Blitsch of SouthWind Art Gallery introduced Don Lambert and me.
Don Lambert portrayed John Steuart Curry and so he was dressed in his painter’s overalls. I was dressed in my author clothes. Actually, I would not, could not write in these fancy clothes. (Fancy for me is anything that is not a t-shirt and jeans.)
Dave took these incredible photos.
Don Lambert was fabulous as John Steuart Curry. Curry has a fascinating story and I learned a lot from Don’s performance. Curry’s father went to KU with William Allen White and White was one who helped Curry get the mural job in the Statehouse in the late ’30s. There was a lot of criticism from the legislature and others over his paintings – and so he never did finish the set of murals – or even sign them.
“Tragic Prelude” by John Steuart Curry on the second floor of the Kansas Capitol.
Don Lambert, as Curry, told about receiving negative comments about the horse he had painted. A legislator brought in the book, “My Friend Flicka,” and said the horse should look like the painting of the horse shown in the book. Curry pointed out to the legislator that the picture in the book was done by Curry himself.
After Don’s performance, I read six or seven of my favorite Kansas essays from my book, Flyover People.
Being able to read in the Capitol building was a wonderful opportunity. I send much gratitude to Doyle Comfort on the Savor Kansas committee for making the arrangements.
Topeka is celebrating the Kansas Sesquicentennial during June – all month long – with their Savor Kansas events. Check out the events here.
An art competition was held for Savor Kansas and 150 pieces were selected for display. Those are now showing at SouthWind Gallery, 3074 SW 29th in Topeka. There are some great pieces – and a number have already been sold – so stop by to check them out.
Cheryl, I am very proud of your talent, as you know, but especially how it took you to the Statehouse in this milestone year. This is a bit (tad bit) emotional for me in this life opportunity. Few Kansans will have this opportunity to use talents to celebrate Kansas at the heart of what we are today. You, in fact, are a Curry of our state and others know it which is why you were invited. This is just like why Curry was the obvious choice for the murals.
I am proud to know you and value our shared friendship. In 50 years, organizers of the bi-centennial will explore what was done to celebrate the 150th. You name and words will be resurrected for a new generation of Kansans. Perhaps your words will grace another day in state history, one way or another.
I just think this was rich and I am proud of you. I wish I could have been there.
Thank you for such kind and meaningful words, Roger. I’m grateful to have you as a good friend, as a supportive friend.
Spectacular photo’s, spectacular writer!
What Roger said and what Ginger said: DITTO for me! and, me too, wishing I could have been there. When I have several things to do at one time, I usually end up doing what I think I ought to, instead of what I really want to do.
I am so thankful for you, Cheryl, and Dave and for flyoverpeople. My life has been enriched (and my eyes have been opened! I think I wrote previously that NOW I notice buildings and places and am more curious about what’s around than I used to!) Thanks to Flyover People and all the wonderful and terrific people who blog here! 🙂
Do agree with the above commenters, since stumbling over your website and by scavenging amongst yours and the other Kansan ones too has enriched my life, this internet is a great invention!
So happy to be an attendee. Both Cheryl and Don spoke to my Kansas heart.
Cheryl, did Sunflower Journeys cover the event?
Thank you, all. I’m grateful to be surrounded by such kind readers and friends.
And Roger, no, Sunflower Journeys was not there.